Many park riders prefer to mount their skis at true center to maximize the symmetrical feel ideal for riding switch.
Understanding Park Ski Mounting
Mounting your park skis correctly is crucial for performance and comfort in the terrain park. Unlike all-mountain skis, park skis often benefit from a more centered mounting position. Here's a breakdown:
True Center Mount
- Definition: True center is the exact midpoint of the ski's length. You can find it by measuring the total length of the ski from tip to tail and marking the halfway point.
- Advantages:
- Balanced feel: Offers the most balanced feel for riding both forward and backward (switch).
- Spinning and rotations: Facilitates easier spinning and rotations in the air.
- Equal swing weight: Reduces swing weight, making it easier to maneuver the skis.
- Considerations:
- Not always ideal for beginners: Can feel less stable at higher speeds outside the park.
- Reduced carving performance: Sacrifices some carving ability on groomed runs.
Traditional Mounting Point
- Location: Typically a few centimeters behind true center, marked on the ski by the manufacturer.
- Advantages:
- Better carving performance: Provides more stability and edge hold on groomed runs.
- More familiar feel: Feels more natural for riders accustomed to traditional ski setups.
- Disadvantages:
- Less balanced for switch riding: Can feel less stable and predictable when riding backward.
- More difficult for spinning: Requires more effort to initiate and control spins.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mounting Point
-
Riding Style: If you primarily ride park and spend a significant amount of time switch, true center is often the best choice. If you also enjoy carving and skiing outside the park, a more traditional mounting point might be preferable.
-
Skill Level: Beginners might find a more traditional mounting point easier to control, while advanced park riders often prefer the balanced feel of true center.
-
Ski Design: Some park skis are specifically designed to be mounted at true center, while others may perform better with a slightly more forward or backward mounting position. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations.
-
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best mounting point is a matter of personal preference. Consider trying different mounting positions to see what feels most comfortable and natural for you.
In summary, true center mounting is preferred by many park riders seeking a balanced and symmetrical feel for switch riding and rotations, while a more traditional mounting point offers better carving performance and stability for all-mountain skiing.
