15 of the best manufacturers of skiing

Originally, the Austrian company Fischer specialized in the creation of ordinary wheels and winter sled, with no illusions about the production of more specific products. But by 1936, the concept of the firm has changed radically: something or someone had the idea that it is time to reorient production to the preparation of sports equipment, leaving domestic manners far in the past.

Shows the time taken by the strong-willed decision have led (if not by ambulance) to triumph in the modern sports history of the brand was twice recognized as the best supplier of equipment for the Olympic Winter games (2006 and 2010).

To date, the range of the Fisher is a place for cross-country and mountain skis. In a number of recent special place is a series of RC4 Worldcup SC, manufactured specifically for competition slalom. It is noteworthy that in the production of this set was attended by famous skiers – this is reflected not only in results but also in the level of cost. However, to call the pricing policy of the company not too hard – in the range of products there are lots of models designed for the budget user.

1 HEAD

The eternal struggle of the company Head with more weight their products suddenly pushed open the brand in direction of highly developed and technologically. The Austrian giant for several years trying to figure out the most efficient way to use a durable, but heavy fiberglass to significantly improve the options of skiing, but all attempts were in vain. The solution was to be found in the fundamental branches of mechanics – instead of a monolithic glass fiber fishing line makers used a fine mesh of hollow threads, which have reduced the overall weight by almost 30%, improving handling and maneuverability with the passage of sections with treacherous curves.

Among the vices to the Head company can be attributed to the fact that all of the standard features on the premium segment, namely the high cost of the entire product line. The price of the PRO version of Alpine skis (for example, Head Prestige or Head WC Rebels i.SL RD) often goes for a mark in 50 thousand rubles, but something more simple and widely available on the territory of Russia (as Head Natural Instinct) will cost 30 thousand rubles.

Freeride skiing on the virgin slopes. That is outside the established trails. Employment difficult and risky, subject only to real professionals, bored on the beaten trails. However, not only in the absence of established places of descent is this style of riding. Its peculiarity is that the skier have to make frequent abrupt stops, turns and pagkrati, and all this at top speed. Different and freeride skis. If the generic models feel great on the beaten track, then enclose themselves easy freeride track. The differences are in the materials used, the skis need increased flexibility, and form. They have a more rounded nose and thickening of the edges, creating greater stability and enables better control of the descent.

5 ARMADA

Interesting marketing model
Country: USA
Rating (2021): 4.6

In the market of skiing has long developed its own hierarchy. There are mastodons, long been holding the leading positions, and to compete with them is almost impossible. But they have one weakness, and it found two professional riders from the United States. As it turned out, the eminent manufacturers do not bother to invest in marketing, and especially do not look towards the Internet. Two friends and part-time professional skiers, has developed its own production, and the promotion chose the Internet. They started their own channel on the famous video hosting, as well as relevant groups in all social networks.

You guys did a video about how they design the new model and how to test it after production. And it's gone. Channels were popular and along with them, and skis Armada. Today, this brand known to all lovers of skiing, and it is not that the firm has a very short history. Of course, the quality of the products it does not speak, and the skis can compete with the mastodons of the market, but how they got into this market, truly deserves attention and respect.

4 BLACK CROWS

Romance with elements of manual Assembly
Country: France
Rating (2021): 4.7

Beginners just mastering the sport of skiing, often shocking prices on some models. It seems that they do not differ in appearance from the cheaper options, and design can yield, but are very expensive. This is caused by many factors, but in this case the secret lies in the large amount of manual work. Skis of this brand are not so common on the shelves of sports hypermarkets, as are made in small batches several European factories, and they use a large percentage of manual labor.

Founded the firm for the professional rider from France who knew exactly what they lack in classic models. Like most experts, they preferred the free ride, so the main direction of the company made on such models. Today skis are brand highly regarded by professionals, but rarely fall into the hands of beginners. Skis are quite expensive, and finding them is not easy. Also of note is the fact that the firm often produces skis for specific people, that is in its Arsenal not only the mass of the model, but tailored to personal preferences of the rider.

3 ROSSIGNOL

Best manufacturer of off-piste skis (freeride)
Country: France
Rating (2021): 4.8

A French brand that has manifested itself as a provider of reliable and stable ski sets. History of Rossignol absorbed more than 100 years of successful development activities, which were naturally converted into numerous awards and universal acclaim of consumers. Rossignol breakthrough among the indisputable leaders happened not so long ago, but for a very good reason. Many years of research of properties of materials, endless testing and adjustment allowed engineers of the French company open Air Tip Technology – a special technology that allowed to reduce weight of the ski by about 20 percent without loss of strength qualities.

One of the best representatives of Alpine skiing freeride brand is considered as a set of Rossignol Soul 7, oriented to advanced skiers. Light, maneuverable and externally flawless, it is perfect for users who prefer off-piste skiing on models of moderate radius and medium level of stiffness.

2 ZAG

The young brand
Country: France
Rating (2021): 4.8

Firms producing downhill skiing, often based enthusiasts and lovers of this sport. It happened with the French brand Zag, which appeared in 2002 and opened a small shop in one of the most picturesque ski resorts in the Alps. A group of young enthusiasts took a swing at the competition with the most renowned brands, and today we can say that they got it. Firm specializiruetsya it was on skis for freeride and versatile models in their range are virtually absent.

The company produces three model lines: the Slap, for leisurely riding on deep and loose snow. Ubac skis for long ascents and descents on virgin snow. And H-Patrol, models for professionals and experts. The uniqueness of this brand lies in the fact that all models are tested on real slopes and not in laboratories. The guys self-produced new model, after a long time testing it, making changes and adjustments to the model. The basis of all of the ski company lays a solid wood core and a directional optical fiber. Technology is not new, and not the most difficult in terms of implementation, but as the professionals, these skis perform better, especially on the untouched slopes and far from the beaten tracks.

1 VOLKL

Best quality ski sets
Country: Germany
Rating (2021): 4.9

The company is a monopolist, alone defending the interests of the German side in the production of winter sports equipment. Was founded in the 1920s in Bavaria, and not without a lot of effort managed to survive all the competitors in the domestic market. The original card Volkl has become production-oriented under application of temperatures below the standard level that is best suited for the climatic conditions of Russia.

Despite the fact that all without exception products companies are worthy of highest ratings, consumers, and experts emphasize the segment of skiing (mainly freeride). To describe the diversity of technologies used to create these series, it is not possible, however, it is possible to note the high resistance of materials to temperature extremes, wear and excellent sliding properties. Alas, but without the drawbacks (though purely marketing) is also not done: the cost of skiing Volkl very much hit the pockets of ordinary users, why the demand for them remains low. To the credit of the company it should be noted that such is the lot of almost all premium firms.

THE BEST MANUFACTURERS OF ALPINE SKIS FOR CARVING

For many, skiing is the opportunity to spend time slowly rolling down the slope. Admiring nature and not particularly straining. But with the advent of experience this is not enough, and on the background of fatigue from lazy rides appeared carving. Even the name of this style is seen in its main difference. Carving, is cutting, that is, in the turn the skier is not on the plane, and putting the track on the Board, which formed on the surface of a thin deep slots. Over time this style into a fully-fledged culture of skiing, and accordingly there are special skis, as a universal model for such did not fit.

5 AUGMENT

Manufacturer with an individual approach to customers
Country: Austria
Rating (2021): 4.5

If you put in the head of the table the uniqueness of the manufacturer and its approach to customers, the brand needs to take first place in the ranking. The fact that the main direction of its activity – the production of skiing for men, which is hard to find any inventory on the shelves of conventional shops. It may be people with disabilities, or have unusual settings. For example, as the owner of 48 feet size, find your skis will be very difficult, and come to the aid of this company.

Such as the direction are very narrow, and to earn on it not fully work, as the main trend firm chose to manufacture skis for beginners, juniors and children. Yes, similar models on the market, but as a rule, children's skis differ from adults. In their manufacture do not use the same technology. Here we have the professional skiing, in compliance with all quality standards, but smaller or specific shape.

4 K2

Proven manufacturer. A high degree of popularity
Country: USA
Rating (2021): 4.6

Ski company K2 has firmly settled on the shelves of Russian stores and for several years (within the period of rampant popularization of mountain slalom and snowboarding) invariably took the first places in the tops of sales. The variety of really cool products does not allow to allocate a total number of a single model. In the category of best representatives can get universal carving set K2 KONIC 10 COMPACT using a hybrid design of Metal Laminate with Hybritech edging technology to ensure rigidity and handling, as well as a set of K2 BELUVED 10 COMPACT, lightweight and manoeuvrable, designed specifically for women.

Today the American brand, who gave the audience a more budget-friendly competitors, remains in a high position in terms of popularity and quality of products, going from the category of "downhole" newbies in these market timers.

3 VIST

Ski luxury apartments
Country: Italy
Rating (2021): 4.7

The mighty of this world also like to ride on the slopes, but unacceptable for them to do it on the same equipment that you buy "ordinary" people. Taking into account this demand, the Italian company vist manufactured ski luxury apartments. Most fans of the sport will be surprised to see their price tag, and just standing on the shelves of the hypermarket can not find them. Among the clients of princes and Arab sheikhs, MPs and Ministers. This kind of rolex from the world of skiing, as noted by the lucky ones who have tried them in, the ski is pretty good quality, though inferior to professional equipment.

Have brand as a universal model, and the carving skis that very much, despite the relatively narrow range of buyers. Apparently, the powerful of the world are also tired of slow descents, and prefer to get their share of extreme sports. By the way, to call these the best skis will not work. They are in many respects inferior to other popular models. This push-button phones in the world of touchscreen smartphones. A unique thing, inaccessible to "mere mortals".

2 VOLANT

Limited skis handmade
Country: Austria
Rating (2021): 4.8