Ski Geometry

For skis with a circular sidecut, ski geometry is completely determined by the length of the ski, the width of the waist, and the sidecut radius. You can get these numbers off of your current pair of skis. In addition, they probably have width at the tip and width at the tail printed on them. Use the sidecut calculator on this site to see how tip and tail width vary with length, waist width and sidecut radius.

Sidecut

Sidecut refers to the variation in width along the length of the ski. The tip of the ski is wider than the tail which is wider than the waist. The sidecut on modern skis is circular.

Length

In general, longer skis are more stable at higher speeds and make longer radius turns. Short skis can generally be turned more quickly and make shorter radius turns. Think giant slalom and slalom. Also, longer skis are harder to turn than shorter skis. Many skiers visiting this site will already know what length ski they prefer. With mass produced skis, skier weight is a consideration in choosing length. Mert Skis are custom made so flex can be incorporated into the ski independent of ski length. To determine the right ski length for you, first take your height and convert it to centimeters, that is, multiply your height in inches by 2.54. Use this number as a starting point. Your proper ski length will range from 15 centimeters shorter to 15 centimeters longer depending on ability and personal preference. Note the factors above.

Waist

The width of the waist of the ski has an effect on torsional rigidity (Holding power on ice), overall ski weight, and ability of the ski to plane in soft snow. The narrower the waist, the more torsionally rigid the ski will be. The wider the waist, the greater the ability of the ski to rise to the top of the snow in powder. Because of binding width, the minimum waist size is 65 millimeters. All mountain skis typically have a waist width around 80 mm. Racing/carving skis should have a waist width of 68 mm. Remember that the wider the waist is, the wider the tip will be. If tip width exceeds 140 mm, it becomes necessary to laminate the core which will result in an additional charge.

Radius

As alluded to above, Mert Skis have a circular sidecut. Radius is simply the radius of the circle that forms the sidecut. Turn radius is the radius of the arc formed by placing the ski on edge and then bending the ski until the edge contacts the snow. The turn radius will always be shorter than the radius of the sidecut. Slalom skis will generally have a radius on the order of 10 – 13 meters. A recreational GS ski will have a radius on the order of 16 to 18 meters. Radius for men’s and women’s GS skis varies depending on whether FIS or USSA is the governing body. For FIS, the minimum radius is 30 meters. For USSA, the minimum radius is 17 meters. See the Alpine Equipment Regulations link on the Links page for more information including permissible ski lengths. Note that the 2020 – 2021 regulations are the same as those set in 2018 – 2019.

Torsional Rigidity at the Tip – TRATT

TRATT is controlled by the type of fabric used for tip fill. Higher TRATT produces a ski that holds better on ice. It also produces a more responsive ski. A comparison would be the steering of a Ferrari versus that of  a minivan. Some skiers might find that the highest TRATT Mert Skis hook. Others like the responsiveness and increased holding power. In general, if you detune your tips, you do not want the stiff TRATT option. If you don’t know whether your tips are detuned (dulled after sharpening), they probably are.

Flex

Flex refers to the longitudinal stiffness of the ski. When you see a skier in a ski shop bending the ski along its length, he or she is evaluating the flex. Flex distributes the weight of the skier along the length of the ski. It also affects how easy it is to bend the ski into reverse camber. Higher skier speed, weight, and ability generally indicate a stiffer flex. Stiffer flex allows the tip and tail of the ski to bite into the snow more easily. However, if a ski is too stiff, it will be hard to turn. If it is too soft, it will not hold well on ice.

Base

All bases on Mert Skis are sintered high molecular weight polyethylene that comes in black. This material has pores which suck up wax making it a good choice for racing.

Edges – Side Bevel

For years, ninety degrees was thought to be the only proper angle between the side and base of the edge. When the proper grinding tools became available, it was discovered that making the angle between the side and base of the edge more acute improved holding power on ice. Eighty-seven or three degrees bevel is about the most anyone does nowadays. If the angle is too acute, the edge is weakened. Racers will generally use a three degree bevel. Two degrees is typical for intermediate to advanced recreational skiers. Zero to one degrees are appropriate for novices. Like torsional rigidity, the greater the side bevel, the more likely one is to catch an edge.

Edges – Base Bevel

Another relatively recent development is grinding a bevel on the surface of the edge where it meets the plastic base. In the 70s, when the edge and the base were plane, flat filing and scraping were the most common way to make the bottom of the ski flat. As the molecular weight and density of the p-Tex increased over the years, scraping became more and more laborious. Belt sanding was one solution, and contrary to popular opinion, if done properly,  it does not leave abrasive embedded in the base. However, carbon steel is dirty stuff. If sanded at the same time as the p-tex, it leaves dirty streaks all over the base. The solution is to bevel the edges first and then to belt sand the base. The final step is stone grinding which removes p-Tex hairs and results in a faster base. Stone ground bases are also textured to channel away water resulting from friction between the base and the snow.

Graphics

Stock Graphics on either Nylon or PBT 

Please see the Ski Gallery for stock graphics. The original stock graphics are a solid background with Mert Skis logo at the tip and lettering on the fore body and tail. A good place to look for colors for both background and text is the Orafol.com web site. We can achieve a close approximation to any of these colors with the dye sublimation process.

Graphics utilizing photos displayed on the Ski Gallery page are also considered stock graphics. In this case, there is no color choice to be made by the customer.

If you intend to use stock graphics, please send a comment form indicating design and colors at the same time you submit your order.

Customer supplied graphics on either Nylon or PBT

You are more than welcome to supply your own graphics design for the top sheet of your custom Mert Skis. Artwork Guidelines can be viewed either using the link on this page or under the Graphics heading in the menu.