What Are Twin Tips and for Whome They Were Created
Twin tips are fun. No matter your age or experience level, they are just plain fun. They provide for a variety of ski styles, provide for freedom to explore, and the ability to get funky on skis. On groomers, in the terrain park, through mogul fields, and in powder they are a great go-to design.
What are Twin Tips?
The design was originally created in 1974 for terrain parks and half pipes (jumps, tricks, harsh turns and landings, etc.) but it was not long before skiers began to discover their true calling – everywhere, anytime.
The twin tip description refers to the profile strictly on the tail and tip of any ski. Twin tip skis are skis that curve at the tip and tail (i.e. both tips curve and mirror each other). Meaning that any style of ski can have a twin tip feature (i.e. a powder ski with twin tips, a race ski with twin tips, an all-mountain ski with twin tips, and even all styles of snowboards can have twin tips).
Twin tip skis help skiers performing freestyle tricks to land jumps more fluidly and to even ski backwards with ease. This design is especially helpful for skiers who are beginners in the terrain park, as twin tips make small jumps and pipes in the park more manageable.
Types of Twin Tips
Twin tips is a general term referring to the variations of ski tips and tails: full (or true) twin tip, partial (or directional) twin tips, or flat tips.
- Full twin tips skis ski more aggressively. The tips and tails of a pair of full twin tip skis will be symmetrical in rise, flex, and rocker profile. Skiers should mount their bindings in the center so that they can take advantage of easily riding forwards or backwards (referred to as ‘switched’). Full twin tips reduce the effective edge of the ski. A reduced effective edge means less of the ski will come in contact with the snow, which results in less grip and more of a buttery or surfy feel to the ski movement. This type of full twin tip, with identical tips and tails, is great for freestyling and park and pipe.
- Partial (or directional) twin tips will have slightly more rise, flex and rocker profile in the tip of the ski than the tail of the ski. In some cases, the tail may have a flared profile, where the tail is not quite as rounded as the tip, but there is some upward curve to it. Partial twin tips are intended primarily to be skied forwards but can be skied backwards with some skill. Directional is best for park and pipe skiing and all mountain use. These usually have a wider blade and are wider at the tip than the tail of the ski providing for more surface area and grip while skiing all mountain terrain.
- Flat tip skis are more traditional skis. A flat ski will actually appear straight and flat when there is not weight on it (i.e. no space between the base of the ski and surface, without applied weight). Flat skis make turn transitions easier and are known for having a better edge grip. This type of ski is known for its control and stability and is most often found on carving skis.
When to Ski Twin Tips
Most all-mountain skis have the twin tip design. It helps skiers ski better in all mountain conditions and terrain. They are great for moguls as the turning and maneuvering of the skis is much easier with twin tips.
Generally, twin tips provide for a symmetrical ski, whether facing forward or backwards, it will ski just the same. It helps you curve out of turns with more ease and less effort, allowing the ski to be more flexible and react quicker to the skier’s movement.
Conclusion
Overall, beginner skiers will find advantage in having twin tip skis. Professional skiers will find a comfortable way for performing freestyle tricks. The twin tips help the skis to maneuvers and turn with less effort, which will benefit new skiers who are just getting used to the sensation of turning anyway.
