Fun Watching Olympic Slopestyle

[1080Rider]

Fatter skis serve a purpose outside of the park. They let you float on powder days. Shorter skis would serve a purpose in the park. They would allow you to spin easier and theoretically more revolutions over the same jump. So yes, I can have it both ways because we're talking about two types of activity inside the bigger topic- skiing.

In the sport of skiing, poles are an integral part. They help you on the flats but also help time the initiation of a turn. To not use poles gets further away from skiing in the traditional sense than bigger or smaller skis- because you're still using skis. Your argument of fatter skis changing skiing is more analogous to the size of pole rather than poles vs no poles.

And I wasn't saying that he would have performed better or worse w/ poles. What I was saying, is that if his "reason" for not using poles is "they get in my way and make it harder to do my grabs, spin, or land jumps" then don't you think he has an advantage over the other skiers and should be graded down for that. (and I don't know or care why he doesn't use poles- I think it looks like shit and makes his "style" one that I don't care for) As an example, if one of the skiers came down the hill on 120 cm skis, do you think his score would have been higher or lower than had he performed on 181 cm skis? Lower, because the judges don't want to see the sport go to snowblading. I guess they don't care if it turns to snowboarding w/ everyone throwing their poles out the window... have a good weekend. I'm checking out and don't have time to look at this place on my weekends

PS- I can't believe I spent so much time on this post. I should just delete it and go out for a beer. I'll leave it- enjoy!

[El Chupacabra]

My question was mostly just to ask whether poles add anything for park/pipe skiers. For tricks/spins/grabs/etc., it seems like poles might just get in the way.

What these guys are going on skis is pretty far removed from traditional skiing -- they're not poling along on flats, or even making turns using pole plants for timing.

[DasBlunt]

The best skier in the world, Candide Thovex, uses his arms, more like a snowboarder….it seems the poles are secondary.

[stradissimo]

The best skier in the world, Candide Thovex, flails his arms, more like a snowboarder….it seems the poles are secondary.

FIFY

Josh Matta is the best skier in the world. Just go to Stowe and he'll own you.

[MakersTeleMark]

My take on it is that it's a tradition for skiers to have poles and they offer no functional value that impacts performance in a positive way.

Also, from watching the direction these tricks are progressing, I could easily see them getting in the way (e.g. double grabs). Therefore, I could see some performance edge by not using poles.

As for ski length, length seems like a non-starter. Its got to be hard to hit rails and stomp those landings with snowlerblades.

[systemoverblow'd]

As for ski length, length seems like a non-starter. Its got to be hard to hit rails and stomp those landings with snowlerblades.

You think spinning around the rails would be easier on long skis? They aren't really nose pressing shit for the most part, they are grinding underfoot. I could see smaller skis absolutely helping. Not snowlerblades short, but there is a reason these guys are riding smaller skis than you would take mach looney on a GS course or pow skiing steeps. But I think with a slope style course there is a trade off. Shortest possible without being super detrimental to speed for the jumping section.

[MakersTeleMark]

Don't forget them nosebutters.

[Two06]

I don't mind the no poles. It's park...
Anyway they said he had an arm injury so he trained and competed with no poles all yr, and decided to go no poles in the olympics since he was killing it

[4matic]

As for ski length, length seems like a non-starter. Its got to be hard to hit rails and stomp those landings with snowlerblades.

You need some length to get boost from ski flex.

[BCJC]

While I prefer the aesthetic of using poles, I can see how all the technical grabs would be simpler without them.

Also, sign me up as not being an old curmugeony fuck quite yet, cause I was able to see past HH's outfit, and be truly amazed with his skiing.

[Charmander]

Poles are totally unnesecary, even in "real" skiing. I don't remember the last time I even wanted to ski with poles, I also don't remember the last time I took a lap through the park.

If you get rid of your poles you're gonna look like a beater for a while, till you figure out how to balance without touching the snow with your hands.

[Bronic]

While I prefer the aesthetic of using poles, I can see how all the technical grabs would be simpler without them.

Also, sign me up as not being an old curmugeony fuck quite yet, cause I was able to see past HH's outfit, and be truly amazed with his skiing.

This ^^^^ +1

Poles are totally unnesecary, even in "real" skiing.

This is backwards

[efbride]

These athletes could ride anything. They have an un believable control over their skies. They embrace what most skiers avoid. Anybody watch woman's downhill? The silver medalist has learned to get off her edges and slide instead of carve to change directions. Free skiers taught her I believe. Cloths, poles, style, all up for grabs, cause it's a judged sport.

[cuseo]

...she's not using any ski poles. Maybe she could borrow yours?

[My Pet Powder Goat]

These athletes could ride anything. They have an un believable control over their skies. They embrace what most skiers avoid. Anybody watch woman's downhill? The silver medalist has learned to get off her edges and slide instead of carve to change directions. Free skiers taught her I believe. Cloths, poles, style, all up for grabs, cause it's a judged sport.

you're an idiot.

that is all...

[Jiehkevarri]

MO they should "look" like they're actually able to ski the whole hill, not just the "park."

Diggin' HH with his 98mm (middle) wide, rockered, 188cm long skis (and dude is small). Seems like he could go rip any powder run, anywhere with his "park" gear. Let's not start talking about his outfit here though... (not exactly what you could call "functional outdoor gear", heh)

Also, sign me up as not being an old curmugeony fuck quite yet, cause I was able to see past HH's outfit, and be truly amazed with his skiing.

I am on the same boat here.