Rocker Skis and Snowboards

Rocker Skis and Snowboards

 
Every few years an evolutionary shift happens in the world of snow sports.  When snowboarding was first born it changed the industry forever.  Shaped skis had a similar impact and now Rocker Technology has impacted the slopes by creating a whole new way to relate to the mountain.
 
To fully understand Rocker Technolgy and how it has effected skiing and snowboarding it is important to understand it's counterpart, camber.  The camber of a ski or snowboard can be seen when it is on a hard, flat surface - it is the gap seen under the waist between the two contact points at either end.  Camber is the concave shape the ski or snowboard takes at rest.  The idea is that as the ski or snowboard is weighted, as when entering a turn, it creates an arched edge that enables the ski or snowboard to carve a turn.  Kinetic energy is stored up as a side benefit to enhance the transition to the next turn.  This is good in theory, and deeper side cuts have improved on this approach, but innovations come as a result of the changes in skiing an snowboarding styles.  Rocker Technology is one of these innovations.  Rocker Technology differs by manufacturer as well as by style of ski or snowboard.  Rocker is, essentially, a reverse-camber and can be located in the tip and/or the tail.  Many skis and snowboards feature some combination of rocker, flat and cambered sections to achieve a specific result.  So while every ski or snowboard on the market today that has a tip and/or tail elevated off of the snow when stepped on has been thrown into the Rocker catagory it is important to understand the specifics of the rocker on a particular ski or board and how it will behave on the slopes.
 
As previously stated, Rocker is a form of reverse camber, but it does not mean that this reversed camber is used along the full length of the ski or snowboard; nor does it mean that the concept of camber is dead.  To add to the confusion, many jargon terms have been developed to describe this new technology.  Terms like, reverse camber, inverse camber, banana, early rise, s-rocker, negative camber, V rocker and low rize rocker can be found in reviews, articles and ski shops in an attempt to explain and describe this innovation.  Rocker Technology doesn't have to be complicated.

It is easier to understand when it is broken down into four, general catagories:
Classis Rock
Punk Rock
Alternative Rock
and Soft Rock
 
The Classic Rocker - Powder Skis and Snowboards
The Classic Rocker category was the initial foray into Rocker Technology—It was created by Shane McConkey’s full-on reverse camber, reverse sidecut shape.
 
The Classic Rocker is a great shape to attack the slopes on the deepest powder days—a full reverse camber ski owns the fluffy stuff, but because of the continuous rocker shape, it won’t track well on firm or icy snowpack. Even though it can't hold an edge, this shape will float and surf through the top layer of the powder without sinking down to the layers below.
The benefits of the Classic Rocker shape: float, ability to quickly ditch speed, lightning quick turn-initiation in trees and tight spots, and low swing weight.
Best for: Deep powder skiing  A new variety of Classic rocker shape can be combined with a traditional sidecut to create an easy-landing backcountry jib ski as well—but these beasts are made for landing switch in the deep powder, not sessioning the park.

Classic Rocker Skis
    * Armada ARG
    * K2 Pontoon
    * Volkl Kuro
    * K2 Hellbent
    * Line EP Pro
 
Alternative Rocker Skis and Snowboards
Alternative Rocker is all terrain rocker. Alternative Rocker skis and boards have an upturned (reverse-camber) shovel with a flat or more traditional cambered underfoot, and sometimes a flat tail. This is the shape most often found in true big-mountain skis and snowboards This shape caters to those looking for the float of a big, surfy shovel, minus the potential squirrelly-ness and wheelie-prone nature of a fully rockered ride.  Since many don’t enjoy the flavor of full-on reverse camber and sidecut, this hybrid shape offers the stable, carve-able dependability of a traditional sidecut, while maintaining rocker’s new wave of float and ease. The alt rocker is the greatest mix of ease and versatility in any condition giving all terrain rocker a fun, lively and playful feel.
Benefits of the Alternative Rocker shape: floatability, stable, carve-able, holds an edge better than the Classic Rocker

Examples of Alternative Rocker Skis and Snowboards
    * Salomon Lady
    * Atomic Atlas
    * Volkl Gotama
    * Salomon Lord
    * K2 Turbo Dream
    * Ride Machette
 
Punk Rocker Skis and Snowboards
The Punk Rocker skis and snowboards are the new park and pipe jib skis and boards.  This hybrid profile is best for park and rails. Punk rocker allows for a loose, buttery feel while jibbing around the park. Whether you’re pressing boxes or just playing around on the flats, punk rocker has a forgiving no-catch feel that allows you to pull off even the most wild combinations.
Benefits of the Punk Rocker shape: still float to some extent, jack of all trades
Best for: General all-mountain skiing and snowboarding

Examples of Punk Rocker Skis and Snowboards
    * Volkl Chopstick
    * Atomic Bent Chetler
    * Ride DH 2
    * K2 WWW
    * K2 Kung Fujas
    * Rome Artifact

 
Soft Rock Skis and Snowboards
Soft Rock Rocker Technology is a small camber design for entry level skis and boards that slightly raises the contact points of the ski off the snow for easier transitioning between turns. A ski with Soft Rocker Technology makes it easier to swivel the ski from left to right without the tip or tail catching.
Benefits of the Soft Rock shape: Ease of turn iniation
Best for: All beginners, all-mountain skiing and riding.

Examples of Soft Rock Skis and Snowboards
    * K2 Free Luv
    * K2 Apache Force
    * Rome Postermania
    * K2 Crush