I would say that if you can afford to own more then one pair of skis then one of those pairs should be parabolic skis. I myself am partial to the new K2 Four line. Here is an excerpt from their web page:
"The first ski with a Brain." The K2 Four combines unique geometry featuring a 14.0mm sidecut with a piezoelectric vibration dampener to create a ski unrivaled in all-mountain versatility, smoothness, and carving power. The Smart SkiTM technology in the K2 Four detects unwanted vibrations, converts them into electrical energy, which then passes through a control circuit, manipulating the energy so that it counteracts the unwanted vibrations. The resulting effect is enhanced performance and control as a result of the dampened vibration.
Sound too complicated? Skiing isn't rocket science you say? Skiing isn't. The K2 Four is. The technology in the Four was originally developed, by ACX, for the Space Shuttle, not to mention in the wings of military aircraft such as the F-18."
OK so there you have it, the best way to determine if this is the ski for you is to go to your local ski shop or ski resort and either demo or rent a pair of parabolic skis and ski on them for a weekend. It will take at least a day to get the feel for the radical sidecut and quickness in turn initiation, by day 2, you will get a better idea if this is the ski for you.
So is this the shape of things to come?, yes most definitely. Is it a fad or will the parabolic be here to stay? Time will tell. No matter what type of ski you choose to use, the most important factor is that you have FUN!
Cheers!
Michael (The Ski Bum)
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