There are two ways to solve "float" in a ski: increase width and/or increase length.JohnSKepler wrote: ↑Thu Aug 01, 2024 9:54 am@lilcliffy , @corlay; why is longer better in this ski? I've learned a lot over the last few years but one of the most elusive properties for me to understand, both alpine and tele, is ski length.
For a "touring ski", I like to solve it with length, primarily. I just don't like laying down miles, kick-and-glide, with a ski much wider than the TR78, nor with a non-leather boot.
For context, my TR78 is my *shortest* ski:
Fischer Traverse 196 (a do-everything ski, especially in variable or even spring-time conditions)
Fischer Transnordic 205 (wish it was longer, but in 2021 a 210 wasnt in-stock *anywhere*)
Anses Gamme 210 (a perfect "all-rounder" when conditions are ripe for a waxed base)
Mashsus Birke Beiner 210 (vintage "woodie" waxable ski. Just wonderful on easy terrain like a logging road, or golf course)
Peletonen 'Metsa Step' 270 (the BIG BOY for *deep* snow)
I don't ski at resorts, or in backcountry steeps, so I don't have a ski specific to "turns" and/or "wide float"