Ski camber and rocker profiles have a major impact on how a ski performs in different snow conditions. Knowing what to look for and which ski profile is right for you comes down to a number of factors you should know before making a decision. This guide breaks down all the different ski profiles so you can make an informed decision when buying new skis.
In the simplest of terms, camber is the bend of a ski. During the manufacturing process, camber is either pressed (bent with heat) into its curvature, or it’s milled directly out of a solid piece of wood. It’s easiest to think of camber in terms of the profile of a ski from its side view. Any portion of the ski where the curvature is positive or negative in relation to the snow is cambered.
While rocker is actually just a (reverse) form of camber, the two are now referenced as opposites of each other. Picture a ski laying base-down on the snow. The section(s) of the ski in which the vertical curve is pointing down toward the snow is cambered. The section(s) where the curve is pointing up, or away from the snow, is rockered. Most manufacturers measure their camber/rocker profiles in percentages to make visualization easier.
Camber directs energy down to the snow, and thus provides enhanced power, dampness and edge grip. Rocker wants to lift the ski up and away from the snow, and thus provides better float in powder and allows for easier turn initiation.
Camber is a major influencer on how a ski responds to energy transfer from both skier and snow. That is to say, camber impacts how a ski skis. Its presence, or lack thereof, is at the root of nearly every way we describe a ski’s characteristics: flex, turn initiation, turn shape, edge grip, rebound, dampness, and floatation.
In this day and age, few skis use only one consistent profile from tip to tail, opting instead to utilize a combination of camber and rocker to optimize the benefits of both. Typically, this takes the form of rocker in the tip (and often tail) for enhanced soft-snow float, easier turn initiation, and smooth release, and then camber underfoot for maximum edge grip and stability.
Full camber means the ski maintains a consistent (downward facing) curvature from tip contact point to tail contact point. By utilizing traditional camber throughout the full effective edge length, the ski is able to direct maximum energy down to the snow—meaning the most power, dampness, and edge grip possible.
Tip rocker means the ski’s camber ends before the tip, thus bringing the contact point farther back on the ski. Tip rocker is used to make turn initiation easier (the ski feels shorter and easier to turn), and reduce tip grab in soft or mixed snow conditions by keeping the front of the ski up and out of the snow.
Tip and tail rocker means the ski’s camber ends early at both the front and back of the ski. This allows for easier in and out of the turn, enhances floatation in soft snow, and makes it easier to pivot or steer the ski in soft snow.
Full Rocker means the ski has no camber at any point along its length. This is used primarily in powder skis as a way to enhance floatation. It is done at the cost of hardpack stability and rebound.