We go to great lengths to select Nordic skis (classic, skate and skin), (Click here to get on the pick list.). Below we cover how we pick and select skis... which can be done in-store or virtually.

Matt talking ski production and quality

Matt talking ski fit and characteristics 

Skis are all different, even within a pair there are differences since skis are made in single quantities, one at a time. The manufacturing process to produce a ski is still variable and the materials can change. The core of most skis are made of wood, foam and laminates and there is variability in the material. In addition, variability is introduced by pressing and molding cores into varying shapes for different conditions, weights, etc. This variability is why Pioneer Midwest takes the time and expense to travel to ski manufacturers and warehouses around the country and world to pick the best skis for our customers and inventory. We pick skis based on 4 methods:

 1) Hands and eyes. Rule of deliberate practice. We have touched tens of thousands of skis and can quickly pick out the qualities and traits of a ski by sighting cambers and hand squeezing.

 2) Flex board. This is a traditional ski picking method based on pocket and glide contact length. This is a tried and true method, although using secondary flex characteristics (pocket length) does not always give the most accurate indicator of performance.

 3) Flex pressure mapping. This direct measurement of flex with a flex/pressure tester is our most important tool. Load cells and computers don't lie. This is a black and white measurement when it comes to quantifying quality and profile.

4) Flex tester. Our latest testing device. This is considered a standard in the industry. It measures a secondary flex parameter, pocket length and tip/tail splay. This machine allows us to test without you standing on the skis, super nice for over the phone/email customers... and no rocking/balancing required from customer. Plus, we can control the load to 1/100th of a pound at a time to check varying load response.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or click/paste this link in your browser to fill out the ski request form. http://pioneermidwest.com/pages/ski-request

There is no cost or obligation to fill out a ski request form. We will spend our time, energy and expertise to find you an awesome pair of skis to fit your needs.