Head Big Easy SP 100 Skis

Finally there are short skis for the adult beginner! Or maybe they are big snowblades for adult beginners, but whatever you call them, the Head Big Easy SP 100s are the best equipment for learning how to ski since the step-in release binding was invented in the 1950s. They almost have training wheels on them. After two frustrating seasons of wrestling with clumsy, supposedly "the right length" skis, I rented a pair of the Big Easy 94s and finally figured out what skiing should feel like.

The Head Big Easy SP 100 skis are short - 94 centimeters long (just over a yard). They are wide at the front and back with a narrow middle, called a parabolic side-cut ski, which creates lots of "edge" for better control and easier turning. Short skis mean you have less ski flopping around at the ends of your legs. They will go where your knees are aiming them with less effort than it takes for longer skis, and they weigh less, so you don't get as tired controlling them. If you want to do the traditional snow-plow stop, you don't have to do the splits to make the V-shaped plow with your skis.

The short skis are also less likely to get tangled with each other. Crossed tips? You can cross the tips if you try really hard, but you are unlikely to cross tips and do a face-plant into the snow. Crossed tails? This is also unlikely to happen because there is almost no ski sticking out behind the binding.

Unlike most snowblades that strap onto your ankles or clamp onto your boots like bear traps, the Head Big Easy skis have safety bindings for ski boots just like real skis do. The Tyrolia Sympro 100 adjustable bindings will release your foot if you put too much pressure on the bindings. Of course, you have to have them correctly adjusted to fit your boots before you start skiing.

The only tricky part about handling the Head Big Easy SP 100 skis is the balance, and even that is a blessing in disguise. If you don't stay over the center of balance of the skis, you will fall. You can't use leverage and muscle to prevent falling because the skis are too short. By the time you have fallen a few times, you will know exactly where your body has to be tp prevent falling. Your muscle memory of what correct balance feels like will carry over to longer skis later.

Specifications:
Skill: beginner adult (They are not intended for children, despite their short length.)
Terrain: groomed slopes (They do well on powder over groomed slopes, which is all this beginner plans to do.)
Style: Alpine
Speed: slow (They don't have a long enough edge to give you control at high speeds. If you are skiing fast enough to notice chattering and loss of control on these, it's time to get some longer skis. You are no longer a beginner.)
Length: 94cm (barely over a yard long)
Price: About $400 list price, although you might be able to find a discount or off-season bargain