Rockered Skis - Useful Information - Bergstrom Skegs, Inc.

Rockered ski bottoms are arced (or curved) from front to back (as seen in the diagram at the left). Rockered skis counteract the cushioning effect that flat skis provide, because the more arc there is the less straddling of bumps the skis can do.

The more severe the arc of the rockered ski, the easier it is to turn the handlebars. This is true because the less contact with the ground, the less resistance there is to turn.

However, keep in mind that it is resistance that is needed to turn the sled. On some skis only 1" of a 10" carbide will make contact with the ice.

Carbides, on a rockered ski, will dull first at the bottom of the arc - where they receive the most contact.

More surface damage will occur because all the pressure is focused on the carbide.

Once the bottom of the arc is dull, it will not allow the untouched carbide to penetrate. This is because the majority of the weight (or pressure) will still be at on the bottom of the arc.

To raise the wear rod off the ground, the rockered ski will need 8"-10" of heavy wet snow. This is because there is not much lift from the ski until it is in deep snow. The focused pressure directly on the carbide will increase trail shaving in the corners. The wear rod ruts will be even deeper, generating more darting and requiring even more grooming and snow.

Examples of some manufacturer's rockered skis resting on the flat surface of a carpenter's level (notice the gap created by the arc):

Arctic Cat Rockered Ski

For more information

acr2_34c.jpg (5224 bytes)
As you can see on the right, only 2 3/4" of the ski makes contact with the level.

B11B

Polaris Rockered Ski As you can see on the right, 4 1/2" of the ski makes contact with the level. H04P

Polaris Saddle-Less Ski 2003 As you can see on the right, 3" of the ski makes contact with the level. H06

Ski-doo Rockered Ski As you can see on the right, only 7/8" of the ski makes contact with the level. K22
This carbide is off the new Ski-doo rockered plastic ski. Note how the steel is eroding only at the bottom of the rocker.
Ski-doo Warranty Bulletin - Rockered Skis We agree with Ski-doo's 1990 conclusion that a rockered ski diminishes handling

Ski-doo Pro Flex Ski As you can see on the right, only 1" of the ski makes contact with the level. K22

Yamaha USI Ski As you can see on the right, only 2 3/8" of the ski makes contact with the level. Q15

Yamaha Rockered Ski As you can see on the right, only 1" of the ski makes contact with the level. Q16

Yamaha Rockered Ski We're not sure what effect the double contact will have. The wear pattern indicates most of the pressure is on the front of the ski. Q17

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Phone: 815-654-2950
E-mail: beskegs@inwave.com