The
Rockered Ski

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.

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.

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

As you can see on the right, only 7 1/2" of the ski makes contact with the level.

B11A

Arctic Cat Rockered Ski

For more information

As you can see on the right, only 2 3/4" of the ski makes contact with the level.

B11B

Arctic Cat Blow Molded
Rockered Ski

The thick part of the ski is hollow. As you can see on the right, 1" of the ski makes contact with the level.

B12

Fire Cat Ski

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

B13

Arctic Cat 2010 Ski

As you can see on the right, 13 1/2" of the ski makes contact with the level.

B14

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.

H04-P

Polaris Gripper
Contact 1 5/8".

H08

Polaris IQ-1
Contact 1 1/8".

HIQ-1

Polaris IQ-2
Contact 1 1/8".

HIQ-2

Polaris Racing Ski

Contact 6 1/2".

H04-R

Ski-doo Flex Ski
As you can see on the right, only 7/8" of the ski makes contact with the level.

K22

Ski-doo, Pilot Ski, 2006

As you can see on the right, only 2"
makes contact with the level.

K27

Precision vs. Pilot Ski

K27 Race ski

Contact is 4-3/4"

K27 Pilot SL (Straight Line)

Contact is 1-3/4"

K27 Pilot DS (Deep Snow)

Contact is 2-3/8"

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.

Q18

Yamaha Saddleless Ski

As you can see on the right, 12 1/2" of the ski makes contact with the level.

This contact creates more effort to turn the handlebars but provides more bite in the corners at speed.

Q18

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