A specification describes one part of the equipment. Your fit, movement and the snow decide how it feels.
01 / BOOTS
What “24.5 · MV · 110” tells you.
A
Flex = resistance to bending forward
A flex index is a maker’s stiffness label. Within the same boot family, 120 usually feels firmer than 110. It is not a standardized force measurement, and it is not comparable like-for-like across brands.
110: usually easier to flex in the same model family. Check that it supports you without collapsing through the turn.
Illustrative comparison, not a calibrated bend test. Cold temperatures, shell design and your leverage change the feel.
For you: compare 110 and 120 in person. You want an ankle that can move progressively while your heel stays held.
B
Mondo size ≠ boot sole length
24 / 24.5 often share a shell. Brands can change the liner or insole to distinguish the half size. Mondo refers to a foot-length sizing system in centimetres, not the outside length of the boot.
The binding uses BSL—boot sole length, stamped in millimetres on the shell. It is a different number.
C
MV / LV = volume category
MV means medium volume; LV means low volume. A nominal “100 mm last” is a forefoot-width reference, often measured at size 26/26.5. Width changes with shell size.
Your 24/24.5 boot is not automatically 100 mm wide. Heel shape, instep height and cuff fit matter as much as the label.
D
SC = short cuff
A lower cuff changes where the boot contacts your lower leg and how you flex it. At 166 cm, it is worth discussing; height alone does not make it the correct choice.
What is sometimes called ski “height” is its length in centimetres. Your own height is only one input; weight, skill, construction and terrain also matter.
You166 cm
e-Rally163 cm
Arcade 84168 cm
All else equal, shorter skis can be easier to turn; longer skis can offer more stability and support. Different models do not behave identically at the same length.
For you: 163 and 168 cm are model-specific demo starting points. Your current skis and a coach’s feedback should settle the choice.
F
Waist: width under your boot
A narrower waist generally needs less movement to roll from edge to edge on firm snow. More width offers more platform in soft snow; it does not automatically mean better grip.
78 mm: the narrower option in your shortlist, with a groomer-focused emphasis.
G
Radius: the curve designed into the ski
Sidecut radius describes the ski’s curved outline at a particular length. A smaller number generally favours shorter arcs; a larger number favours longer arcs.
Your actual turn is not fixed to that number. Edge angle, ski bending, pressure, speed, snow and steering all affect the turn. The diagram is a simple comparison of arcs, not a skiing simulation.
12 m · tighter shape18 m · broader shape
Read the length with it: Arcade 84 is 14 m at 168 cm; HEAD’s cited e-Rally figure is 14 m at 170 cm, not at the proposed 163 cm.
132–84–120 mm
TIP / WAIST / TAIL
Three widths along the Arcade 84, not three width options. The narrower middle creates the sidecut. Shape and construction work together.
Camber & rocker
PROFILE FROM THE SIDE
Camber arches underfoot when unweighted. Rocker rises earlier near the tip or tail. They affect snow contact and how a turn engages and releases.
Ski stiffness
BENDING / TWISTING
Lengthwise flex affects bending; torsional stiffness resists twisting. Both influence support and edge hold. There is no universal ski “110 flex” scale.
A boot-sole system that needs a compatible binding. Check the exact boot sole and binding standards; a model name alone is not the final compatibility check.
“12” is not your DIN
The number in a binding model often indicates its maximum release setting. Your setting depends on skier information and actual boot sole length, followed by shop setup and testing.
System binding
PRD and Konect packages use their matching ski interfaces. Have a technician fit the final boots, confirm brake clearance, set forward pressure and perform the required function test.
Edge angle ≠ edge bevel
Edge angle is how far you tip the ski relative to the snow while skiing. Base and side bevels are the small angles ground into its metal edges.
A higher skiing edge angle only helps when balance, pressure and the snow support it. A sharper tune does not replace those skills.
Ask the shop to inspect the factory tune, remove burrs and wax for conditions. Agree on bevel changes before grinding; consistency is more useful than chasing an aggressive number.
04 / YOUR PSIA LEVEL 2 PREPARATION
Carving is a useful goal. Balance makes it usable.
Your priority is better edging on groomers. Pair it with managing pressure and directing the skis, so your technique stays adaptable rather than dependent on a single carved turn.
01
Find a clean edge change
With a coach, use shallow railroad-track turns on easy, open groomed terrain. Roll progressively from the ankles and legs; notice whether both skis engage smoothly.
Look for: clean tracks without forcing a big edge angle.02
Balance as pressure builds
Make rounded turns and notice how support develops through the outside ski. Keep your body moving with the turn rather than leaning inside and waiting for grip.
Look for: controlled shape and a usable range of movement.03
Release and redirect
Practise reducing edge angle to release the old turn, then build the new one. Include steered and blended turns; clean carving is one tool for controlling your path.
Look for: smooth release, consistent speed and linked turns.
Keep the full assessment in view.
PSIA Level 2 evaluates skiing, teaching and people skills. Groomer practice helps, but it does not by itself establish readiness for every required task or terrain. Confirm the current Northwest assessment guide and terrain expectations with your trainer.