Camber vs. Rocker: What You Need to Know

If you are in the market for a new pair of skis or snowboard, then these are important terms that you will definitely come across. They describe the two most common profiles for skis and snowboards – that is, the shape of the ski or board when laid on a flat surface.

While you may come across some strong opinions about camber and rocker profiles, neither is outright better than the other. Different profiles are better suited to different types of riding.

We’ll take a look at what each profile has to offer as well as which profile will serve you and your skiing or riding style best.

What is the difference?

A camber profile has a slightly arched shape in which the tips and tails of the skis or board rest on the snow when laid flat, while the slightly raised surface under the ski bindings only contacts the snow under pressure. Camber is the most classic profile and essentially describes how the center of a ski curves up away from the snow’s surface.

A rocker profile, also known as reverse camber, is essentially the opposite of traditional camber. The type and degree of rocker describes how the tips and tails of a ski or board curve up away from the snow surface – much like a subtle version of a rocking chair. The entire center section of the base stays flat on the snow for both skis and snowboards, extending well past the snowboard bindings.

Camber and/or rocker are also combined to various extents – often referred to as blends or hybrid profiles – in order to optimize performance for different terrain, snow conditions and ski/riding styles.

This short video shows the main profiles really well:

Camber

One could say that this classic profile performs best for the most traditional ski and board styles – we are talking fast, controlled carving. Ideal for groomed or hard-packed conditions, a camber profile delivers superior power transfer and control at high speeds.

Camber also provides the pop or snap that helps propel you upwards and get good air for jumps and ollies. The raised inner surface of the ski or board has a certain bounce, like a spring, that can be used to generate speed as well.

  • Pros: great power transfer, excellent edge hold, good control at higher speeds, precise turn initiation, nice pop
  • Cons: not great in deep powder, challenging to butter and press, can easily catch an edge
  • Conditions: hard-packed snow and/or icy
  • Terrain: groomed runs, steep descents
  • Style: high-speed racing and hard carving, good for ollies and jumps, can pop out of turns

Rocker

There are varying degrees of rocker, but the continuous rocker is the original profile that was born for powder skiing. With the ski tips or nose of your board curving up away from the snow, you can float – that is to say ride on and through – soft snow, deep snow and powder much more easily.

In general, a rocker profile makes your skis more versatile. The concept is that nearly the entire edge of the ski or board comes into contact with the snow during high-speed carving, this contact allows for stability, responsiveness at high speed and increased edge hold. When moving at slow speeds, the tip and tail do not contact the snow leaving you with a shorter effective edge and therefore much faster, easier and more reactive turning and steering.

Rocker can be great for everyone from experienced park riders who need high maneuverability to absolute beginners who can benefit from equipment that is easy to steer and less likely to catch an edge.

  • Pros: quick, easy turn initiation, performs well in various conditions, high maneuverability
  • Cons: less control at high speeds, lower top speed, looser feel is more challenging to control
  • Conditions: groomed runs or powder
  • Style/Terrain: easy groomers, park, off-piste

Camber-Rocker Blends

The best of both worlds? We think so! If you are looking for a great all-mountain snowboard or pair of skis that can handle a wide variety of conditions then a blend of both profiles is a great bet. You can take advantage of the enhanced maneuverability and float in deep snow that comes with the rocker profile without losing the precise control and carving performance associated with the classic camber profile.

In fact, many ski and snowboard companies offer a wide variety of hybrid profiles each of which has its own advantage and disadvantages. Check out this interview with Rossignol’s PR Manager for a look at their line up and an idea of the hybrid profiles available.

Here is a quick helpful overview of the main profiles and why a hybrid may be the best way to go if you are looking to own only one pair of versatile skis:

Are you a skier or a snowboarder?

It doesn’t actually matter. The performance characteristics of the camber and rocker profiles is the same whether you are skiing or boarding – the way your equipment handles and reacts in the snow will be very comparable!

Have fun finding your new favorite boards!

About The Author

AthletePath Staff

We are a team of enthusiasts and professional athletes thriving to provide you with helpful advice on buying everything you may ever need to become a better athlete.

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