Someone please explain to this idiot wtf Taper is

That definition of taper is generally used in reference to snowboards, where a board with more taper will be more directional and typically more powder-oriented. It isn't especially useful when talking about skis. In skiing, taper generally refers to the widest point of the tip or tail being closer to the centre of the ski, and 'tapering' out to a point at the tip/tail. This is the definition that most reviews like Blister and The Roofbox are talking about when discussing taper.
*In general*, a ski with more taper will feel looser and slashier, with less tendency to feel locked into a carve. They also tend to have a lower swing weight, because the mass of the ski is closer to the boot. The downside of this is that a very tapered ski will generally have less overall edge hold, feel less stable at speed, and want to "over-steer" when making large radius turns. This is due to their shorter effective edge length and typically shorter turn radii.
Hope this helps!

Edit: And I just realized I used the word "generally" way too many times in that description. This is why I wax skis all day and don't write ski reviews for a living.

**This post was edited on Jan 31st 2021 at 2:13:54pm

Ok, that makes a lot more sense now. Thanks so much 🙏🏻

Other poster hit the nail on the head but I thought I’d add a visual reference. Notice the widest part of the faction prodigy (taper) vs Völkl Revolt 95 (traditional/no taper). I have marked the widest points.

In my mind I keep it simple.

pointy tips followed by more width = taper

blunt broad tips that get skinnier and then transition into side cut = not taper

shin-bangIn my mind I keep it simple.

pointy tips followed by more width = taper

blunt broad tips that get skinnier and then transition into side cut = not taper

you'll have to explain sidecut now

powpatrolyou'll have to explain sidecut now

Haha I know right?


Should have just left it as “blunt broad tips that get skinnier”