Here are the basic components used in woman-specific ski design:much of the same theories are applied to snowboards.
~Softer flex and lighter weight? It takes a lot of energy to bend a ski that’s too stiff. Since women tend to weigh less than men, many companies have addressed this problem by developing cores using lightweight wood or foam which makes the ski easier to flex and therefore easier to turn.
~Forward mounting position? Wider hips, a lower center of gravity and smaller feet affect women’s ability to pressure the tips of their skis. Mounting the bindings 1-2 cm forward of center allows women to be closer to the tip so they can easily pressure the ski.
~Smaller and lighter weight systems? Manufacturers have recently introduced systems (a binding and plate combination) that include shorter plates to accommodate women’s smaller feet and shorter ski lengths. The bindings are also typically made of lighter weight materials and include a slight ramp angle where the heel is higher than the toe to put women in a more balanced position from a backseat position and to help with turn initiation.
~Unique molds? Until recently, women-specific skis were unisex skis with a few adjustments. Now skis are being built from the ground up just for women. This includes a sidecut and shape designed for women’s physical needs and a forward mounting position built into the mold instead of having to adjust the bindings forward of a unisex center. 
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