In PMTS, I've found a number of different ways to release:
1) one-footed (a.k.a Super-Phantom, or Wedge Blocker Turn ?)
2) two-footed (for powder - only ?)
3) Weighted (a.k.a Von Grunigen)
First question: is there a "hierarchy" or progression within these, i.e. is some of these "more advanced"/difficult to learn/ more effective in the general case, or is each of these used in different situations by expert skiers ?
In video #2, Harald states a few things on this topic:
- "in bumps, use SP or the weighted release"
- "in powder, use the 2-footed release"
A personal goal for me (maybe unrealistic!) is to be able to do pure carved turns on all groomed slopes, including blacks, while controlling speed. A second personal goal is to be able to link short turns on steep, icy slopes.
Now, in my pursuit of the "pure carved turn", I've noticed that I prefer using the weighted release. If the steepness and overall condition of the slope is such that I "dare" to attempt pure carving, the weighted release seems to help me cutting clean tracks, getting a quick transition ("pendlum effect") and keep the turns short. If I use any other type of release, I seem to get some amount of brushing/smearing into my turns.
However, if the slope is steep enough, or even worse, steep & icy, I tend to resort to trying super-phantom, which for me results in more of brushing/smearing the turns.
So, my experience, so far, would be:
to do pure carved turns (on moderate slopes): use weighted release
to do brushed/smeared turns (e.g. because you can't control speed otherwise): use super-phantom.
I don't have much experience nor opportunities for powder, therefore no comment on two-footed release.
Any comments ?
Cheers,
Tommy