A defining aspect of M1 Skis is our use of aerospace-grade 7050 aluminum alloy. This isn’t simply a material choice—it is key to what makes our skis truly exceptional.
The Superiority of 7050 Aluminum Alloy
7050 aluminum alloy is widely renowned for its exceptional strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Used extensively in the demanding environments of aviation and space travel, this alloy combines lightweight properties with extraordinary durability.
Unlike traditional ski materials, 7050 aluminum offers tight tolerances of mechanical properties that are crucial for optimal on-snow performance. Skiing is one of, if not the most equipment dependent athletic pursuits, and our solid aluminum construction helps to ensure that every M1 ski is crafted with exacting tolerances, resulting in skis that perform exceptionally — every ski, every time.
Aluminum is Inherently Damp
When comparing M1’s aluminum skis to traditional composite skis, a key difference lies in dampness—the ability to absorb vibrations for a smooth, stable ride.
7050 aluminum naturally offers superior dampness, effectively absorbing and dissipating vibrations for a more controlled experience. In contrast, composite skis - typically made from a combination of fiberglass, wood, carbon fiber and other materials - lack this inherent dampness, leading to a harsher, more jarring ride, especially on hard or icy surfaces.
To counteract this, many composite ski manufacturers add Titanal, an aluminum alloy that enhances dampness. However, this adds complexity and weight, undermining the intended advantages of composites. With 7050 aluminum skis, there’s no need for additional layers—the material itself delivers the perfect balance of strength, dampness, and stability, ensuring a smooth, consistent performance in all conditions.
The Consistency of Aluminum
One of the standout features of 7050 aluminum alloy is its uniformity. Unlike composite materials, which can vary in consistency due to their innate properties, complex layering, and curing processes, aluminum offers consistent mechanical properties throughout. This consistency is crucial for skiers who demand reliability in their equipment.
Predictable Performance: The uniformity of aerospace aluminum ensures that each pair of M1 Skis performs exactly as intended and exactly as you'd expect from ski to ski. There’s no need to worry about variability from one ski to the next, allowing you to focus on your technique rather than constant neural adaptation to compensate for variability in equipment.
Precision Engineering: The consistent nature of aluminum allows us to fine-tune the design of our skis with absolute precision. Whether it’s achieving the perfect balance of stiffness and flex or optimizing the torsional rigidity for superior edge response and control, aerospace aluminum gives us the control we need to craft skis that perform at the highest level.
Comparable Weight, Superior Performance
One common question that arises when discussing aluminum skis is their weight. It’s a valid concern—after all, heavy skis can be exhausting to maneuver, and light skis can get bucked around by unforgiving snow conditions.
Thanks to our proprietary designs and the specific properties of 7050 aluminum, M1 Skis are specifically engineered to fall within the weight range of conventional skis on the market. Rather than focusing on weight to reduce fatigue, we accomplish this through enhanced responsiveness and superior damping. This balance is achieved without compromising the strength and durability that aluminum provides.
Our skis are designed to deliver the benefits of aluminum—such as reduced vibration and increased performance characteristics—while ensuring their weight remains acceptable and their responsiveness exceptional. This means you get all the advantages of aluminum, like superior durability precision, and maneuverability without the trade-off on either end of the scale.
A Truly Sustainable Ski
Beyond performance, sustainability is at the core of M1 Skis. Aluminum is not only incredibly durable—meaning our skis last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements—but it is also highly recyclable. Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties, making it one of the most sustainable commercial materials on the planet.
The environmental impact of traditional ski manufacturing is profound. Conventional skis rely on complex composites and resins, which are resource-intensive to produce, near-impossible to recycle, and take decades (or more) to breakdown. The process involves high-energy consumption and generates significant industrial waste, contributing to pollution and environmental degradation.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is celebrated for its recyclability and minimal environmental impact. Our innovative production process minimizes waste and energy usage, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly skiing equipment.
By choosing 7050 aluminum, we’re not just investing in superior performance; we’re committing to reducing our environmental impact. Our skis are designed to endure, reducing waste and conserving resources over time.
The Benefits for Skiers
So, what does all this mean for you on the slopes? The use of aerospace aluminum alloy in M1 Skis offers several tangible benefits that enhance your skiing experience:
Enhanced Stability: Ride with Confidence
The strength and dampness of aerospace aluminum provide a stable platform, reducing chatter and vibrations. This stability is particularly noticeable at high speeds, where maintaining control is crucial. With M1 Skis, you can carve confidently, even on the steepest and iciest runs.
Superior Control: Precision at Every Turn
The consistent flex and torsional properties of aerospace aluminum allow for predictable edge engagement and smooth transitions. Whether you’re executing sharp turns in a slalom race or making long arcs through crud, M1 Skis respond predictably to your every move.
Longer Lifespan: Invest in Performance
The durability of aerospace aluminum means that M1 Skis are built to last. Unlike traditional skis that may degrade over time, losing their pop and responsiveness, M1 Skis retain their performance characteristics for years. This longevity makes them a smart investment for serious skiers who demand the best from their equipment.
Addressing Questions About Aluminum
We understand that some might have reservations about fully-aluminum skis. Questions about durability, repairability, and even performance are natural when introducing a new technology into a well-established sport.
Let’s address these:
Durability: The 7050 aluminum alloy used in M1 Skis is among the most durable materials in the world. It’s resistant to both acute impact (i.e. damage from abrasion) and fatigue (i.e. long-term deformation). Their durability means they require less frequent maintenance and can endure rough terrain better over time.
Repairability: Aluminum’s inherent malleability makes our skis easy to maintain. Minor surface scratches can be polished out, and while deep gouges are rare, they can be addressed by professionals through the normal stone grinding process to re-plane and structure the base aspect of the skis.
Edge Maintenance: Our integral aluminum edges will need to be maintained just as conventional steel edges; routine honing and de-burring of the edge to prolong it’s life between sharpenings. Less work, more often. Keeping the edge clean and free from nicks and burrs with a fine diamond stone or soft gummy stone is the key to maintenance.
Corrosion: 7050 aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer that guards against corrosion in typical environments, such as those encountered on ski slopes. This prevents corrosion during regular use in snow and cold temperatures.
A Future-Ready Choice
As the skiing industry evolves, so too should the materials and technologies we use. Aerospace-grade 7050 aluminum alloy places M1 Skis at the forefront of this evolution. We’re not just making skis; we’re offering a revolution in ski design that marries cutting-edge performance with sustainability and durability.
Place a reservation for yours today.
