Quote:
Originally Posted by
sCrewz 
If one has knee pain, say from cartilage loss arthritis etc., would investing in ultralight equipment like Dodge boots
and whatever light skis be much easier on the knees? Wouldn't be surprised if someone suggests it could be worse
since I could see the extra weight down there damping shock loads to the knee. I know this is one of those questions
answered only by trying it, but if there's some rationale, it might be worth trying. Hmm, expensive medical procedure
or expensive juicy new equipment?
I have advancing OA from removal of meniscus years ago. So you won't be surprised, I guess, to hear from me that you're going the wrong way. Sorta. On groomed, or in variable snow, heavier and damper is the way to go. Stocklis and Heads and Kastles and oil pistons are your friends. Let the ski spank the crud, absorb the shocks, not your knee. And make sure your technique is OK. I've discovered all sorts of ways that I menace my knees just by the bad habits I have. For instance, drop/drive from the hip, not from the knee joint.
In real pow, lighter is probably better because less pull on the already stretched and frayed ligaments as you move vertically. Avoid super fat skis, or if you don't, ski with a wide stance so no knock knees and put plates on 'em for better leverage, less shear on knees when turning. Shredhead speaks the truth about shorter being better; less distance from tip to boot = lower angular torque, so less rotary movement of tibia against femur.
In bumps, well, only do bumps when you have to, and do them by rolling around shoulders, drifting, not charging zipperlines. And think about a brace if you haven't already. A real brace, not a CVS brace. Outcome: relatively pain-free skiing except for the occasional twinge. And that's what god made ibu for. 
