ski length

charlieb · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: australia

I'm looking to buy my first pair of tele skis (most likely a pair of Super Stinx) but I have no idea on how one one goes about choosing a length. I've just gone on the rental guy's recommendation in the past.

I'm 6' and the super stinx come in 167, 174, 181, 188cm.

Is it a personal preference or is there some sort of formula (like cross country skis)?

Sorry if this has already been asked to death but I couldn't find it in the archives. Perhaps there should be a FAQ section for this sort of stuff now the site is back up Smile

Tri-Ungulate · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2004 11:16 pm Post subject:

Weight, aggressiveness, previous skiing experience most recent alpine ski length and type are also helpful info in making the length decision.

And the archives are only 2 days old!
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dana · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 3656 Location: MA

Do it by weight (yours), not centimeters (ski length). Most skis come in S, M, L, and XL these days, but the actual length will differ by model. If you're one of those bean-pole 140lb 6-footers, you're probably an M, maybe an L if you're technically strong and like to ski fast. If you're one of those 235lbers, you're definitely an XL, but could live with an L if you don't push the envelope often.

B-ham Gary · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 39 Location: Bellingham, WA

I've skied the 181-cm for the past three seasons and have loved since the very first run. I'm 5' 11" and (gulp) up to 172 lbs now. Mostly resort skiing in the PNW -- but more bc touring each season.

It's been a great ski, coupled with HH's, but I'll likely look for something with a little more width under foot for my next setup.

Gary

woodi7259 · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 1562 Location: Alden, NY

I'm shorter, 5'7" but ski long skis. I also weigh about 190 pounds and definetly more once I get all my gear on. I have 183's and 190's. People tried to talk me out of the 190's when I got them but they really don't seem that big when i'm on them. I think it's more of what you wanna do with them and how you feel on them on length. When I got my 183's the guy I bought them actually recommended a 190. Looking back I think I should have listened to him but being a little shorter there a little better in the woods. Don't get by skis entirely on height because one companys 175 could ski like anothers 190 or the other way around.

paulj · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 110 Location: Hunta, NY via NJ

6' 205lb - I ski the 181's. They are the right legnth, I just have not fallen into love with this ski (yet.)

charlieb · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: australia

Thanks for all the info. I didn't think about weight!

I did a bit of googling and saw another recommendation was subtract 10cm from your height as a starting point. From there add or subtract 5-10cm for weight, experience etc.

Being 160lb I guess I'm looking at either the 174 or 181cm. Hopefully I can make it North for a few weeks on snow to try out the different lengths.

Tele Stylee · Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2004 1:11 am Post subject:

I would go for the 174s if you weigh 160.
I ski a 176 and weigh 155, I used to ski a 185 and the 176s feel a lot better.

I have been on super stinx though..

dana · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 3656 Location: MA

Biff · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2207 Location: Maine

mark · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 2819

...and as long as you can gett'em if you join the other half of Australia for a winter in Niseko. Smile

charlieb · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: australia

Dave in Seattle · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 248

Have you considered the World Piste? Lots of people love em. They'll float better in powder and bust through cruddy snow better too.

nils · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 7317 Location: tahoe

charlieb · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: australia