DumbStick 13 Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 My friend is taking up skiing this season and wants to busy some new skis. Complete beginner, 185cm tall, guy. Anyone able to recommend ski length? A few shops have said a few different things and so he is confused and I'm not the one to help. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
soubriquet 0 Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 I'm 178cm and ski on 170's. I learned on 185's, but that was a long time ago and skis have improved a lot since then. Something around 175cm would seem about right Link to post Share on other sites
cal 6 Posted August 10, 2006 Share Posted August 10, 2006 I was told by staff in Alpen last week "body height minus 10" Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted August 11, 2006 Share Posted August 11, 2006 Ask 10 people and you might get 10 answers. It is useful to get a lot of input though. The main skis I use are 12cm smaller than my height. Link to post Share on other sites
damian 0 Posted August 11, 2006 Share Posted August 11, 2006 I am on 172, the same as my height, but I think I am a poorly practiced intermediate and have off piste ambitions, hence the length. Apparantly an on-piste beginner is best kitted with skis of height minus 10cm, as suggested. having said all of this, some people refer mainly to your body weight when recommending a ski length. Link to post Share on other sites
TheOrange 0 Posted August 14, 2006 Share Posted August 14, 2006 For what is it worth I have also heard the -10 a lot. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted August 16, 2006 Share Posted August 16, 2006 I'm 180, I use 174s and I'm scared of heights. Link to post Share on other sites
2pints-mate 0 Posted August 21, 2006 Share Posted August 21, 2006 Quote: having said all of this, some people refer mainly to your body weight when recommending a ski length. Whats the general 'rule' there then le spud? Link to post Share on other sites
damian 0 Posted August 21, 2006 Share Posted August 21, 2006 Dunno, but when I investigated ski length I was asked two questions more than any other: i. what terrain/type of skiing are you into ii. how heavy are you. Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Interesting. Anyone? Any fabulously knowledgeable ski shop peeps here (esp. those who have come back from their summer hols? ) Link to post Share on other sites
WantToSki 0 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 i was browsing through some skiing books, and read something like - generally, 10cm less than your height - if you are a beginner, something smaller, ie., 20 cm - however, if you are pretty much advanced, same as your height, or something longer well, i guess it depends on the ability level then... Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 if he wants something really cheap and is a beginner then... Link to post Share on other sites
bushpig 0 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 was gonna suggest that actually CB Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 shameless plug.. Link to post Share on other sites
Markie 0 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 How stiff are those blue sallys? I was thinking of getting a pair of shorter skis to do some moguling. Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted September 14, 2006 Share Posted September 14, 2006 Theyre not stiff, they have a nice spring to them. Seemed to pop up when carving. Liked em but outgrew them really quick. Link to post Share on other sites
babiblu9 0 Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 Well I like that general rule "10cm less than our body height" becuase it works for me. Im 162cm tall and my ski length is 153cm. Link to post Share on other sites
damian 0 Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 http://www.summitsportsinc.com/online/guides/ski-sizing-guide.html Link to post Share on other sites
WantToSki 0 Posted September 20, 2006 Share Posted September 20, 2006 just out of curiosity, what happens if you have ski that is less than your "ideal ski length"...? what are the pros and cons? in my case, i am about 180cm in height, have a weight of about 78kg, and use skis that are 160cm in length and have a flex of "8" (somewhat "hard") thanks!! Link to post Share on other sites
johndknm 0 Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Bah to the chart above. Height - 10cm on parabolics. increase lenght for speed. less is easier to ski/turn than more. Ive heard this debate at length and personally find it easier to ski shorter than longer skis. You dont lose too much in speed and after all its about turns isnt it. I think the actual ski is quite important. shape, stiffness and waist underfoot. Ive been trending shorter for years now. If you are beginning then definitely downsize as it will make things easier (ie turning will be much easier). Then I would more likely increase the stiffness in the ski before increasing the length (ie upgrade to a performance ski before getting a longer beginner ski if you get my drift) Link to post Share on other sites
WantToSki 0 Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 hhhmmm.... yes, makes real sense... thanks!!! Link to post Share on other sites
Taikogirl 0 Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 I'm 1.85 and ski on 175s. If conditions are marginal, I might try 170s - but I doubt conditions in Japan get as marginal as here in Oz. Link to post Share on other sites
skidaisuki 0 Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Everyone's forgetting the vital performance element - shorter carvers are easier to carry Link to post Share on other sites
gamera 0 Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 Me = 173cms tall My gear = 185 - 190 cms long. I think shorter ones are better for complete newbies? Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 actually having re-read the OP, beginners should first try rental skis before plunging for a new set. At least with rentals you can always switch to board if you don't think skiing is cool enough for you. Link to post Share on other sites
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