Advice on womens ski length

I have set my heart on Volkl Kenja (86 waist) and simply can't decide between 156 (15.9 radius) and 163 (17.7 radius). I am 158 and 44kg.

Tried both at Snowdome and they were both snappy and great fun, :thumbup: the shorter one more manoeuvrable/lively and longer distinctly faster/more stable - which i enjoyed. I like both long and short turns and mixed snow conditions, not super aggressive but not mellow. Being light I've always skiied around 150-158 hence not sure if can handle 163 as well

they're relatively stiff (for womens' skis) & wont be brilliant for bumps, but im sure you can get down ok. While 80-20 on piste i want to improve off piste skills. But i only get a few weeks each season, how many powder days is that? Will longer skis be worthwhile? i need this to last a few years. Do Volkl skis ski shorter? :shock:

also tested:

Dynastar Eden - not so responsive, can probably power through anything, 165 too long for me, better for the aggressive skiier
Movement Gloss 155 - lively, carvy, piste oriented
Line Celebrity 158? - too soft for my liking, surprisingly quick edge to edge for 90 waist


p.s. had some excellent advice on narrow womens feet for ski boots on this forum last year, ended with Salomon Instinct CS. At 98mm was still a lil' too wide and needed heel lift (with one foot still lifting a bit if i just stand in them), but was the best i could get in London

For your weight I reckon the 156 will be just fine.
I have Salomon Instinct CS and a low volume foot all over. I have Zipfit liners, which have enabled my boot fitter to fit leather pads where my heels are narrow, and to inject liner material in other places as was needed. Perfection 8)

Could some Zipfits be an option for your fitting issues?

Thanks Bandit!

I might ask about zipfits - ka ching! propping up the ski retail industry..

Shez, this is how they turn out. A Zipfit liner will out last 2 shells :D

shez wrote:
. Do Volkl skis ski shorter? :shock:

The edge looks to finish close to the tip and the tail, which is a good trend in new skis. They are probably the equivalent of a 162 from several years ago.