Clueless

Again im on about buying some skis. I have not got a clue where to start. Did you test your skis first or just pot luck by reading up on them and hope they were ok on you? Theres loads of differnt makes and for what i want just about every make does apparently what Id like it to do.

Im 6ft2 or 3 and 14 stone. I use 170s at Kendal. I like to cruise the piste with my better half then when she has a break Im off to push myself as much as possible. Im at the better end of intermediate but want the skis to be good for advanced as thats my aim. Id also like to try some off piste at some stage.

Any ideas? Next week i will probably visit some ski shops but would like to have an idea of what i would like and what people are trying to sell me.

mfc, go and test some skis at your nearest indoor snow. There are so many variables in the description you've given, it would be almost impossible to suggest kit for you. To me, the skis you are using seem quite short, so maybe you want piste carving skis? You are tall, and quite heavy, but I own skis that are longer than the ones you've been using, I'm somewhat shorter and weigh a lot less, and I could be classed at the top end of intermediate. If you want to keep on short skis, they will need to be stiff to support your weight.

See the problem here?

Get thee to a test centre pronto!!

bandit wrote: You are tall, and quite heavy,

:oops: thats not heavy, not for a bloke anyways :wink:

freezywater wrote:

bandit wrote: You are tall, and quite heavy,

:oops: thats not heavy, not for a bloke anyways :wink:

Quite, but I'm not a bloke, I'm at least 10 inches shorter, 3 and a half stone lighter and have skis 2cm longer than the ones mfc's been using quite happily . Go figure :lol:

mfc wrote:Again im on about buying some skis. I have not got a clue where to start. Did you test your skis first or just pot luck by reading up on them and hope they were ok on you? Theres loads of differnt makes and for what i want just about every make does apparently what Id like it to do.

Im 6ft2 or 3 and 14 stone. I use 170s at Kendal. I like to cruise the piste with my better half then when she has a break Im off to push myself as much as possible. Im at the better end of intermediate but want the skis to be good for advanced as thats my aim. Id also like to try some off piste at some stage.

Any ideas? Next week i will probably visit some ski shops but would like to have an idea of what i would like and what people are trying to sell me.

Whilst you and I are different build, sounds like we are after very similar skis. I have been seeking advice from people who are in the know (including a couple on here) as well as reading online reviews. I have not demo'd any skis and probably wont get a chance to, but you and I should compare notes. PM sent, drop me an email bud.

I can't believe for a moment that you're an intermediate Bandit, certainly not by UK standards!!

Back to topic, test some first to see what suits. Different brands in the same 'category' can have a different feel.

bandit wrote:

freezywater wrote:

bandit wrote: You are tall, and quite heavy,

:oops: thats not heavy, not for a bloke anyways :wink:

Quite, but I'm not a bloke, I'm at least 10 inches shorter, 3 and a half stone lighter and have skis 2cm longer than the ones mfc's been using quite happily . Go figure :lol:

understood, my limited understanding of modern skis is that the taller the ski the faster the ski and the shorter the ski the more responsive the turn, therefore unlike the days of straight skis where your height dictated the length of the ski it is now down to what type of skiing you're doing and what feels most comfortable. I prepare to be corrected if talking crap :wink:

freezywater wrote:

bandit wrote:

freezywater wrote:

bandit wrote: You are tall, and quite heavy,

:oops: thats not heavy, not for a bloke anyways :wink:

Quite, but I'm not a bloke, I'm at least 10 inches shorter, 3 and a half stone lighter and have skis 2cm longer than the ones mfc's been using quite happily . Go figure :lol:

understood, my limited understanding of modern skis is that the taller the ski the faster the ski and the shorter the ski the more responsive the turn, therefore unlike the days of straight skis where your height dictated the length of the ski it is now down to what type of skiing you're doing and what feels most comfortable. I prepare to be corrected if talking crap :wink:

The longest skis I own at 172cm have the tightest turn arc at 15 metres. The shortest skis I own at 158cm have the longest turn arc at 17.1 metres :D Both pairs have modern sidecuts and the oldest pair date from 2006. There is more to skis than the length!