Ski Length Formula

There is no doubt that skiers should be on shorter skis, than the traditional "arm's length method"

Too short skis make skier "think" he is "carving" turns, when in reality many many skier do body rotation turns, thus turning comes from upper body rotation, that is shoulders , arms pelvis then knees! Looks great on easy flat well groomed slopes! Then the "wall" is hit, when it gets steeper or snow piles up!
You also get sore back with this type of skiing!

Try the Metron B5 skis I have a pair of 170 cm. Very very stable, wide thus cuts through all the crud and loves that well groomed carpet!

My best advice to all skiers is demo all sorts of lengths. Then you will see difference.

Try this! Take same ski model and go very short, then increase length! vary your turn styles from tight SL to GS turns each time! Also vary snow conditions!

Many ski companies have internet ski selection programs. Try them and you will see how "variable" the results are! In my case it was a 10 cm. difference!

iv been using 99.9 snow blades for 4 years i want to move to a ski that would let me make tight turns, jumps and is good on-piste and off piste. what length should i go for, im 6 feet tall and weigh 14 stone. thanks

Dshenberger wrote:Obviously, the most common form of assigning length is in relation to height. The problem is: If you are a little bit out of proportion (weight - height) that concept can lead to issues. For example. I am 6'2" tall, so, most people would want to put me somewhere in the 180cm range. But, I only weigh 150lbs, so, a ski that long is very difficult to flex. I am on 168's that a wise shop person sold me, and I love them. I have skied some 174's that weren't too bad. I saw a site recently that had a neat chart that recommended ski length based on weight, then added length for skill. Unfortunately, I don't remember where I saw it.

Additionally, intended use will affect a length choice. But, that is rather obvious. :)

This chart maybe ? :

http://www.backcountry.com/store/sizingchart.html?sizing_id=149

Dshenberger wrote:I skied a Metron 9 in 162 at a demo day, and had a blast!

does that work in the sizing chart? Metrons are a bit of an odd ski, love or hate sort of thing really.

This is a good topic as if i were in a position to buy another pair of ski at the moment i wouldnt know where to start.
I am a more sadate intermediate skier now and not aggresive so my skiing i find is less forgiving if this makes any sense.
Carving my turns requires a lot more effort now i dont ski at speed, Thus i want to look more graceful if you get my jist. Any tips welcomed.

AJ,

Graceful AJ,,,you have the right idea!Graceful means in tune with the slope and ski! I can always tell when I see a "graceful" skier. The movements are smooth, silky, the turns are like soaring eagles smooth and arced! No jarring, quick hard moves!

May I make one comment? Speed is not necessary to have elegante and graceful skiing.You do however have to be more patient with your skis. The turn will come a fraction-second later as you set edge!Just relax and let ski go into its arc.Many skiers are too anxious (about speed) and wanted to turn NOW! Trust your skis!

My girl just got a pair of Salomon Aero X and she has rocketed to another skiing level. These skis are the new hybrid design with Slalom front section and GS rear section. I thought is was another marketing gimmick, but I am seeing great improvement! Since front part is "softer" turns are easier, setting edge is silky smooth! Try them!They are great for that elegant skiing style you want!

Another tip to get that "graceful" smooooooth look and feel, is to set edges and in your head count 1,,,2,,,3 and as you do so gradually pressure the front of your downhill ski more and more. The key word is gradually! Not in one quick hard motion! Think you are pouring sirop! Think you are glazing your cake with spatula with smooth strokes! Think you are stroking your dog slowly over his fur! One smooth slow action! That is the secret! It all starts in the head!

Hope this helps you to soar with finesse!

If some of you want to play with ski length estimates try this site!
Have fun changing the various parameters and you will note how one parameters ; age, weight, level has more impact on final decision!

It is these weightings or "loadings" that are not standard overall! Each ski company, each journal, each "expert" has different loadings!

Take two ski companies; Rossignol and Elan and give same information in each site,,,you will get different results!
http://www.skipressworld.com/SkiFinder.php?gender=M®ionId=2&languageId=1§ion=skifinder&type=skifinder&mode=&filter=&sort=

Thanks pavelski advice taken onboard and will put it into practice next week.
You seem to have summed it up quite nicley,Relax and paintience.
Looks like i may have to butter the old hubby up for a pair of those ski`s. Cheers.

AJ.
Juts try them first! Every ski has its personality, like you have "special" personality! The trick is to find ski that "accepts" your personality and skiing needs!

Thank you.