Some say stand them up to your chin, eyes or forehead. Longer skis generally run faster and shorter skis generally are easier to turn as the sidecut of them engages quicker.
Of the stuff I've read, they seem to add length according to your level. This makes sense then if the longer skis run faster, as you'd need a better skill level to ride them safely. Vice versa on the shorter skis which would be easier to get out of trouble on. Plus for me I want to practise short turns more, so until I master them I need the skis to make life easier for me.
...82mm underfoot and they handle brilliantly on piste, but someone at your level might find them difficult as you have to work them harder because of the wider profile.
This is the last thing I want. Got dodgy knees and one in particular plays up like a demon when skiing. Stick to the thin waist then.
consider trying something like Salomon or Volkl rather than Atomic for you if they are quivering as this may suggest they are too light for you.
This is partly why I've started the thread. I'd love to be able to go into a ski hire shop and contribute something to the decision on which skis to get. Trouble is, cos I know too little, if they came back and questioned or challenged what I'd said I'd feel like a prat and back down straight away.
I prefer longer more sweeping turns. For me a short radius ski is just too "busy".
Cool. So would it be fair to say then that it's is purely personal preference? I wondered whether maybe longer skis had some kind of benefit on steeper pistes e.g. longer edge creates better friction for controlling speed. I know it's an extreme example but I was looking at stuff on the Harakiri and noticed short skis are banned (I guess this means blades). Was trying to understand the logic.
What Bandit's saying is learn to ski properly
Define 'properly' - I might just agree with you!
On regular camber (most on piste skis)skis, It takes some skill to alter the turn shape with pressure. The turn shape is most altered, when the pressure is applied to the tips of the skis.
I'm so not at this stage yet. If I am altering the turn shape at all it's more luck than judgement.
I mention regular camber, because some newer skis (and many more in the future) have a bit of rocker at the tip and the tail. These skis will need less forward pressure to change turn shape. For example, the Rossi Avenger 74
Mmmm interesting. I'd like to try a pair of these. They sound very clever for a pair of skis!
...stick with skis with 11/12M radius...look for a narrow waist...focus should be fun, and developing good technique
Makes a lot of sense. This is exactly where I feel like I am at the moment - concentrating on having fun and working on technique.
What I do is go to a good hire shop and explain my needs and leave it up to them.
This is exactly what I do. I'm just a bit awkward and don't like letting other people think for me if I can help it! :D
Unless you go ski-ing several times a year, I don't think it's worth buying your own skis.
Future finances allowing, we do intend going on 2 - 3 full hols a year. We're both 'late' starters and want to cram in as much as possible. Plus I do like the idea of preparing my own skis and knowing that the bases and edges are spot on because I've done it myself.
Oh. My. God. How long is this post :oops: Thanks though everyone. Even just understanding more about where I am now and what I need has helped a lot. :thumbup: