What type of skis should I buy?

Question

I'm not looking for brand recommendations. I'm looking for an explanation of the different ski types. For example, do I get soft or stiff flex? long or short skis? shaped or straight? I am an intermediate skier about 6 ft. 165 lbs. I like smooth ski runs (NOT moguls) . Thanks!

Answer 1

Ski lengths are only partially based on height..anymore. That used to be the rule of thumb, but it went out with the advent of shaped skis.

Someone in the 160lb. range should be on something like a 175cm..or around there. It depends on the ski. It wouldn't hurt to go a little longer. However, you don't want to go below 170. You'll be off balance for your height.

I'm 6'0" and weight 250lb. I ski on 185cm skis, but I have skis that go up to 200cm (I never barely use those anymore...they're old.)

Go with a shaped ski. Much easier to turn, but if you learned how to ski on straight skis, you might want to take a lesson on how to ski on shaped skis. There are some newer techniques to maximize the performance from the ski.

Like everyone else said...you want a stiffer ski for cruising on the groomers. Soft skis are good for moguls and the park..backcountry too. But you don't have to get something really stiff unless you plan to race.

I've found Head, Atomic, and Volkl to be the stiffest skis nowadays. K2, Rossignol, and Salomon tend to be more flexible...but it does vary greatly by model as well. Your skis like Line, 4Front, and Armada will be slinky for the Park and Pipe. G3, Black Diamond, and Karhu will be softer as well, but for backcountry use.

Consider weight of the ski and bindings. Stiffer skis weigh more. Race skis & All Mountain skis are going to be heavier than Freestyle and Backcountry skis....generally.

I tell everyone...if you are gonna buy, try them first. Spend a good two hours on a ski before you decide if it is right for you. Most places will allow you to put the cost towards the skis when you buy. Look for Free Demo days at your local shop or ski hill. Even 2-3 runs on a ski will give you some sense of how they feel and if you hate them...you'll know right off the bat.

I demo a lot. I can tell right off if I hate a ski, but it takes a while longer to tell if I really like a ski.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

U should buy stiff skis because u are a downhill skier,  

u should probably get 171(or in that area) cm. skis based on your height

thats all u need

Answer 3

Shaped skis are perfect for groomed slopes. Normally I suggest shorter skis for intermediate skiers but in your case I'd probably say go longer because you are not going to need to make hard, sharp turns.

Stiffer is always better unless you're going into different terrain like deep powder, bumps(moguls) or into tree glades. Generally the "experts" want beginners and intermediate skiers on softer more flexible skis but I've found that most intermediate skiers arn't aggressive enough and tend to lean back on their tails too much and that leads to chatter from soft skis which makes the skier lose confidence and feel out of control, so go with a stiffer ski

I read that you didn't want a brand recommendation and I usually don't like to make them because everyone has a different opinion of what makes them feel confortable but you really should try to demo a pair of volkl AC30 @177cm I have a feeling that they might just be what you are looking for

Answer 4

ok you like groomers hugh?

you are going to want a stiff ski to go fast

long are going to be easyer to say up but less responsive

strait are going to be fast and the shaped help you turn more

for legnth you are going need to decide on responsive skis or fast skis. for short your are looking for something to go up to your nose,  for a long ski you want some thing up to your forehead

if you are going to do spins or ski backwords (i doubt it)  you are going to want twin tips

good luck