Official ski length discussion

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steezerampage

Active member
I have always assumed expert skiers that are hitting XL features are skiing longer skis for stability (180cm-185cm) unless it's a kid who's still got some growing to do and is ahead of the game. Talking with some guys who compete and ski in the realm of doing triples I recently learned of a dude who is 179 cm tall, skis 176 skis, and has recently been skiing 171 skis.

I know it's mostly personal preference but after thinking about it:

-A shorter ski is easier to butter, no doubt it is easier to get your weight over the tip of a 170 cm ski than a 180

- A shorter ski will be quicker to get around when doing tricks on rails and feel more nimble

- If skiers are using shorter skis for the largest of features, certainly I don't need a longer ski for hitting typical features in public parks.

So with my preference in brand offering 176 and 182 park skis with slight rocker I'm thinking about down sizing to 176.

I'm 180 cm tall btw

What are your thoughts on ski length?
 
topic:steezerampage said:
-A shorter ski is easier to butter, no doubt it is easier to get your weight over the tip of a 170 cm ski than a 180
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Eh, this could be debated. With more ski in front of you, and having knowledge of how to butter, having a longer ski would let you lean over more before maxing out and going over the handle bars. I'd say a shorter ski would help with learning them, but if you know somewhat of what you're doing, a longer ski would be more beneficial.

topic:steezerampage said:
- A shorter ski will be quicker to get around when doing tricks on rails and feel more nimble
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True. Very true.

topic:steezerampage said:
- If skiers are using shorter skis for the largest of features, certainly I don't need a longer ski for hitting typical features in public parks.
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These are also highly professional skiers who take the downside of a shorter ski (less stability) in favor of a ski that is easier to whip around (for throwing huge doubles / triples).

topic:steezerampage said:
So with my preference in brand offering 176 and 182 park skis with slight rocker I'm thinking about down sizing to 176.

I'm 180 cm tall btw

What are your thoughts on ski length?
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Either length will work for you. I'd choose depending on if you want something that will be more stable on the jumps (182) or more nimble on the rails (176). In the end, it's either +2 cm or -4 cm from you, which isn't that much to begin with.
 
Wouldn't a shorter fully cambered stiffer comp ski be more stable than a longer rockered jib noodle? It's not all about length, I think it also depends of the geometry of the ski.
 
13840668:BrawnTrends said:
Wouldn't a shorter fully cambered stiffer comp ski be more stable than a longer rockered jib noodle? It's not all about length, I think it also depends of the geometry of the ski.
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No doubt, but not all park skis with early rise or rocker in them are noodles. I think the largest park ski segment right now is midflex with slight rise or rocker. Skis like the Candide 1.0 and the new Atomic punx I would put on the stiff side with rocker.
 
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