Surface Blanks

[ItsAustin]

Okay so I have decided I am going to buy surface blanks. But, before I click the buy button I just want to know if I should get the 170's or the 180's. I am advanced park skier and ski very aggressively. I am 16 years old and 5'8, so if I'm gonna dump $290 in to this I want something that's gonna last. I'm still growing and don't want to buy something I'm gonna ski for a year and then have them not fit me anymore. Also, if anyone else has surface blanks how do you like them?

 

[KravtZ]

180's...thats what I use. Love them. Would never want to go smaller and im a similar height as you. Do not go 170.

 

[NetherYew]

That really depends on what you're used to riding. The blanks are traditionally cambered, so you feel pretty much the entire edge. Rockered skis tend to feel a little shorter because less of the edge is in contact with the hard pack. At 5'8 a traditional cambered 180cm ski is going to be a lot of ski for you. That doesn't mean you can't do it, just keep this in mind.

 

[KravtZ]

That really depends on what you're used to riding. The blanks are traditionally cambered, so you feel pretty much the entire edge. Rockered skis tend to feel a little shorter because less of the edge is in contact with the hard pack. At 5'8 a traditional cambered 180cm ski is going to be a lot of ski for you. That doesn't mean you can't do it, just keep this in mind.

I rock 180's...the size below 170 is really just to small I think. I could never go back down to a 170 on twin tips again after riding the 180. If your a decent skier go up a size.

 

[NetherYew]

I rock 180's...the size below 170 is really just to small I think. I could never go back down to a 170 on twin tips again after riding the 180. If your a decent skier go up a size.

That's great that the 180's work for you, but It's all preference. You need your equipment to match how you ski. If you're hard charging, get longer skis. They will be more stable at high speeds, but you loose some of the maneuverability in the park that you would have with shorter skis. You can't have it all, and what you might gain from one thing takes from another area. It's a balancing act. The blanks are park skis, and if you're using them primarily in the park I'd recommend the 170's. If you plan on hauling ass get the 180's, but you WILL feel the whole length of the ski because of its shape.

 

[KravtZ]

That's great that the 180's work for you, but It's all preference. You need your equipment to match how you ski. If you're hard charging, get longer skis. They will be more stable at high speeds, but you loose some of the maneuverability in the park that you would have with shorter skis. You can't have it all, and what you might gain from one thing takes from another area. It's a balancing act. The blanks are park skis, and if you're using them primarily in the park I'd recommend the 170's. If you plan on hauling ass get the 180's, but you WILL feel the whole length of the ski because of its shape.

Not disagreeing with you man giving you my opinion.

But yea thats the way ski's rode for years and years...before rocker came onto the scene. Im an ex racer and love full camber. If you ski properly and charge hard the rocker should engage from tip to tail anyways if you have light rocker.

170 is an easy size to grow out of fast...especially on a ski your going to mount towards the center. Plus yea its a "park ski"...but geared much more towards all mtn riding than many many other twin tips out there becuase of how stiff they are

 

[K-Dot.]

I ride the Auburns at 175 and I'm 5'9. They're about the biggest I'll go for a park ski that's full cambered. They're long enough to stomp shit but not cumbersome in any way. They're also just about the lightest park ski I've ever touched. I've never ridden the blanks but if you ever find a deal on Auburns I highly recommend them.

If I were you, I'd go with the 170s, but I'm also not 16 and growing still. They're stiff and full cambered, you'll have plenty of effective edge. However, if you wanna haul ass, go with the 180s. They might just feel a little more unwieldy at first but you may grow into them so it's your call.

If you know you burn through park skis in one season, I'd say 170s. If you don't, maybe 180 is the way to go and you'll grow into them. Still, I would go with the 170s, that's just my opinion.