What size skis should I buy?

@dynaweb (168)
United States
January 31, 2008 5:34pm CST
I am a beginner skier and will be doing green and blue runs (groomers). I am 5' 9" and 190 pounds. What size skis should I buy? Thanks for the help.
1 person likes this
4 responses
brianhanson37
@brianhanson37 (120)
• United States
25 May 08
I'm about 3 inches taller than you, and about 30 pounds lighter and I use 170's. I found those turn quicker and smoother than shorter skis on groomers. Another thing to consider is the stiffness of the ski, I've never bought skis online so I wouldn't know if they tell you but in stores I go for stiffer skis for my groomer skis becuase in the MidWest we can get icy sometimes and stiff+icy=easier carving.
dynaweb
@dynaweb (168)
• United States
25 May 08
Yes, I agree. The harder the snowpack, the stiffer the ski. Also, the more shaped the ski the shorter. So if you have straighter side-cut, you might go with a longer size.
Crestview
@Crestview (236)
• United States
20 Oct 09
I think it depends on your ability and the terrain. Long and short skiis each have their own advantages and disadvantages. I am 5'8" and 150lbs. I used to ski 193, then 188, now I have a pair of 183's and 178's. I find it when my skiis get too short, they get a little unstable on ruts, but they are quicker on turns. So get the longest skiis that you can handle and can have fun with.
nazeglaze
@nazeglaze (8)
• United States
17 Jun 08
im an expirenced skier and ur skis should be between ur chin and ur eyebrows hope that helps any ?s just ask me
lazarjrmc
@lazarjrmc (1)
• Serbia And Montenegro
5 Nov 09
I've just bought skis which are the same size as me. Is that good? Please, answer me on lazar.jeremici@gmail.com! Thank you!
flurbl
@flurbl (60)
• United States
5 Apr 08
Considering you aren't going to do glades and ungroomed trails, you could probably opt for a shorter ski which would help you improve turning and control. I'm 5'10" and I opt for a range around 161, however some people prefer longer skis for carving (I stay mostly in glades and the park so I opt for a little shorter). The people at a local ski shop or ski mountain will probably be able to tell you an exact number based on your preferences.
dynaweb
@dynaweb (168)
• United States
5 Apr 08
Thanks for your response flurbl. Not too far off from what the ski sizing calculator here recommends http://www.frostyrider.com/tips/size-guide-skis.htm I like to do a bit of soft stuff and freeriding more than park.
1 person likes this
maurioniss
@maurioniss (1)
• Slovenia
27 Nov 09
you can use ski size calculator on: http://www.ski-calculator.com