Short or Long Skis?

Question

I am going to get some skis this year and i am on a budget, i want to hear wat u think on wether i should get the regular length used skis, or those new short skis, new, what r the pros and cons of each one, thanks

Answer 1

The regular length skis are usually not made for jumping, although you can jump on them. The short skis (snowblades) are made for jumping. I would recommend getting some regular skis if its your first pair, or if you prefer carving rather than jumping. If you prefer jumping, get some twin tips or snowblades. Twin tips are regular length skis which have both ends curved up so you can go backwards on them. They are made for jumping

Answer 2

Ski length is determined by a couple different factors, the first of which being your weight (a ski doesn't know how tall you are). Second is your ability. Better skiers want longer skis as they will generally be going faster and longer skis are more stable. Shorter skis are easier to turn, which is why they are preferred by beginners. The third factor is what type of terrain you are going to ski on mostly. For groomed and hard packed conditions this isn't really a factor but if you are going to ski in mostly soft snow and powder you want to get a little bit longer ski as it will have more surface area (the more surface area a ski has the less it sinks in the soft snow). The last factor you want to take into consideration is what type of ski you are purchasing. Certain types of skis are naturally designed to be skied longer or shorter than others. Taking all these factors into consideration I would recommend around a 145cm length for you. 145cm is your "base" length based on your weight. Being an intermediate you make zero length adjustment for. As an intermediate I'll assume you spend most of your time on groomed trails, again you make not adjustment for. And finally you are going to want a more carving/all-mountain type ski to help you improve your technique which again you make no length adjustment for. The 145cm is a guide, not a rule as not every manufacture makes a 145cm length. For example in a K2 you would be a 146, a 144 in an Atomic, a 146 in a Rossignol, etc. Some recommendations for a couple models to check out would be: the Atomic Cloud 8 (very broad performance range), the K2 True Luv (very forgiving), or the Rossignol Attraxion 1 (great edge grip). All these skis will be a huge step up from rentals and will give you a ton more confidence to take your skiing to the next level.

Answer 3

The best place used skis is a ski swap at your local mountain. The condition of the skis vary, but there will definately be lots of high quality skis in great condition. You can find one year old skis that have only been ridden a handful of times for half the price of new.

There are also lots of experienced skiers around so they can help you find the right skis, depending on skill level, height/weight, and the type of skiing you'll be doing.

Answer 4

What "new, short skis?"

Ski blades? Those have been around for more than 10 years.

Buy regular, alpine skis. If you ever want, you can borrow or rent ski blades. They are fun in the short term, but get boring fast, because they can't do the things that a pair of alpine skis can do:

1. Go fast.
2. Handle all conditions, including ice.
3. etc.

Answer 5

Short Skis are better for shorter people; the taller and heavier you are, the longer your skis should be.

I'd opt for skis that are about as tall as I am, which I do when I ski. I don't live in the snow, but when I go skiing with my relatives, we always choose skis that are at least as tall as my shoulders; I've never had skis much shorter than that, and I'd venture to say that in this case longer skis are better.

The cons of longer skis, of course, would be the weight you have to carry around when you're not skiing, and the fact that if you're going to buy them, you'll have to tote them around when you travel.

Answer 6

talk to an expert at the mountain you are going to ski. They will suggest a ski and rent first. Try all the differet kind before buying. At Mammoth for instance, you can rent skiis for a day and swich brands 3 or 4 times during the day to try out.
The biggest thing are the boots! They need to fit like a sock, perfectly! I would suggest orthodics also. It makes all the differance in the world.
I race and have three pair of skis. One for Giant Slolum (long skis for speed) one short pair that are drastically perabolic (slolum racing) and another pair for cruising, powder, and overall skiing.
I would suggest a helmet also. All it takes is one fall to scramble your brains.
Have fun!

Answer 7

OK...first off what kind of skiing do you primarily do?

Longer=Faster (usually) so if you are planning to race then lond planks might be what you want. (however if you are going to get serious about racing then we need to have another conversation.)

Shorter=More manuverability. Also easier to throw tricks with. Usually lighter as well.

If you mean the REALLY shorts skis...you're talking about snowblades. They are fun and good for tree skiing, pipes and parks. I've used them for about 1/2 a day on big mountains and I get sick of them really fast.