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Not sure on ski length... help?

post #1 of 27
7/26/12 at 11:31am
Thread Starter 

Alright, so I was thinking about getting a new pair of skis for this upcoming winter. Specifically, I was looking at the 2012 K2 Press skis. The only problem is... I don't know what length to go with. I weigh 145 pounds and I'm 5'10"/177.8cm tall. The two lengths that I was thinking about were 169 and 179 (the ski comes in 149, 159, 169, 179). Also, the skis have jib rocker(0 camber with tip and tail rockered), so I figured that would shorten them up. But by how much?

Any insight would be appreciated. :)

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post #2 of 27
7/26/12 at 12:13pm

Firstly welcome to Epic Ski.

 

Either the 169 or 179 would work, the question really comes down to what type of skier are you and what type of skiing are you doing. If you are an advanced skier the 179 should be a good fit. The extra length will be a bit of a challenge to maneuver considering how light you are. If you are an intermediate (and don't feel that I am defining intermediate as what the designations on the trails you ski are, but rather your comfort level with varying conditions and terrain) the 169 may be a better fit. 

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post #3 of 27
7/26/12 at 12:35pm
Thread Starter 

I actually just picked up skiing last year haha. I'm pretty comfortable on most easy and intermediate runs, and I was also just getting into the park. Mainly just doing small kickers though. :p But from what you say, I'm leaning more towards the 169 now. I can ski pretty well on groomers and even some hard stuff, at a relatively fast speed.

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post #4 of 27
7/26/12 at 12:53pm

I would concur that the 169 is probably the better option for you then. 

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post #5 of 27
7/26/12 at 1:05pm
Thread Starter 

Gotcha. Thanks a lot for the help! 

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post #6 of 27
7/26/12 at 1:25pm

169 if you like tight trees and park...179 if you will be in deeper snow or like to rip down groomers.  either would probably be fine for you, but based on your height/weight and experience i would personally recommend the 169.  hope that helps.

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post #7 of 27
7/26/12 at 1:34pm
Thread Starter 

Yeah, it helps. Thanks! 
So glad I found this forum, plenty of helpful people.

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post #8 of 27
7/26/12 at 2:16pm

169 with a twintip is going to ski pretty darn short.  On the other hand 179 may be a bit long for you.  Unless you're dead-set on this ski, you might look for some other options that have lengths somewhere between the two.

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post #9 of 27
7/26/12 at 5:34pm
Thread Starter 

That was definitely one of the things I was wondering about. I currently ski on 180s (not twins, though) and they seem to work fine. But, I'm kind of on a budget, and for my price range, these seem to be the best choice.

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post #10 of 27
7/27/12 at 5:49am

Out of curiosity, if you already own a pair of skis, what type of boots are you using. You may want to take the time to read through some helpful posts on ski boots on here. As much as its an oxymoron boots have way more impact on your skiing than your actual skis. Also try checking out this EpicSki article with tips for beginning skiers. 

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post #11 of 27
7/27/12 at 6:20am

are we talking k2 only?  K2's run long long as they measure differently. You would probably be fine with the 169's more importantly ^ how are your boots? spend the money there first icon14.gif

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post #12 of 27
7/27/12 at 7:55am
Thread Starter 

I actually planned on getting new boots closer to the season, a friend of mine that works at a local resort was gonna help me pick out a nice pair. I thought about buying online, but it's a little more difficult to do with boots. But currently, I'm using some old school Nordicas. Hand-me-downs and what not(same deal with my current skis).

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post #13 of 27
7/27/12 at 9:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schoomphian View Post

I actually planned on getting new boots closer to the season, a friend of mine that works at a local resort was gonna help me pick out a nice pair. I thought about buying online, but it's a little more difficult to do with boots. But currently, I'm using some old school Nordicas. Hand-me-downs and what not(same deal with my current skis).

Don`t neglect you boot purchase, if your friend do not work on a ski shop and can`t do a proper boot fitting, the only way he can help you is recommending a good ski shop where you can have someone to work with you and find the boot that will work for you. 

 

You are right about staying away from buying boots online!

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post #14 of 27
7/27/12 at 9:36am

I would say go for the 179's, you'll be happy later on with the extra length and stability it will provide. Also, as you mentioned, they have K2's jib rocker, so with the tip and tail rocker they will ski shorter on hard snow, but you'll have the extra length in softer snow.

 

Oh and as mfa81 said, don't neglect your boot purchase. It's hard to explain in words how important a proper, well-fitting boot really is. That's not saying you need to spend huge bucks on them, but make sure you try on as many as you can in your price range, then if needed get some work done to them so they fit as good as you can get them too.

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post #15 of 27
7/27/12 at 12:41pm
Thread Starter 

I'll keep that in mind when I finally go to get them, definitely can't hurt to try them all on. As for my friend, he's been with the resort for few years now, so I trust he'll do a good and thorough job with the fitting. 

 

Another question about the skis, though. Just out of curiosity, how much length do you think the jib rocker would take off? In terms of the area of the ski that touches the snow, of course.

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post #16 of 27
7/27/12 at 12:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schoomphian View Post

I'll keep that in mind when I finally go to get them, definitely can't hurt to try them all on. As for my friend, he's been with the resort for few years now, so I trust he'll do a good and thorough job with the fitting. 

 

Another question about the skis, though. Just out of curiosity, how much length do you think the jib rocker would take off? In terms of the area of the ski that touches the snow, of course.

 

Just because he worked at the resort for a while doesn't mean he will be a good fitter. I had a guy in the local area who has owned a ski shop for 3 decades and did a horrible job fitting my boots. It was so bad they bought them back from me at close to what they were going to resell them and gave me a good deal on a new pair. 

 

What area do you live in? We have several good boot fitters that post here, and others that don't post here but I'm sure someone can refer you to a good one in your area. Just remember, every movement you (try to) put into the ski has to go through the boot. If the boot doesn't fit well it won't matter what type of skis you have because your efforts at skiing won't be translated to the skis. 

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post #17 of 27
7/27/12 at 12:52pm
Thread Starter 

Are there certain forums on here that I could check specifically for that?

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post #18 of 27
7/27/12 at 12:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schoomphian View Post

Are there certain forums on here that I could check specifically for that?

 

http://www.epicski.com/a/boot-fitters-on-epicski

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post #19 of 27
7/27/12 at 1:09pm
Thread Starter 

Thank ya. Sadly, none that are within a few hours or more. :/ There are two resorts that I know of within half an hour, I suppose I'll have to try those when the time comes.

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post #20 of 27
7/27/12 at 1:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schoomphian View Post

Thank ya. Sadly, none that are within a few hours or more. :/ There are two resorts that I know of within half an hour, I suppose I'll have to try those when the time comes.

 

Which resorts, if it's not too nosy?

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post #21 of 27
7/27/12 at 1:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schoomphian View Post

Are there certain forums on here that I could check specifically for that?

 

This would be an actual forum where you could find some information:

 

http://www.epicski.com/f/73/ask-the-boot-guys

 

or in this forum here about ski gear. 

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post #22 of 27
7/27/12 at 1:21pm
Thread Starter 

To Cantuna, the resorts are Bittersweet and Timber Ridge

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post #23 of 27
7/27/12 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you though, I'll have to check out the forum and see if I can't find anything

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post #24 of 27
7/27/12 at 1:27pm

I believe Trekchick used to call that part of Michigan home, maybe she can advise you on a good boot fitter? Any suggestions Tricia?

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post #25 of 27
7/27/12 at 4:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schoomphian View Post

Another question about the skis, though. Just out of curiosity, how much length do you think the jib rocker would take off? In terms of the area of the ski that touches the snow, of course.

 

 

About 15-20cm less contact when running flat or on hard snow.

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post #26 of 27
7/27/12 at 6:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tylrwnzl View Post

I believe Trekchick used to call that part of Michigan home, maybe she can advise you on a good boot fitter? Any suggestions Tricia?

 

Oh, really? Small world. I'll send her a message and ask about it

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post #27 of 27
7/27/12 at 7:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Schoomphian View Post

I'll keep that in mind when I finally go to get them, definitely can't hurt to try them all on. As for my friend, he's been with the resort for few years now, so I trust he'll do a good and thorough job with the fitting. 

 

Another question about the skis, though. Just out of curiosity, how much length do you think the jib rocker would take off? In terms of the area of the ski that touches the snow, of course.

Hi Schoomphian.  I see you've been greeted by some fine Bears here.  

I lived in Michigan until a couple years ago and have had some great experiences with my Michigan Boot Fitter, Jim Riely at Crystal Mountain.  However, I'm sure that I heard that there are a few good ones in your area.  If you're up to a trip to Chicago, you may go see JDoyal, on of the EpicSki Boot guys.  

 

I'll poke bumpfreaq and see if he has a recommendation for you that's closer to home. 

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