Factoring in your weight for proper ski size

[martyg]

In other words, a ski in the shorter length will feel easier now but won't support as much progress in the future.

Why?

 

[slowrider]

I have a very short ski for my size. It is great for training & drills. It can be tedious in deep wet Oregon snow.

 

[cantunamunch]

Why?

Because skis are bad at interpreting human intent.

High steerability by intentional user twisting inputs at mostly-random edge pressures and edge angles also means high deflectability from snow inputs at intentional edge pressures and angles.

 

[martyg]

Because skis are bad at interpreting human intent.

High steerability by intentional user twisting inputs at mostly-random edge pressures and edge angles also means high deflectability from snow inputs at intentional edge pressures and angles.

A shorter ski also provides more positive edge engagement.

One of my favorite awareness activities with intermediate skiers is to walk into the rental shop where everyone gets 110cm skis with a 9 meter turning radius. The transition back to their regular skis follows a certain protocol. After a time on short skis their awareness of edge engagement is hypersensitive. If they just jump in their regular skis it is a train wreck.

 

[cantunamunch]

A shorter ski also provides more positive edge engagement.

The problem is that positive edge engagement isn't necessarily usable by the skier
(and Snowblades on ice prove it),
that positive edge engagement isn't necessarily supportable by the torsional characteristic of the ski
(and over-weighted beginner skis on ice prove it),
and isn't necessarily supportable by the longitudinal flex of the ski
(and beginner skis being flapped around by cut-up and junk snow or frozen ruts or coral reef demonstrate it).

 

[François Pugh]

Shorter less stout skis are easier to over power and push around to get them where you want them despite you doing things wrong. This makes it seem easier to ski them, but it also makes it harder to learn how to do the right things to get them to do what you want them to do (turn you).