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Are long skis better?

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drumbumocdp
Posts: 3229 - Karma: 1,098
i ride on skis that are dreadfully too short. im 6-1 and 165 lbs. im on a pair of 168 trouble makers and im getting new boards cuz dynastar cant make a solid rail ski. my friend who is about the same size got 184s this year and i feel like those would be way too big. im looking at 181 2008 atomic punx.
      ive noticed that a lot of people are riding on big skis, do you guys think i will be set with that much of a bigger ski?
Dec 29 2008 8:52AM
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jibbnor
Posts: 56 - Karma: 10
for park, i use skis the same height as myself. much more stability.
Dec 29 2008 9:04AM
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zues
Posts: 6434 - Karma: -5,330
Roger that, for park you want longer skis, at least in my opinion.  I'm 5'9 and have 178's .   They help you with balance.  I can't imagine skiing anything shorter.  But it all comes down to personal preference.  If you have been riding 168's for a while you might find longer skis a bit annoying.  Try them out at least and see how you feel.
Dec 29 2008 9:28AM
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7-11_Slurpee
Posts: 1142 - Karma: 1,552
im 5' 8" and im looking at 181's. Perhaps demo some skis at different lengths and see how you like them.
Dec 29 2008 9:28AM
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niklasturku
Posts: 135 - Karma: 475
Word, me 2
Dec 29 2008 10:12AM
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K.C.dia
Posts: 670 - Karma: 275
If you can, i'd say try to go demo skis first. That way you can get a feel for different sizes, before you jump right into something your not ready for. But, in my opinion, yes longer skis are better. I just like 'em.
Dec 29 2008 10:20AM
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pianoman
Posts: 2503 - Karma: 779
tech rail tricks (i.e. forced spins etc) are way easier on shorter skis but longer skis are more stable and thus better for big jumps and make any kind of landings smoother IMO. it's all personal preference. i've had to use other skis lately because mine aren't mounted yet, and it's much nicer not to have really short skis because they can't handle the weight (i'm a dense guy) and they become noodly for me, but the really long ones that i'm riding right now (180 cm for 5'7''ish) are working okay, kinda awkward handling but super stable for riding switch and landing in general. but i've found that it can be frustrating trying to do rail tricks, which is the type of stuff i do in park, because they are harder to control. however, since you said you wanted a solid rail ski i wouldn't go toooo long if at all. it's up to you, that's why i'm telling you both sides, sorry if it's too much of a mixed message.
Dec 29 2008 10:37AM
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WeK
Posts: 1894 - Karma: 11
i'd go with long. i had a 05/06 troublemaker in 165 and im fairly certain my 181scratch fs wrs weigh less than the 165TM if weight is a concern. plus if you mount center 180 feels much shorter
Dec 29 2008 12:50PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
I'm 5'8" and ride 189s. Long skis are the way to go!
Dec 29 2008 3:11PM
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zues
Posts: 6434 - Karma: -5,330
holy balls!!!
that is BIG
Dec 29 2008 3:24PM
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,014
bahaha i am 6 foot and ride 178s
Dec 29 2008 3:27PM
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notomatoplz
Posts: 1377 - Karma: 29
do you race people in the park?
Dec 29 2008 3:30PM
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jason...
Posts: 9006 - Karma: 780
From personal experience I will say yes long skis are far better. Last season I was 5'1 and rode 151 invaders all season. It was fine but really not that stable. This season I am about 5'3 and I ski on 173 punx. So much more stable.
Dec 29 2008 3:33PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
hells yeah! When they're off wasting their time hitting jumps I'm zooming by in full tuck winning!
Dec 29 2008 3:34PM
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DirtyMick
Posts: 1496 - Karma: 21
Yes.
Dec 29 2008 3:43PM
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Elg
Posts: 2998 - Karma: 3,880
i'm 6'1 and just bought some 189's.
Dec 29 2008 3:43PM
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Rinoski
Posts: 6 - Karma: 16
My skis are 158 volkl ledge me and i'm 151 i like it for rails and stuff somethimes i find it pretty anoying for spinning on kickers then they are not coming good with my body
"sorry for my bad english"
Dec 29 2008 3:56PM
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ilikeplants
Posts: 1868 - Karma: 17
I'm 5'10 and I ski a pair of 179s and 191 ANTs, 184 would not be too big at all.
Dec 29 2008 4:12PM
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hype
Posts: 1440 - Karma: 21
dude on NS its always longer skis make you cooler, duh! i'm gonna pull out my 210's again and be the coolest kid on the hill
Dec 29 2008 5:17PM
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Wis_Skier_23
Posts: 2263 - Karma: 245
wow I am 6'2-6'3" ish and i ski 176's in the park
Dec 29 2008 5:25PM
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3ski6guy0
Posts: 9201 - Karma: 132
its hard to size up skis without seeing you but as for me i like my park skis to be between my nose and forehead and then my fat skis about my height or a little higher
Dec 29 2008 6:14PM
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titsLOL
Posts: 7485 - Karma: 396
I'm 6'1 and just started using a 183, usually use around 180 and anything around there is fine. 175-180 is super fun and playful, easy to do tricks on and 180-185 is nice and stable. Would never want to go over 185 on rails though it would just be inconvenient.
Dec 29 2008 6:35PM
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Roy
Posts: 1982 - Karma: 1,240
Yes. I'm 5'10" and rock 178's,181's and 185's
Dec 29 2008 6:59PM
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T-Time
Posts: 231 - Karma: 11
6'1" 185s
buy longer
Dec 29 2008 8:18PM
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scratchskier321
Posts: 2571 - Karma: 1,313
6'
181 cm

I used to ride 166's, and i've rode my new skis theses last two days. It depends where you mount them. Mine are -1.5. It just takes a little getting used too, it makes riding switch so much better. Longer is better.
Dec 29 2008 8:24PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
i think it depends a lot on your style of riding. i perform best on skis that are just a few cm over my head, even though i can ride well on both longer and shorter skis. i know people who ride skis that are much taller than themselves, or much shorter than themselves, and it seems to work fine for them. you just need to figure out what you want in a ski, and what you can do with it, rather than what it can do with you.
Dec 29 2008 8:24PM
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Pwn.Mode
Posts: 1061 - Karma: 10
yep. im 5 9 and i rock 181's and armadas are sized big.
Dec 30 2008 4:20AM
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jayhood
Posts: 144 - Karma: 11
I would try some different lengths out, but for me I find a long ski much better. Landings, jumps, stability and also speed, but it is for sure a personal choice
Dec 30 2008 4:27AM
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ski-plastic
Posts: 311 - Karma: 64
Youre kiddin right?! Im 6'3'' - 6'4'' and i find 181s too short!
Petition to ski companies to start making longer skis for the big guys!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec 30 2008 7:14AM
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laurence^
Posts: 1575 - Karma: 19
 What kind of answer are you expecting to get from people on the internet who each probably ride different skis and ski differently. Figure it out yourself man. You're 6foot1, try riding something that's at the right height for you. Honestly you will adapt to any size ski, unless you buy another 168(too small for you).
Dec 30 2008 8:19AM
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WIfreeskier
Posts: 8125 - Karma: 65
189s everywhere.  go long
Dec 30 2008 8:54AM
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grifter
Posts: 933 - Karma: 102
yea, same, I'm 6'1" and on 178 PEs, pretty decent size for just about everything, longer skis give you better park stability and more Surface for powder float. Although i find 'em harder to spin fast.
Dec 30 2008 11:47AM
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pianoman
Posts: 2503 - Karma: 779
to quote her
Dec 30 2008 7:23PM
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richards
Posts: 2177 - Karma: 11
6 foot 186s.
Dec 30 2008 7:54PM
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16candles
Posts: 1728 - Karma: 516
6' and i use 171 for park
Dec 30 2008 7:57PM
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Chrris
Posts: 568 - Karma: 211
im 5'10 and 160 and im riding 161's :S they feel so nice on rails i dont hit jumps as much as rails but i do love to ride pipe and jumps. what would be a solid size for everything cause i dont want my skis to be akward hitting rails
Dec 30 2008 11:11PM
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Keyjibbs
Posts: 1542 - Karma: 96
I'm 5 10 and ride a 183cm for my park ski and a 180 for urban. Longer is the way to go for sure.
Dec 30 2008 11:43PM
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=nick=
Posts: 10471 - Karma: 2,182
wow a lot of you guys ride really short skis. im 5'7 riding 179 for park and pow
Dec 31 2008 12:00AM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
are long dicks better for fucking bitches?

the answer is the same to both question my friend

and to weigh in. im 6'2" and on 182s for park. id be on like 185s but they dont make foils in anything longer than that
Dec 31 2008 2:09AM
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Thenowhereman42
Posts: 5682 - Karma: 65
181 should be perfect for you, I'm 6'2 and have 181's and they are almost perfect maybe just barely too short.  But yeah as stated above 181 is as big as they go.  Apparently the volkl 185's actually measure 181 as well so whatever.
Dec 31 2008 3:47AM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,273
i'm 5'11 and my shortest ski is a 182...
Dec 31 2008 10:02AM
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grifter
Posts: 933 - Karma: 102
it's weird reading this, so many European kids ride on super short skis, we're talking twin tips which are basically elongated snow blades... seriously bad for anything but spinning on tiny piste kickers, I'd love to see any of them hit BC, in Euro parks there will probably only be a handful of people riding 170+
Dec 31 2008 10:52AM
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eurotune2
Posts: 1450 - Karma: 10
each season i seem to get longer and longer skis.... i have leveled off with a 184 and i am 511

if you are not a strong skier long skis will be harder to ski but once you progress you will be glad you went for the extra length... they are faster too
Dec 31 2008 11:09AM
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grifter
Posts: 933 - Karma: 102
. Man speaks the truth .
Dec 31 2008 11:17AM
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Thomson.
Posts: 4634 - Karma: 227
5'11" on 181s, perfection.
Dec 31 2008 11:47AM
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Chrris
Posts: 568 - Karma: 211
is it like better to learn on shorter skis?
Jan 5 2009 3:11PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
It is definitely easier, but I wouldn't say better. When I was 5'4" I was riding first year 179cm Made'N AKs. I think riding skis on the bigger side at first is better for you, because it teaches you to overcome that extra weight and rely more on your core strength to make any movements. Short skis are just easier to spin on, and aren't nearly as stable.
In short, small skis are for little girls and park rats.
Jan 5 2009 3:20PM
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MangoSteeze
Posts: 793 - Karma: 48
im on 171 invaders and im  6'2 shorter skis are more fun
Jan 5 2009 5:16PM
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WIfreeskier
Posts: 8125 - Karma: 65
hah.  ummmmmm where do you live/ski?
Jan 5 2009 11:54PM
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jag09
Posts: 26 - Karma: 11
not to thread jack, but what size would you reccommend for someone just getting into park. 5'9 125/130lbs?
Jan 6 2009 8:21AM
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A.R.
Posts: 1111 - Karma: 11

im 6'4" and im on 181 t-halls. and i wouldent mind going bigger for my next pair.

i went from 169 to 181 this season, and i would like to go closer to 190 or longer with my next pair of skis

Jan 6 2009 9:05AM
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