Question about ski length

[chitownski]

I'm about to purchase the K2 Burnin Luvs, and I'm curious about the best length. I'm 5'7 and 145 lbs, ski mostly groomers out West (blue/black) - I've skied on 160s in the past, but I'm being told to go with 153s for this ski. Thoughts?

 

[SnowHot]

I would recomend the 167cm.
I am close to your size and have the burnin luvs in 167.

Is there a reason they are saying to go so short?

What are you skiing on right now?

 

[chitownski]

I like short, quick turns (if the choice is slalom v. GS, I'll always go slalom) - and the guy I was talking to says the shorter length will be more fun for that type of turn, and to err on the side of shorter. I had been skiing on an older pair of straight Rossis, but they were 175s. Like I said, I demo'd a pair a couple years ago in the 160 range, which seemed fine, which is why I'm not sure about going down to the 153.

 

[SnowHot]

I think you would overpower the Burnin Luv in the 153cm. The only ski that should be skied that short for you would be a true slalom ski. My experience says, you will be better off with a ski in the 160 range, minimum. You will still be able to get a short "turn radius" (under 14 Meters) and still have a ski that will ski well at speed.

 

[chitownski]

You're definitely confirming my gut reaction on this - the 153s looked like the skis I was on when I was 12.

Luckily, I hadn't made a final decision, so I think I'm going with the 160s.

Thanks!

 

[mkhouse]

I agree, in my experience I think you'd overpower the 153's too. I'm in your same size / weight range, and have a pair of K2 Phat Luvs that I love in 167. The important thing is the turn radius -- what is the turn radius of the 153's vs the 160's?

I just checked turn radius for those online, the turn radius of the 160 is 13m. I can't find specifics of the turn radius for the 153, but for an all mountain ski and your height and weight 160 is probably as short as I'd recommend. It can get really tiring to spend the whole day making turns that length, and there will be occasions where you get into a situation where you're in deeper snow and really need some longer turns. If this was a 2nd pair of skis and you had some with a longer (16m - 17m) turn radius I might say go for the 153, but even then I think 13m is probably good.

Hope this helps.

 

[eng_ch]

I'm also roughly your height and weight and I would def go 160 with the Burning Luv - tested the 160 last year and it was spot on. In a Phat Luv I'd go to the 167, probably, for the extra surface area/float.

 

[trouble]

Agree, I demoed the 153 and 160 Burnin Luv at Copper last year. I almost wanted to demo the 167. If I were you, I'd look at the 160 or 167. Incidentally, I'm selling a pair of 154 (volkl) that I decided are too short for me (5'6", 120ish, offensive skier) so there's another bit of insight as to length. Of course, there's always a matter of personal preference to be factored in.
Is this going to be your only ski? You could do 160 for groomers and something longer and fatter for variable conditions. I'm looking at going up to 173 in a fat ski. Not to infer a quiver or anything...... ;)

 

[eng_ch]

I'm trying not to have my eye on a Scott Rosa in a 168... <whistles>

 

[chitownski]

It is going to be my only ski (for now - if I can find a way to ski more than a few times a season, I'll start looking for a longer powder ski). And yes, like I said, I really feel like I'm better off with the 160 vs. the 167, given my preference for slalom-like turns.

 

[SnowHot]

If you think you may want to attend the ESA social day at Stowe, I could let you try my burnin luvs in a 167cm:D
See the meet on the hill planning for details. Eng_ch, you may be able to fit in Fox's suitcase if you want to play with us.;)

 

[chitownski]

That'd be great, and I totally appreciate the offer, but I think I'm pretty much maxed out on my long-distance ski trips this year (I've got UT in December and Grand Targhee in January). Thanks though!

 

[eng_ch]

Eng_ch, you may be able to fit in Fox's suitcase if you want to play with us.;)

The mind boggles

 

[dburdenbates]

Wow! I feel like I must have jr. skis. Mine are 149. I'm 5'3 125lbs. Are they too short?

 

[eng_ch]

Sounds about right - at 5'6" my Fast Thangs are 155, and my iM72 156.

 

[ski diva]

I think you have to go with what feels right for you (so demo, demo, demo). That said, it's also related to height and weight. And there are other factors, too. In general, they say shorter skis are easier to turn at slower speeds and are better in the bumps. Longer skis are better for speed (they deal with vibration better), crud, and powder.

 

[dburdenbates]

I think you have to go with what feels right for you (so demo, demo, demo). That said, it's also related to height and weight. And there are other factors, too. In general, they say shorter skis are easier to turn at slower speeds and are better in the bumps. Longer skis are better for speed (they deal with vibration better), crud, and powder.

See, now this is the type of explanation I need. Why can't they explain it like this in the shop?

 

[ski diva]

I think you have to go with what feels right for you (so demo, demo, demo). That said, it's also related to height and weight. And there are other factors, too. In general, they say shorter skis are easier to turn at slower speeds and are better in the bumps. Longer skis are better for speed (they deal with vibration better), crud, and powder.

I should've added skill level to that, too. I think the more advanced your level, the longer your skis can be, too -- though you see a lot of really good skiers with short skis these days.

Mostly, I think, it's what feels right for the way you ski.

 

[tcarey]

chitownski,
I think the 153 is going to be too short-I am 5'4 145-150 and ski a 157 slalom ski.I think a 160 would be about right-the 167 maybe a tad long-Demo demo demo-some food for thought-when I took my L3 ski exam most of the examiners were on short slalom skis-I was glad I had mine that day!!

Good luck!
Terry

 

[ADKskier]

Definitely go for the 160 - no question. If you were skiing mainly tracked-out and ungroomed, I would suggest trying the 167 (and probably the Lotta Luv). But for groomers - 160 Burnin' is perfect. You will be very happy with them!