water skiing

[gordv2006]

looking to buy a new slalom ski,im 40 now ,205lbs reasonable shape.use to be a pretty good slalom skier when in teens and early 20s.could ski the course.my old ski was a 64 inch double boot jobe professional. was 165lbs then.what length of ski should i be looking for now.havnt ski much since then.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: water skiing

70" ......

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: water skiing

As far as length goes that is a pretty personal thing with most skiers. I am almost 40 myself and ski quite a bit and still ski hard. I am still on a 67" but the growing trend seems to be longer is better. I know around here most of the good pro shops will let you demo skis for a very reasonable price might be worth looking into that way you could try a few different brands and lengths out and see what you like the best. That is what I did when I re upped two years ago. I have always liked Kidders so I tried a 70" It felt real stable but you could for sure feel a difference in how it handled in turns and speed. I ended up going with the 67" it just felt better. I am 6'3" 175 one thing I did do though was traded in the rear high wrap for a good open toe plate. Kind of hated to do it but figured my knees might thank me for it if I ate it real hard. I don't heal as fast as I used to plus I figured Andy Mapple one of the best to EVER strap on a ski always used an open toe rear so they can't be all that bad. I love it now and have never had an issue if I go down hard. Just my .02 worth

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: water skiing

A ski needs to be chosen according to your weight ....

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: water skiing

for those who can't make the conversion .....

40kg = 88 LBS
50kg = 110 lbs
60kg = 132 lbs
70kg = 154 lbs
80kg = 176 lbs
90kg = 198 lbs
100kg = 220 lbs

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: water skiing

I agree with weight as the main factor but there are other variables to keep in mind. what kind of skiing do you plan on doing? How fast do you like to be pulled? ( the faster you go the shorter you can go on ski length ) There are many pro's that are 200 lbs(90kg) that like 36mph and ski on a 67". I think if you go up 6" from what you were used to skiing on you will feel a BIG difference in how it handles especially in hard turns.. If however you just want to go for an occasional pull might want to look into a wider body ski. I don't ski on one but know a few who do, they say there much more forgiving on the body but still capable of pretty good performance. Like I mentioned see if you can find a pro shop who will demo you a few different skiis. For the price of a new ski these days I would want to be SURE it is the one I want...

 

[gordv2006]

Re: water skiing

thanks for the info im heading down to my local ski shop today