I need some new skis. So I decided to do some research to find out how to go about it, i.e. choose some new skis. The last pair of skis I had were some K2 Recons, 184 cms long and about 80 cms wide at the waist. I think they may have been the right length for me but seemed a bit dead without a lot of spring in them.
Before that, I had (and still have) a pair of 175 cm Salomon Scrambler 6’s. They are more of a carving ski and went really good on piste. They are probably just about right for Australia which does not get a lot of powder snow. With my height and weight, I reckon a 175 is the correct length for me, then add another 5 cm for handling off-piste and powder and I am thinking that 180 cm is probably a good length ski for me.
As for waist width, I think 90 cms is about the correct size for me. A ski with a 90 centimeters waist should give me enough phatness to float me in powder and be able to ski them on the pistes or to get down a mogul field if I get stuck above one. I hate skiing bumps – for me, they are just annoying.
The other important factor for me to consider is my skill level. I think I am an advanced intermediate to advanced skier. But really I have no true idea of my skill level and I do not know how one ascertains this.
So, to start off I had a look at the ski.com ski chooser tool. I looked up my weight and height, then chose what I want to ski – 75% off-piste and 25% on-piste. Also, I want to go skiing in either Japan or the USA, which have a greater potential for off-piste and powder skiing. If I was choosing a pair of skis for Australian skiing, I would probably go for a length of 175 cms and a waist of about 80 cms. And something that had a decent amount of spring or responsiveness in it.
So, the skis that popped up out of the ski choice tool were:
1. Rossignol S2 Howell Twin Tip
At 180cms, they are 122/92/115 with a radius of 22.6. The Rossignol S2 has a versatile light core which is made from poplar and fibreglass laminates which gives the skier easy handling and responsiveness. They are 50/50 Piste and powder. They are mainly designed for use in the park as well. They have softer flexing tips and tails and a stiffer mid-section.
2. Line Prophet Flite
The Line Prophet Flite is a great powder and groomer ski and is the twin brother to the Prophet 90 but much lighter and livelier. They have a lot of flex and carve smoothly. They are ideal for an intermediate skier moving up to an advanced skiing level.
At 179 cms length, the specifications are 125/90/113 with a weight of 2.128 kg.
3. Line Prophet 90
The Line Prophet 90 is an all-mountain ski that can ski anything. It handles well in varying conditions. They are versatile and are great value. With a 90 cm waist it will still float well in the powder.
At 179 cm length, the specs are 125/90/113 with a weight of 2.128 kg.