The right size ski

Question
Hi Ron,
I am finally making the move to a parabolic ski.  I have been skiing a 190 K2 GS ski and I just tried the Atomic Highnoon.  What a blast!  In the old days, I always heard that beginners started on shorter skis and the more advanced skiers used longer skis.  Now I hear that the ski length should come up to between your nose and your eyebrows with no mention of skill level.  Does this type of ski need to be shorter than the skier?
Thanks,
Gary

Answer
Hi Gary,

You'll find that most adult men ski a 170-177 shaped ski these days. As you described, the  factor to consider is no longer length, but radius, and width under foot. For an advanced skier, you'll want to stay with high-end equipment, shaped skis can feel very unstable at speed if they do not have the torsional rigidity to hold the edge.

Since you have been skiing a traditional ski up to this point, and a GS ski at that, I'd suggest finding a ski that is about 175 cm, no more than 70mm underfoot (width adds float, but detracts from grip and quickness) preferably about 67, and around a 17 meter radius. You may find some great deals on last years modern GS skis, at 181 cm and 21 meter radius. They ski exceptionally well, and still retain some of the sensations of your former skis. The Nordica Dobermann is awesome, Elan makes a great GS ski, as does Fischer. The new minimum radius for World Cup GS is 27 meters so you may find a lot of new-old stock among high end shops closeout inventory. Call Colesport or Jans in Park City, Reliable Racing Supply in NY, or check out Ebay.

Good luck, let me know what else you try.

Ron