ski length vs technology

Question
QUESTION: Hi Lisa,

I've been offered a great deal on some K2 Burnin Luvs - some 07/08 160s and some 08/09 156s. I've done a lot of research into the Burnin Luvs and think they would suit the conditions I ski in (variable, often icy), however I don't know whether to go for the later 09s with the most up-to-date technology, or the 08s that might (or might not?) be a better length for me.

I weigh 132lb/60kg, am 174/5'8.5" tall, a very competent intermediate skier wanting to progress quickly, fairly athletic - not too sedate when I ski.

What would you recommend? Would that length make a huge amount of difference either way?

Thanks for your help,
Kath

ANSWER: Hi Kath & thanks for the question.

Buying skis can be a confusing matter - especially when you have choice.

Skis season to season dont generally vary much - if they do they usually rename them &/or change the core.
Most people dont know if they prefer a wood or foam core.

Wood is better for faster speeds as it can dampen the vibrations however it can also be a little heavier. Foam makes a lighter ski = easier to turn. But wood can be "snappier" in turns. Sorry, but its never easy.

You want a ski that is chin-eye height - depending on the weight of the ski and its responsiveness. 4cm in length, you wont notice unless they are too stiff or too soft. Iv written much about choosing skis over the previous few months, have a look through it to get some ideas.

Basically you will need to check the ski flex. Hold the tip in non-dominant hand, push between the binding with your dominant hand. Does the ski spring back?
It will be easy to turn and will like to turn.
Is it 'too easy' to bend?
It may be too light for you - try a firmer ski. Better still play with a few skis so you get a feel for them & to better understand what im trying to explain.
Does it shudder whe you let it go? If it does it could be too soft for you. You may be able to mount a dampener/riser on it to assist with that if the ski is a very good price. Otherwise try a few others [again].

If you like lots of turns and working your ski then choose a moderate flex [to reduse the death wobble at higher speeds] & a ski that likes to turn - that will be in the side-cut check the manufacturers info.

Icy conditions you dont want a ski too soft as it wont hold. But also you dont want a ski too wide either.

One last thing - do they have bindings on them or do they come with them? Check the DIN range to ensure it is appropriate for you. Wrong bindings on a ski and you will pay the price [in medical bills].

Did i cover everything? If not, please ask

lisa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Lisa,

Thanks for such a quick response!

Both of these skis fall between the chin to eye height, and I take in what you say about 4cm not being significant unless they're too stiff or soft.

I would be saving myself $160 if I go with the '07/08s, however the major change that they have made to the ski for the 08/09s(that I forgot to mention) is that they've added new sidewall construction (vs cap for the earlier model). Is that worth the extra money? (The only other change apart from graphics appears to be a slight dimension increase:
115/68/99 to 117-70-101).

Thanks again for your help,
Kath

Answer
Hi,
the sidewall was introduced to give a ski more stability in torsion control - the twist a ski can endure. The twist is a result of the build up in forces when the ski is in a turn.

If you try and twist the skis [get a friend to help you by holding a tip/tail and try to twist the ski - like wringing a towel] you will notice the difference. You want better torsion control if you ski faster and turn with more pressure into a ski [either by technique or bodyweight]

Play with the skis - flex and twist them. Good general rule - if you have trouble doing it in the shop - you will have trouble on the snow too. Go with the one you find feels better. trust your gut instinct - and quite often more $$ wont buy you a better ski. Iv had some great skis that cost me half of what the rest of the ski school were on. But i always had fun skiing them & that counts more than the way they look.

The fatter ski wouldnt be as good if you always ski icy conditions. But under the circumstances - thats neither here nor there.
The 117-70-101 will have a bigger turning circle - not a preference if you like bumps and short turns. The 2cm difference would probably translate to maybe a foot in arc difference.

So from here all i can suggest you do is spend some time flexing and twisting the skis - as well as others on the shelf. You could also have a read of them in the ski mags [or online] to see what others have said about them. $160 saved on skis is also an extra weekend skiing too...just to add to the confusion.

I never enjoyed deciding which ski to buy. In the end i relyed on the guys int he shop and then just went and learnt to ski them [takes 2-3 runs] & i dont think i ever had a ski i didnt like. Like handbags and cars - each ski has quirks better than the last.

goodluck in choosing, but honestly i dont think either will treat you bad out there.

lisa