Size of skis

Question
QUESTION: Hey Ron,
I'm an intermediate-advanced skier that skis on mostly groomed/piste. I'm 6ft, 180lbs and have been using 178cm skis, however i'm in the process of buying skis, specifically Rossignol Bandit B1. i was wonderign if 168cm woudl be too small for me. I'm willing to give up some speed in order to gain tigher turns and more maneuverability. wonderign what your thoughts were on 168cm for someone my size. thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Ian,

For what you are describing, 168 sounds very much like the right size. What has led you to the B1 as your choice though? It is not a very good on trail ski (it's not a very good off trail ski either). There are several skis from Rossignol that will offer more dynamics, stability, and maneuverability.

Do you have other options you were considering?

Ron

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

QUESTION: Hey Ron,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I did a little research on the internet and the Bandit B1 sounded as though it'd be a good fit. From what i read it sounded as though it was a good trail ski for an intermediate skier and not very good off trail (which i'm not looking to do at this point). I'm open to other skis though. I have also looked into the K2 Ranger as well, but thought B1 was a better fit. What skis would you recommend?? thanks!

 Ian

Answer
Hi Ian,

Only you know your goals and experiences in skiing, so what you have read about the Bandit B1 may seem exactly right. You may be underestimating what you can do on an "expert" level ski. The B1 IS designed around intermediate skiers- the issue I have faced is that it is tough to get past "intermediacy" on. The design features that make it easy to ski also interfere with performance- it's shape and mounting point are more heel-centric; where higher performance skiing on-piste is better suited to a racing profile ski. Similarly, for ease of turn entry, the Bandit is soft, longitudinally and torsionally, and it lacks much internal dampening. This makes it feel responsive at slower speeds, and scary at higher ones. I'm just speaking to my own experiences on the ski, and with clients who arrive on it.

Are you looking at the current seasons models, or prior seasons? If you wish to stay with Rossignol, try the Z-9 oversize. Are you in the U.S.? Not all products have the same name, or availability in all countries. The Salomon X-Wing 10 is very quick edge to edge, and very skiable.

The Dynastar Contact 10 is very nice, a really easy ski to find the sweet spot on, and grow with. The Head iXRC 1200 has a loyal following, but I like their Supershape Magnum better.

I have found that the Fischer Progressor is by far "the" ski for 2008. It is versatile, powerful, a real "do-anything-on-the-trail" kind of ski.The RX Fire 8 or 6 may give you more blend than the Progressor.

The Nordica Speed Machine Mach 2 is a much better ski than the Bandit from my experience- clients really blossom on it, and you can find the past years model in many shops at great prices. The ski did not catch on until this season (I ski the Mach 3), but it is a real machine among toys.

Atomics' Metron 10 is also a good pick- whereas the B5's are a little wide underfoot.

I think these are all in the right direction. Anything that is about 70mm underfoot, 13-16 meter radius, with a "race" profile is going to serve well you on-piste. I realize that most of the models I am recommending are on the "higher performance" end of the spectrum- and you can look one down the line from each of these companies- but I can only reference what I've skied- I find that when companies step back from their top two or three models, that they step too far. Many high-performance skis are too extreme, one model down from the top is actually more skiable for experts (the high end being too limited in its scope), and two models down are the most versatile of the offering- enjoyable for a wide array of skiers- Yo will really find this to be the case with Nordica's Mach 3 Power, Mach 3, and Mach 2. I hope this helps you in your search.

Good luck!

Ron