Best Skis of 2018 – Our favorite Skis of the year
To thoroughly enjoy your adventures on the slopes this winter, you’d need a great pair of skis. But sifting through the myriads of skis on the market isn’t always an easy thing. We know how confusing and frustrating that often gets, which is why we took it upon ourselves to do the hard work for you.
After a painstaking task of scouring the market and carefully examining the many top options available there, we produced this comprehensive compilation of the best skis of 2018 – a list that is designed to help save you a great deal of time when researching for the right pair of skis for men, women, and kids.
Contents
- The Best Skis and Ski Packages 2018
- The Best Skis Comparison Table
- 1. Rossignol Soul 7 HD Skis
- 2. Rossignol Experience Men’s 88 Open All-Mountain Skis
- 3. Volkl Kenja Women’s Skis
- 4. Nordica NRGY 90 Skis Black Men’s
- 5. Nordica Enforcer 93 Skis 2018
- 6. Völkl Kendo Skis Men’s
- 7. Atomic Vantage 90 CTI Skis
- 8. Blizzard Bonafide Skis Men’s
- 9. New Wildcat 95cm Jr Waxless Cross Country Backyard Ski Set w Poles Ages 4-8
- 10. 2018 K2 iKonic 84Ti Skis w/ MXC 12 Bindings
- Ski Buying Guide
The Best Skis and Ski Packages 2018
The Best Skis Comparison Table
See our comparison table below. You can find more details if you scroll down to our presentation of each one of these skis.
You will find the answer to why these are the best skis for men, women, and kids by reading our in-depth reviews of each one of them.
Picture | Product | Review | Where to Buy |
---|---|---|---|
Rossignol Soul 7 HD Skis with Konnect 12 Dual Bindings | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
Rossignol Experience 88 Open All Mountain Ski - Men's | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
Volkl Kenja Women's Skis | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
Nordica NRGY 90 Skis Black Mens | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
Nordica Enforcer 93 Skis 2018 | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
Volkl Kendo Skis Mens | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
Atomic Vantage 90 CTI Skis | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
Blizzard Bonafide Skis Mens | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
New Wildcat 95cm Jr Waxless Cross Country Backyard Ski Set w Poles Ages 4-8 | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon | |
K2 iKonic 84Ti Skis with MCx 12TCx Bindings | Read our In-depth Review | Check on Amazon |
1. Rossignol Soul 7 HD Skis
Are you an advanced skier? Does an increased floatation in the crud, soft snow, as well as deep powder snow tickle your fancy? If you answered yes, the Rossignol Soul 7 HD Skis might just be what you want.
This all-mountain ski, which comes with the famous NX12 Konnect Dual bindings, has a Powder Turn Rocker that keeps you floating when you find yourself in deep powder and soft snow.
Possessing a Carbon Alloy/Paulownia Core, the Soul 7 HD Skis increase your grip on firm snow and are very stable. The 106mm waist width of these skis contributes significantly to making the process of laying downturns ranging from medium to long radii on groomers pretty easy.
Another highlight of these easy-to-maneuver skis worth talking about is the VAS dampening system they come with. This system is responsible for eradicating tip wobble and enhancing a smooth ride, making this pair of skis one of the best skis to have.
Read our in-depth review of Rossignol Soul 7 HD Skis.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
2. Rossignol Experience Men’s 88 Open All-Mountain Skis
In the sport of skiing, precision and power must go hand-in-hand to ensure a smooth ride. And the crafters of the Rossignol Experience Men’s 88 Open all-mountain skis understand this principle, which is why they equipped the Experience 88 with features that would ensure that the skier enjoys exactly that.
The highly versatile Experience 88 excels across all snow conditions and terrain thanks to such attributes as its Air Tip technology that keeps it afloat in variable snow and the Auto Turn Rocker that enhances its edge grip while making maneuverability a walk in the park.
The Poplar Wood/Basalt Core it is engineered with is responsible for the snappy feel, power, and stability the Experience 88 is famous for.
All in all, if you are a skier looking for a one-ski quiver that can handle anything thrown its way, this Experience 88 is worth considering.
Read our in-depth review of Rossignol Experience Men’s 88 Open All-Mountain Skis.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
3. Volkl Kenja Women’s Skis
The Volkl Women’s Kenja Skis have earned their place among the most protean skis for women. Available in lengths 149, 156, 163, and 170cm, and having a radius of 16.8m at 163 cm, the Volkl Kenja women’s skis allow users to ski on a variety of mountainous terrains.
The skis comprise a multi-layer wood core and two sheets of titanal metal, which ensure durability as well as functionality. With a 90mm waist width, the skis can be used on both groomed and ungroomed surfaces and are best suited for advanced to expert skiers.
The skis’ torsional stiffness and stability are definitely on the high, and they make turning and speedrunning much easier.
Simply put, if you are a female skier looking for an all-mountain ski that is hard-charging and versatile in different conditions, then this Women’s Kenja Skis from Volkl would suit you much better than many others on the market.
Read our in-depth review of Volkl Kenja Women’s Skis.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
4. Nordica NRGY 90 Skis Black Men’s
You have just started to blast down the mountain, and all is going well so far, but after covering just a little ground, you are compelled to stop and lift your skis out of the snow because they’ve become unresponsive. This annoying occurrence is just one of the many reasons why you should consider getting the Nordica NRGY 90 all-mountain skis.
The skis’ Torsion Bridge core and cutouts ensure a snappy experience, whereas their delicate ergonomic design makes them light without compromising their durability.
These skis, which are suitable for skiers whose ability levels range from advanced to expert, are engineered with 25pct rockered tips that enable floatation and make turning easier.
These features and many others make the Nordica NRGY 90 one of the most useful skis for adventuring on the front side and in deep snow.
Read our in-depth review of Nordica NRGY 90 Skis Black Men’s.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
5. Nordica Enforcer 93 Skis 2018
Boasting impressive stability, torsional stiffness, and charge, the Nordica Enforcer 93 is a perfect example of a good mountain-slaying ski. Available in lengths 169, 177, 185, and 193 cm, and having a turning radius of 18.5m @ 185 cm, these all-mountain skis can be used on a wide variety of terrains and hold an edge very well.
They comprise an Energy 2 Titanium core, and a Hammerhead nose, and can float despite having a waist width of 93mm.
Aggressive skiers would appreciate Enforcer 93’s ability to make smooth arcs of varying sizes. And intermediate skiers will be happy to know that Enforcer 93 skis are forgiving and would therefore not punish them for the mistakes they make.
Read our in-depth review of Nordica Enforcer 93 Skis 2018.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
6. Völkl Kendo Skis Men’s
The Völkl Kendo Skis Men’s is one of the most versatile All-Mountain skis that you can find on the market. The Tip Tail Rocker profile of the skis enhances both their performance in powder and their ability to make easy turns.
The cambered underfoot will ensure that you enjoy a brilliant grip in a variety of conditions. The skis are engineered with metal, which makes them stiffer and stable at high speeds, thereby making them an ideal choice for advanced to expert skiers who love speed.
The Volkl Kendo Skis come in lengths 160, 170, 177, and 184cm, and have a turning radius of 18.7m @ 170cm.
Read our in-depth review of Völkl Kendo Skis Men’s.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
7. Atomic Vantage 90 CTI Skis
Here’s another top brand when it comes to skis that can be used on multiple terrains! The Atomic Vantage 90 CTI skis permit usage on both hard and soft surfaces, as well as on and off-piste.
Having a robust wood core of poplar and ash, a carbon tank mesh element, and a titanium backbone 2 laminate, the Vantage 90 is conveniently lighter and more durable than many other similar skis on the market.
The ski’s flatter shape facilitates smooth turns by covering more ground. The Vantage 90 maintains a delicate counterpoise between torsion stiffness and maneuverability.
It also scores impressively high on edge hold, stability, and speed.
Read our in-depth review of Atomic Vantage 90 CTI Skis.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
8. Blizzard Bonafide Skis Men’s
Now with the new Blizzard Bonafide Skis for men, you can ski more confidently than ever on places ranging from powder to crud to the groomers. A poplar beech wood core ensures durability while a rocker/camber/rocker profile guarantees stability and grip.
The skis’ rockered nose and tail make them easily maneuverable. These all-mountain skis have a turning radius of 21m @ 180cm and come in lengths 166, 173, 180, and 187cm.
The carbon fiber in the tip and tail minimizes vibration, making skiing at high speeds a smooth and enjoyable experience.
If you are an expert skier, you would find the Blizzard Bonafide skis very useful for blasting down the mountain.
Read our in-depth review of Blizzard Bonafide Skis Men’s.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
9. New Wildcat 95cm Jr Waxless Cross Country Backyard Ski Set w Poles Ages 4-8
Skiing is not the exclusive preserve of adults; kids also have a right to enjoy the amazing experience that comes with this sport. And the manufacturers of the New Wildcat95cm Jr Waxless ski respect that, which is why they have come out with these brilliant kids’ skis that come pre-mounted.
Ideal for kids between the ages of 4 and 8, these skis come with waxless bases and wider bindings for the accommodation of bigger feet.
The Wildcat skis come with 2 brilliant aluminum poles, breakaway grips, and plastic baskets.
If you want your kids to enjoy their skiing adventures to the max, investing in these Wildcat skis is a great idea.
Read our in-depth review of the New Wildcat 95cm Jr Waxless Cross Country Backyard Ski Set.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
10. 2018 K2 iKonic 84Ti Skis w/ MXC 12 Bindings
If there’s a perfect example of power, strength, and responsiveness wrapped up into 1 package, it’s the 2018 K2 iKonic 84Ti. These all-mountain skis have an incredible torsional stiffness and edge grip on firm snow. And they can make graceful turns on overnight snowfalls.
The iKonic 84ti is available in lengths 163, 170, 177, and 184cm. It has a turning radius of 17.5m @ 177cm and possesses a sidecut of 133/84/112mm @ 177cm.
An Aspen Paulownia Wood core and twin tech sidewalls provide stability during aggressive skiing.
Advanced intermediate and expert skiers will appreciate the iKonic 84ti’s wider surface area that prevents the tips from diving or deflecting when being ridden.
Read our in-depth review of 2018 K2 iKonic 84Ti Skis w/ MXC 12 Bindings.
>>> See Specifications & Read Customer Reviews on Amazon! <<<
Ski Buying Guide
To get yourself the right type of ski that would take care of your needs on the slopes and boost your performance, there are several important things that you should first of all look at.
It is never advisable to purchase any ski on a whim simply because it looks nice or just because you are attracted to it. You will need to take your time to consider multiple key factors such as your gender, your riding ability level, the skiing style or the type of skiing terrain, etc before settling on a pair of skis.
When you do this, you massively increase your likelihood of getting skis that would suit your needs.
Getting yourself the right type of skis will not only help boost your performance but will also play a monumental role in enhancing your comfort and reducing your likelihood of sustaining injuries as you ski.
So without further ado, here are some of the most important things you need to take into consideration before purchasing any skis.
Gender
Your gender plays an important role in the process of choosing a pair of skis that would work perfectly for you. This is simply because skis are often not unisex.
There are skis designed specifically for men as well as those designed specifically for women.
If you are a man, it makes sense to go for skis made for men and vice versa.
But are there any differences between men-specific and women-specific skis? Yes, there are.
While the two categories of skis might bear great resemblance to each other, there’s a vast difference between them.
Men’s Skis
As the name implies, these skis are designed for men and can therefore cater to men of all sizes, shapes, and skill levels.
They also come engineered with features that give them the ability to be used on any type of terrain or condition.
Can women use men’s skis? While it is possible for certain categories of women – especially women who ski aggressively to use skis for men, all women skiers are better off using women’s specific skis.
Women’s Skis
These skis are made for ladies and ladies only since they are designed to perfectly suit the anatomical shape of women as well as their stance and weight.
They often come with softer flexing than what you’d find in men’s skis – a feature that saves the woman from exerting too much energy when she wants to flex.
The result is that the skis are not as fatiguing as men’s skis and are also much more maneuverable.
Also, women’s skis tend to be shorter and lighter in weight than those made for men.
If some women can use men’s skis, can some men also use women’s skis? The answer is no.
While it is possible for a woman to use men-specific skis, a man can’t use skis designed for women.
Kids’ Skis
There are also skis designed for kids. These children’s skis are often designed to be forgiving, soft, and easy to use, thereby making it easier for them to assist children to enhance or develop their skills while enjoying the sport.
And just like some adult skis, some skis for children also come with bindings.
Do boys and girls need different types of skis? When it comes to kids-specific skis, boys and girls can use the same skis.
Simply put, kids’ skis are unisex. It is worth noting that making sure that your kids use skis that are designed to cater to their needs will not only ensure that they enjoy their adventures on the hill but will also enhance their safety and boost their skills.
Skill Level
Your skill or ability level is also another major thing you should take into consideration before you decide to purchase whatever ski that has caught your attention.
Most skis on the market are designed to suit certain particular ability levels. So for example, it wouldn’t be advisable for a beginner skier to try to ski on a pair of skis designed for the expert skier who loves to ski fast.
When you go for a ski that is best suited for your skill/ability level, you do yourself a great favor since it would not only improve your ability to control the ski and keep it stable as you descend the mountain, but it would also make the sport more enjoyable.
Skiing levels and abilities can be roughly divided into the following groups: Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert.
The information below will help you know more about the various ability/skill levels and the kind of skis that best suit each level.
Beginner Skier
You fall into the beginner category if you are a first-time skier or a skier who is still in the process of learning basic things such as how to control your ski and snowplow turn or wedge turns.
For this reason, the best skis for a beginner are all-mountain skis. In selecting an all-mountain ski, the beginner should choose one that is soft and pretty flexible to allow them to easily learn the basics of skiing.
In addition to that, it is normally recommended that the appropriate ski length the beginner goes for should be of chin height.
Where do beginners ski? Green Circle trails are the best place for beginners to ski since these trails have gentle slopes that are well-groomed and make skiing more fun for the beginner.
Intermediate Skier
An intermediate skier has learned to control their skis and has learned to properly link their snowplow turns. This skier can ski, usually in a cautious manner, on different terrains that are pretty challenging, most notably Blue Square trails, which are often steeper than trails designed for beginners.
An intermediate skier tends to feel comfortable skiing at moderate speeds – something a beginner skier would likely find very uncomfortable. To enjoy your skiing adventure if you happen to fall into this category, you need a pair of skis that are designed to cater to the needs of an intermediate skier – and there are plenty of such skis available for purchase.
These skis are often relatively soft and feature slightly narrow waist widths.
Also, skis designed for intermediate skiers tend to be longer and stiffer than those for beginners.
When selecting a pair of intermediate skis, it is recommended that you pick one whose tip would reach either your mouth or nose.
Advanced/Expert Skier
As the name suggests, an advanced/expert skier is one whose ability level is more precocious than that of all the other levels mentioned above or is at its highest level.
These skiers tend to ski aggressively and have the ability to ski comfortably and confidently on all manners of terrains and snow conditions, including the ungroomed and steep Black Diamond trails and the very steep and extremely challenging Double Black Diamond trails.
Skis meant for advanced/expert skiers are often stiff and accompany layers of metal that boost their performance at high speeds.
We hope from the above, you now understand why it is important that you consider your riding ability before making your final decision on the type of ski you acquire.
It is noteworthy that knowing your ability level also helps greatly when it comes to determining the types of trails and slopes you decide to ski on.
Types of Skis and Terrain
One of the most important questions you should ask yourself before thinking of purchasing a ski is this: “What type of terrain or condition I’m I going to be skiing in?” The answer to this question is very important because not all skis are good for all conditions.
Some skis (All-Mountain skis) are designed to be used to ski the whole mountain whereas others are designed specifically for skiing certain terrains and snow conditions.
Skis can be roughly grouped into the following categories or types:
- All-Mountain Skis: An All-Mountain ski is highly versatile and can be ridden on any terrain and snow conditions across the entire mountain ranging from firm ice to heavy snow to groomers.
But while they can do all this, they are often not designed to excel on any particular terrain or snow condition, a character that kind of reminds us of the phrase: “Jack of all trades”.
The waist widths of these skis often range from 85mm to 95mm. - All Mountain Wide Skis: These skis, also known as fats or mid-fats, have waist widths that are wider than the average All-Mountain ski and are built to be best suited for powder and groomers.
The widths of the waists of these skis are usually somewhere in the region of 91mm and 109mm. - Powder Skis: Most of these skis are engineered with a rockered profile, which greatly enhances their ability to float in deep powder snow.
The mainly rockered nature of powder skis also boosts their maneuverability and ability not to easily catch edges.
In addition to performing very well in powder, these skis are also good for backcountry skiing and can also be sometimes good for groomers. - Freestyle Skis: If you are a skier who loves terrain parks, aerial flips, mogul skiing, half-pipe skiing, etc, then a freestyle ski (also known as a Park and Pipe ski) is what you need.
These skis often come engineered with twin tips which give them the unique ability to be skied forwards as well as backward, thereby making them perfect for freestyle skiing. - Big Mountain Skis: These skis are best suited for expert skiers who love to ski at high speeds in very steep terrains.
Big Mountain skis are designed to excel on a variety of snow conditions and remain stable at high speeds. - Carving Skis: When you are going to be spending a lot of time on groomed trails and hard parks, these skis would suit you well since they are designed to perform at their peak in such places. They are, however, not at home in powder. Carving skis can be used by skiers of any ability level.
Ski Waist Width
The waist of the width of a ski might not seem like a big deal, but it is, and that is why you should never take it for granted.
What is the width of a ski, and why is it so important? There are three major points used in getting the dimensions of a ski, and these are the tip of the ski (usually the widest part of the ski), the middle (the waist), and the tail (the end). Each of these points is measured in millimeters and traditionally represented in a 3-number format such as 124/93/112mm.
In the example given, the number 124 stands for the measurement of the ski’s tip width, 93 represents the ski’s waist width measurement, and 112 is the measurement for the ski’s tail width. Of the three measurements, the width of the waist (also known as width underfoot) is the most important simply because it is one of the most crucial features that determine how the ski performs and feels.
A ski with a narrow waist delivers faster turns and is ideal for skiing groomed trails. On the other hand, a ski with a wide waist is ideal for use in soft snow and deep powder since it can provide more surface area in snow than one with a narrow waist.
So what width would I need? The width that would best suit you would largely depend on where you’d be doing most of your skiing.
Check out the following categories of waste widths and the terrains and conditions that are ideal for them:
- 84mm and below: Skis with widths of about 84mm are light and pretty fast. They are best for you if you would be spending the majority of your time doing groomed runs.
- 85-99mm: Skis featuring these widths are considered very brilliant all-around skis in the sense that they are versatile and excel in a variety of conditions.
However, while they can be used in powder, they are not the best skis for the powder business. - 100-109mm: Skis with widths ranging from 100mm to 109mm float excellently in virtually all types of powder except extremely deep powder.
They also perform well in mixed conditions. - 110mm and above: These skis are at home in ungroomed terrains. Thanks to their extremely wide waist widths, they provide maximum floatation in all manners of powder, including in the deepest of powder.
Turn Radius
The turn radius of a ski, which is always represented in meters, can simply be said to be the shape of the ski determined by the combination of the widths of its tip, waist, and tail.
The wider the width of the waist of a ski about the widths of its tip and tail, the longer the ski’s turn radius is going to be and the shallower the sidecut would equally be.
A ski with a long turn radius turns more slowly than one with a short turn radius. It is also more stable than one with a short turn radius when being ridden at high speeds.
- Turn radius of 16m and below: A ski with a short turn radius is one that has a turning radius of 16m or less. Skis that often feature these radii include Carving and All-Mountain skis.
- Turn radius of 17-22m: Any ski that falls into this category is said to have a medium turn radius. All-Mountain and Freestyle skis (Park and Pipe skis) often come with a medium turn radius.
- Turn radius greater than 22m: A ski that has a turning radius that is more than 22m has a long turn radius. Powder and Big Mountain skis often feature such radii.
Turning Radius | Turn Type | Type of Skiing and Skier Ability |
< 16m | Short | Carving Skis and All-Mountain/Powder Skis with Tapered Tips and Tails |
17-22m | Medium | All-Mountain Skis, Park & Pipe Skis |
> 22m | Long | Powder & Big-Mountain Skis |
Flex
The flex of a ski, which is basically how flexible it is, is another very important feature of a ski that that any skier looking for the right pair of skis shouldn’t overlook.
The stiffer a ski is, the more forgiving it is and the less energy it needs to flex. It is for this reason that women’s skis are normally softer than men’s skis.
To know which flex is best for you, you should consider how aggressive your skiing is and your weight.
For example, a stiffer ski is ideal for a skier who is heavier or who skis aggressively whereas a softer ski caters more to beginner to intermediate skiers who are not very heavy.
- Very Soft: Skis that are very soft are ideal for children or beginner skiers because they are very forgiving and help these groups of skiers to learn faster.
- Soft: These skis are great for skiers whose ability levels range from beginner to intermediate looking for skis that require less energy to ride and which are not difficult to control at speeds ranging from low to medium.
- Medium Flex: Medium flex skis cater to skiers who ski at different speeds and need stability.
These skis are also good for you if you are looking for a ski that wouldn’t give you any problems with control when being ridden at low speeds.
The majority of powder skis have this degree of flex. - Stiff: A stiff ski is what you should go for if you are looking for something that is very responsive at top speeds.
- Very Stiff: An extremely stiff ski is designed for very heavy or very extremely aggressive skiers.
For example, a hard charger can never enjoy using a softer ski since it wouldn’t be able to provide them with the responsiveness they need to blast down the slopes.
Ski Profile
There are traditionally three major types of ski profile, namely camber, rocker, and flat. Today, the advancement of technology has made it possible for ski manufacturers to produce skis that come with different combinations of these profiles.
Below we shall take a look at what each of the three traditional profiles is. We shall also shed some light on some of the most common profiles created as a result of the combinations of two or more of the traditional profiles.
Camber
Camber is widely known as the traditional profile of skis. This profile gives the ski a curve that arches upward at its middle.
As a result, a cambered ski will always have its center slightly raised when it is un-weighted and placed on a flat surface.
However, the moment you step on it, your weight causes it to flatten, thereby allowing it to have a better edge contact with the snow for impressive edge hold and “pop”.
Cambered skis are often chosen by skiers who love to speed on groomed terrains as well as firm snow.
Rocker
The rocker profile is often referred to as a reverse-camber simply because it is the opposite of camber. By opposite, we mean it is a camber that has been upended or upturned.
Owing to this, when you place an un-weighted rockered ski flat on the ground, only its middle will make contact with the ground with both its tip and tail being significantly raised above the ground.
This shape allows it to float well in powder improves its maneuverability.
Flat
As its name implies, the flat profile is flat in the middle and has no camber.
Skis with flat profiles allow for effortless turns and enhance floatation.
Other Profiles
Here are some of the most popular combinations of the above-mentioned profiles that many ski manufacturers engineer their skis with:
- Rocker/Camber:
A rocker/camber ski features a cambered underfoot and an early rise tip – the kind found in a fully rockered pair of skis.
The rockered tip of this profile enhances the ski’s ability to float very well in deep snow whereas its camber enhances energy transmission.
This profile is commonly found in All-Mountain, Carving, and Big-Mountain skis. - Rocker/Camber/Rocker:
This profile comes with a cambered midsection and a rockered tip and tail.
The rockered ends make the ski very playful and provide it with a good amount of floatation in powder whereas the camber in the midsection enhances the ski’s stability and edge hold, thereby making it very versatile. - Rocker/Flat/Rocker:
Skis with a rocker/flat/rocker profile feature flat midsections and rockered tips and tails.
The flat midsections enable them to turn easily and the rocker at their ends gives them some pop and enhances their ability to hold an edge on hard snow.
So which of the profiles mentioned above is the best? They are all important. No single one of them can be said to be better than the other. This is simply because each has things such as the snow condition, terrain, and type of skier it appeals the most to.
Ski Length
The length of the ski is another very important factor you need to look at before making that final decision to purchase any ski you set your mind on owning. Why? Simply because it greatly determines how well you perform on the slopes.
Several things determine the length of ski that would be perfect for you. These things are as follows: your body weight, height, and the manner of skiing you are going to be doing.
Here are some important things you need to know about ski lengths:
- Shorter skis are often nimbler than their longer counterparts.
- The shorter a ski is, the quicker it turns and the easier it is to maneuver it when skiing at slow speeds.
- Longer skis excel at high speeds because unlike shorter skis, they don’t lose stability when being ridden fast.
- Taller and heavier skiers often feel more comfortable using longer skis, whereas shorter and lighter skiers prefer shorter skis.
- Advanced skiers prefer longer skis to shorter ones. Inexperienced skiers, on the other hand, feel more comfortable using shorter skis.
Ski Sizing Chart
Skier Height in feet & inches | Skier Height in centimeters (cm) | Suggested Ski Lengths (cm) |
4’4″ | 132< | 115-130 |
4’6″ | 137 | 125-140 |
4’8″ | 142 | 130-145 |
4’10” | 147 | 135-150 |
5′ | 152 | 135-155 |
5’2″ | 158 | 145-165 |
5’4″ | 163 | 150-170 |
5’6″ | 168 | 155-175 |
5’8″ | 173 | 160-180 |
5’10” | 178 | 165-185 |
6′ | 183 | 170-190 |
6’2″ | 188 | 175-195 |
6’4″ | 193 | 180-200 |
Conclusion
Regardless of your ability level, gender, or the type of terrain, you plan skiing on, the comprehensive guide we prepared for you above will provide you with all the relevant information you’d need to make the best decisions whenever you go shopping for a pair of skis.
A fulfilling skiing experience commences with having the right kind of skis. But to have appropriate skis, you must know what to look out for in a pair of skis, and that is exactly what this guide helps you do. We hope that you found it very useful.
Let us know what you think of this Buyer’s Guide. If you liked what you read, don’t forget to share it. It helps us a lot.
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