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GS Ski length
 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead

After this week's GS race course in Tignes, it was suggested that I try out some GS skis. My skis are more like slalom skis (Volkl attiva 4*, side-cut radius 11.2m), and Mr docsquid and my instructor suggested that I try out longer skis which would be more stable at the higher speeds in GS. I didn't do this because I also needed all-purpose skis for the technical course that I was doing in the afternoons.

However, I might like to try some out either at the Snowdome or Courchevel in January.

My current skis (147's) come up to my eyes, as I'm only 158cm tall, so are an appropriate length for all-purpose on-piste skiing. The question is, what length GS skis should I try? I know 185's are the default length, but that would clearly be ridiculous for somebody like me, who is not only short but very lightweight too (only 7 1/2 stone).

Any suggestions for appropriate length and type of skis to try? I'll take my own skis, and plan on renting for one day to see how I get on.

I also reckon that Mr docsquid and my instructor are wrong - it is not the skis that are the problem, it is the skier, but that is another story wink
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person

For a woman, 175cm is the minimum for proper racing not 185.

Don't try out a GS ski at a snowdome, you won't be able to get them up to speed before you have to stop.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

docsquid, I should think (assuming you're not actually going to be racing seriously) that around 160-165 would probably do the trick. You may not be able to get "real" GS skis in this length, but a GS-type ski should be OK. I totally agree with rjs, that a snowdome would be hopeless for trying out GS skis! MK = 2 turns if you're lucky. Shocked
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 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.

So, docsquid, unless you are racing in FIS races, you don't need to worry about minimum lengths. You might well find a GS-like ski more all round useful as it won't want to turn quite so much. 147's are pretty short though, without being rude, are they adult skis?

Also, ski length is more to do with weight than height, so are you a pie eater or quite sylph like. (Rhetorical question, I don't need to know).

Without knowing how you ski, it's impossible to make any suggestions but I know Volkl make a detuned GS like ski. Can't recall it's exact designation. If you're not on a race ski, add a little length, say to 155, or even 160 and see how you get on.
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