Ski length for adult?

[Piffpaffpoff]

Hiya - I need some advice! I am thinking about buying a pair of second hand skis on ebay. I do all my skiing in Scotland and so I'm just looking for a cheapish second hand pair to save on hire fees but I'm not sure what length to get?

I'm 5 7" and I would say I'm an intermediate skier, happy on blue runs, can do reds on a good day.

I've seen a pair of 150cm carvers but I think they might be a bit short- opinions please?

They should come up to between chin and nose, so I'd say they'd be a bit short for you.

I'm 5'6" and last week skied with 150s which I felt were okay for pottering around on indoor slope - but then I prefer a shorter rather than too long ski. Despite my height, my legs are short in proportion to my long body - not sure if that makes a difference. I would say we are about the same standard of skiing too.

At your height I think you'd be better off at around 165cm. What type of skis are they?

It is dependent on quite a few factors, e.g., ability, style, weight (imo more important than height), aggressiveness, etc. My one ski quiver is a 172cm midfat with an 82 waist... I'm 5'4".

Eyes off those 150cm carvers - that's what I'm after! I'm only about 5 foot 2 (and a half..) and a beginner skier.

Thanks everyone - I think I probably am better going with 160-165s. Will keep scouring ebay for them!

I know you want to avoid hiring, but maybe try and do a day on the closest length/style you can find before you buy. Personally I'm fine on 160s, good on 162s, but 165s seem freakishly long to me! (I'm a tiny bit shorter than you, and a bit more confident skier). It depends on the ski style, snow etc as well, but you never know what's going to feel right.

Agree with others - I am 5ft 6 and probably what would be described as a 'good intermediate' (so happy on blues/reds, and OK on the odd black)

Earlier this year I skied on 162cm which were perfect. I've skiied on Rossignol Attraxion women's skis for two years now, and really like them - think there are quite a few of those (models I - III) around on ebay?

controversially I wold have to disagree! I'm 180cm tall, good red run standard and I have always skied on much shorter skis - two years ago bought my own 160s. After years of renting and being offered great long things and having to argue (in V broken French)for shorter ones. Ski standard improves 100% when the skis are shorter, fatter and thus easier to control. I think the longer 'rule' is increrasingly old fashioned... (waits for outraged reaction!!)
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Elena No, it's not old fashioned. Short skis are suitable for older skiiers (not saying you are!) or for people with a lower ability or for people who have bad knees for example.

They are very forgiving... so it's a choice really - do you want to be a technically gifted skiier or do you just want to potter?

If anything, modern "ruling" dictates shorter, fatter carvers to get more people on the hill = more cash revenues!

I am a purist! No, seriously, I'm heavy and good - putting me on shorter skis means that they "chatter" and are unstable and so unsuitable for the type of skiing I do.