What size skis should I buy?

What size skis should a guy that weighs 250 lbs buy?

• I have been skiing the past 4-5 years and have became pretty good, but i always rent skis, i am looking to purchases skis and binding for a guy my size. I use 170's when i rent ...show more

• Answer:

  Length is a function of ability and then weight last is height. As an intermediate a 170 to 180 cm because of your weight look for a stiffer ski. This does not always apply if you are a park and fall type or into tight bump runs or slalom racing. A rental shop usually goes with the height because it is fast and easy for an average size person and most of their customers are beginners or beginning intermediates. Rental skis are mass produced and seldom are the top performance skis that are sold to retail customers nor as good as professional skiers or racers use. Go to a specialty ski shop and ask for advice and try to demo a performance ski. Also consult the gear guide issues of the ski magazines that are published for September release.