For intermediate skiers who want to challenge themselves more, parabolic skis are the perfect option. The curved shape makes it much easier to enter and exit turns, and the longer nose allows you to explore new terrains with ease. If you live in a snowy area, then you know how important it is to have the right equipment, and parabolic skis are no different. The question is: How do I choose the right size? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
The Importance Of Skis Size
The length of your ski is important because it determines how you want to maneuver the mountain. The longer the ski, the easier it is to turn. If you’re a beginner, aim for a short ski as it will feel more natural to you and keep you closer to the snow.
On the other hand, the height of your ski is critical because it affects how you want to attack the mountain. The taller the ski, the more stable you will feel while skiing, especially carving turns. When choosing skis, make sure that you consider both your needs.
What Size Should I Get?
When choosing your ski, you need to bear in mind that there are different patterns of snowfall, especially in the wintertime. Some resorts get a lot of powder, while others don’t. If you are unsure of what size to get, then you should get longer ones as they are easier to handle on all types of snow.
On the other hand, if you are doing lots of hiking, then shorter ones are better as they are lighter and require less energy to transport and store. Of course, you can always buy a ski trailer if you are doing a lot of camping for the holidays.
It’s also essential to bear in mind the type of terrain you will be skiing on. Although everything depends on the powder, longer skis are usually better for expert backcountry touring because they are more stable and easier to handle. If you are a beginner then shorter skis will be more suitable, especially if there is a lot of ice or moguls on the mountain.
Sizing Chart
To help you choose the right size, let’s look at a few key measurements and compare them to each other:
Length
The length of your ski determines how you want to handle the mountain. The longer the ski, the easier it is to turn. If you’re a beginner, then opt for a shorter one.
On the other hand, if you are an expert backcountry ski lover, then go for a longer one so that you can explore the backcountry terrain more effectively.
Width
The width of your ski is also important because it determines how you want to attack the mountain. The wider the ski, the more stable it will feel while skiing. If you are a beginner, then you should opt for a narrower ski so that you can maneuver the mountain more easily.
On the other hand, if you are an expert, then you may want to consider getting a wider ski so that you can explore new mountain terrains more effectively.
Tail Shape
The tail shape of your ski is also important because it determines how you want to maneuver the mountain. The thinner the tail, the easier it is to turn. If you are doing a lot of hiking, then you should get a thinner tail so that it is easier to transport and store. Of course, you can always buy a ski trailer if you are doing a lot of camping for the holidays.
However, if you are an expert skier, then you may want to opt for a thicker tail because it gives you better stability while skiing. Additionally, some people feel that a thicker tail is more efficient in generating speed while skiing.
Nose Shape
The nose shape of your ski is also important because it determines how you want to handle the mountain. The flatter the nose, the easier it is to turn. If you are doing a lot of hiking, then you should get a steeper nose so that it is easier to enter and exit the mountain terrains. Of course, you can always buy a ski trailer if you are doing a lot of camping for the holiday.
However, if you are an expert skier, then you may want to consider getting a flatter nose so that you can maneuver the mountain more effectively.
Common Mistakes
It’s important to note that not all longer skis are created equal. Some companies make incredibly long and thin skis, which is great if you’re a professional athlete, but if you’re a beginner, then it’s better to opt for a more robust, yet longer ski. Additionally, make sure that the company you’re purchasing from is a reliable one that you can trust. There are many scammers out there who will sell you a fake ski that will break after only a few hours of using it. This is especially dangerous if you’re a beginner as you may not be familiar with the brand or the quality of their products.
As we mentioned above, the shape of your ski can vary depending on your needs. If you are doing lots of hiking then you may want to opt for a thinner, narrower ski, or vice versa. There are also some other factors that you should consider such as the type of snowfall, the number of people you’ll be skiing with, and your experience in the snow. For example, if you’re fresh out of the snow then get a shorter, wider ski so that you can learn to control it more easily. Of course, all of this can be determined by the type of recreational activity you’re engaging in.
To help you choose the right size and to be on the safer end, here are a few common mistakes that people make, which inexperienced skiers should avoid:
Getting A Too Short Ski
The first mistake that people make is getting a short ski. As we already established, the length of your ski determines how you want to handle the mountain. If you’re a beginner, then opt for a shorter ski because it will feel more natural to you and keep you closer to the snow. However, if you’re an expert, then you may want to consider getting a longer ski because they are more stable and easier to handle.
Not Sizing Up Properly
Another mistake that people make is not considering their height when buying a ski. For example, if you’re a 5’10” man then get a 6”’ ski, and vice versa. Also, if you’re between sizes then opt for the smaller one. This is important because not all taller skiers’ will fit comfortably in a small ski, and vice versa. It’s also essential to size up properly if you’re doing a lot of hiking as you may not want to wear snowshoes all the time, which can be cumbersome.
Not Considering The Weather Conditions
It’s also important to consider the weather conditions before buying a ski. If you are planning on skiing during the summer then get a different ski than if you are planning on winter skiing. Additionally, if you don’t have a lot of snow experience then opt for the smaller one as they are easier to handle and a good first step for beginners.
Final Takeaway
In conclusion, let’s review what we’ve established so far:
The length of your ski determines how you want to handle the mountain. The longer the ski, the easier it is to turn. If you’re a beginner, then opt for a shorter ski so that you can maneuver the mountain more easily. On the other hand, if you’re an expert backcountry ski lover, then go for a longer one so that you can explore the backcountry terrain more effectively.
The width of your ski is also important because it determines how you want to attack the mountain. The wider the ski, the more stable it will feel while skiing. If you are a beginner, then you should opt for a narrower ski so that you can maneuver the mountain more easily. On the other hand, if you’re an expert, then you may want to consider getting a wider ski so that you can explore new mountain terrains more effectively.
The tail shape of your ski is also important because it determines how you want to handle the mountain. The thinner the tail, the easier it is to turn. If you are doing a lot of hiking, then you should get a thinner, narrower ski so that it is easier to transport and store. Of course, you can always buy a ski trailer if you are doing a lot of camping for the holidays.