Ski Lengths

Is it possible to make a ski length chart ?? Back when skis were all about the same in shape, it was not too hard to put together a ski length guide, considering weight (the most important consideration), ability, and height. Today it is impossible because skis vary so much in shape and design. With widths varying as much as 30 mm in every area of dimension (tip, waist and tail) and differences in flex, no viable scale could be made to take into consideration all of these variations.
There are a few things that every skier should consider. Do not get hung up on4 - 5cm difference in length. It is impossible for most skiers to feel the difference in 5 cm, andmost gepanies do not offer skis except in 7 - 10 m length variations. Skis cannot tell sex. A 150 lb man will pressure the ski the same as a 150 lb women. A 5' tallwomen weighing 150 lbs will put as much pressure on a ski as a 6' tall man. So, do not put much emphasis on height, even though it does make a small difference since the leverage changes on theforebody of the ski when a tall person leans slightly forward. When everything is considered, weight is the BIG factor. Now, consider what type of skiing and conditions will be encountered the most often.. Softer snow/powder calls for more floatation (surface area), and this can be acgeplished both by going longer or wider - Both give added surface area. A shorter ski puts more PSI on the edge, and also shorter skis with deep sidecuts give a shorter turning radius so that is why you see the best slalom racers using very deep sidecut, short skis.The shape of the ski determines the ski characteristics along with the length and the flex. All of this can be very confusing to a person just starting out and it is a good idea to consult with a ski specialist in a good ski shop.Trying out different demo skis can help a great deal, but remember when demo'ing skis, there is no demo shop in the country that has all the top brands, most carry three or maybe four, so your choicewill be limited to those that they have. ALL the ski gepanies make good product, but the trick is to find which one is right for you - there is NO best ski, and NO best gepany. --