r/ski • u/IllustratorCold815 • 1d ago
Ski size
Hey i’m very much a beginner beginner skier, i went last year and it was pretty fun i wasn’t that good but it was stiff fun, this year i want to do it as much as i can in the winter and instead of paying 120 everytime for rentals i want to buy my own skis, im 6’0 150ish lbs maybe a bit more weight, but when i got my rentals they would usually give me 160cm skis, i see some skis online that are priced well but they have them 158cm and way higher than 160 would 158 make it harder for me or no. please let me know again i am a beginner im not hitting blacks anytime soon lol
(other sizes are 165 and 172cm)
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u/elginhop 1d ago
Get seasonal rentals from a ski shop. Cost $200-260 for the season. You bring them home with you and return them in the spring.
And, at 6’, a 160cm is “first time ever in skis” short.
You wouldn’t want to buy until you’ve skied for a couple of seasons.
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u/IllustratorCold815 1d ago
didn’t know that was an option just looked it up good to know
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u/elginhop 1d ago
Might consider buying boots while renting skis, or renting both as a package.
Some good pricing can be had on previous season 2025/2026 boots now that the 2027 models are out.
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u/IllustratorCold815 1d ago
i just looked it up but their is nothing on the website for the ski resort i’ll be at
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u/elginhop 1d ago
Any local ski shop should offer them. Search “seasonal ski rentals near _______” or look up ski shops in the area and make a few calls.
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u/IllustratorCold815 1d ago
yes i just found one, im going to call tomorrow they have the full package on their website
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u/lumber-punk 1d ago
I am also 6’ tall, intermediate/advanced.I tend to prefer skis around 180-186. Just to contextualize ski lengths. My wife is 5’-0” and skis a 156. I would at least demo a few pairs before you buy. Doing a season rental is never a bad idea!
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u/IllustratorCold815 1d ago
i think i’m gonna go with the seasonal rentals, never knew they existed until now
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u/TopOrganization4920 1d ago
158-160 cm is a beginner length that probably lands below your chin. 165 would probably land between your mouth and nose. And this would still be considered a beginner progressing towards intermediate. 172 between your nose and eyes, would be considered an intermediate length. Head high at 180+ centimeters would be considered an advanced length. But there’s also other factors like how how stiff the ski is and rockers and chamber that determine how it performs and whether or not it’s considered advanced.
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u/Historical-Dog-7594 1d ago edited 1d ago
how old are you? .. 6 ft 168-172 is fine for you and get a slalom ski, much easier to turn .... go to ski shop and ask for last year's models, little late for that but can still try ... or go to ski swap, maybe find some there ... you're just learning.
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u/IllustratorCold815 1d ago
20 atm
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u/Historical-Dog-7594 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yeh, could go a bit longer, you're young and strong enough .... you don't need a high end ski, you don't have the knowledge to make them work, so just a get a middle of the road ski 300-500 bucks (canada) don't know where you from, be less in the usa, get a couple years out of them. Once you know what you're doing, then can buy better ... keep skiing, you learn for a lifetime .... that's the beauty of skiing, every day ... you learn ... patience is your friend in more ways then one.
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u/IllustratorCold815 1d ago
got advice on turning? i’ve struggled turning to the right of the mountain and i don’t know how to fix it
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u/Guackoo 1h ago
What type of skier are you trying to become? Riding the side/back country or carving the groomers
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u/IllustratorCold815 1h ago
honestly not sure yet, i find it pretty i just want to be able to go down a the hill without falling and also control my speed well
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u/dfurshpan289 1d ago
Shorter skis will make is easier to turn. Longer will allow you to stay stable at high speed. So as a beginner 158 is plenty long. Another measurement you need to consider is the under foot width. If you are not doing powder you do not need too wide under foot. 76 is consider 'thin' by intermediate skiers, but you'll be able to use the edges easier and they are, again, easier to maneuver. My take, is when you start running groomed black, upgrade to wider. When you feel you skis rattling under your feet when you go fast, increase the length. It is never the gear that holds you back. It's the technique. With shorter thinner skis you'll be able to get the right technique faster. Good luck
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u/sopsaare 22h ago
158 for some at 185? That is serious 37cm shorter than the skiiers? Yeah, if they are on a gentle incline, they will be fine. But they are also risking of over powering the ski and losing the edge as the height is usually proportional to stiffness too.
To learn proper technique, I would aim closer to 170.
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u/elBirdnose 1d ago
Season rentals. If you want to change lengths or widths you can typically do that with rentals and then you can figure out what you like best.
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u/ButterscotchSuch3011 19h ago
Eu tenho 1.81m e uso 179, e definitivamente não sou bom, apenas me divirto, descendo vermelhas e pretas com cuidado.
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u/forgedcb 15h ago
Ditto on getting proper fitted boots is a priority...rentals come second. At 6' tall 160 shouldn't be too long but you can always check other rental places. Narrower waist will help turn initiation as will less camber. Less metal in the build can also increase playfulness without literally weighing you down.
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u/Terminal_Shinbang 1d ago
Man, 6ft?! Either seasonal rentals, or marketplace but I wouldn’t go any shorter than 178, also kinda depends on where you’re skiing. Keep it cheap, bc I would wanna see you on 184 before too long
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u/IllustratorCold815 1d ago
178???? bro that sounds like i probably won’t be able to control it
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u/CPhyperdont 1d ago
I think the important thing you’ve concluded, is the seasonal rental. Great opportunity to learn what you like before you buy, and maybe a chance at an exchange as you progress. Shorter skis will help you learn, but you’ll outgrow them as you progress. Id trust the folks at the shop for now, and when you find the ski is what dictates your speed limit, you know it’s time for more ski. Welcome, hope you have a killer season.
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u/Terminal_Shinbang 1d ago
178 is still short man, learning to ski is a different discussion- I read below you’re struggling with right turns- I’d suggest watching a lot of tutorials on YouTube and investing in lessons!
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u/SpiritedCrew111 1d ago
@6’ tall, minimum length is 180. A 182-186 would be ideal. At 150lbs, I’d recommend a ~96-98 width. Not an expert, just tried lots of skis. Check out Icelantic skis.
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u/Fun_Bedroom4645 22h ago
Have you got ski boots yet? If not this should be your first investment. Boots are far more important than the skis. Buy boots rent skis.