SKI Magazine's Golden Rule: Selecting Your Ideal Ski Length


Circle the appropriate number in each category, then add up the points
to determine your recommended ski length.


How much do you weigh? --- Points       How do you ski? ---------- Points

Over 200 lbs. .............. 52         Smooth and stable .......... 55
180-200 .................... 50         Fast through bumps ......... 50
160-180 .................... 49         Motoring quietly ........... 42
140-160 .................... 48         Not always upright ......... 35
120-140 .................... 45
100-120 .................... 43
80-100 ..................... 40
60-80 ...................... 35
Under 60 ................... 30


How aggressively do you ski? - Points     Where do you ski? ------ Points

Fast and fearless .............. 50       Gates & wide open spaces . 50
Generally game ................. 48       All terrain .............. 48
Getting better ................. 45       Deeps and crud ........... 47
Easygoing ...................... 43       Mostly moguls ............ 45
Cautious ....................... 40       Purely packed powder ..... 43
Timid .......................... 35       Easy stuff ............... 40


TOTAL SCORE:
(Total equals recommended ski length)


* If the Golden Rule says you should use skis 200cm or longer (190cm or
  longer for women), look for a versatile racing ski.

* If the Golden Rule says you should use 185-200cm skis (175-190cm for
  women), look for a good sport or high performance ski.

* If the Golden Rule puts you on a ski shorter than 185cm (175cm for
  women), look for a softer, wider, more forgiving recreational model.

SKI FLEX FINDER:

* Divide total score by your "weight" points (Example: 203 divided by 48
  is 4.2). If the result is less than 4.0, consider buying a longer or
  stiffer ski.  If the result is more than 4.3, look for a softer flexing
  ski.