Ski size question

[ToddF]

my last two skis were the A167.5 and currently the 2012 stada 68.

I skied deeper with the a1, but way more consistent and easy on the strada until 35.

 

On the A1 I could run 35 10 times a year and get around the 3 ball @ 38 the strada I ran it two or three times max and couldn't even get around the 2 ball this year.

 

I just never felt like I could get the angle at my shorter lengths on the strada, where the A1 could get the angle

 

I am thinking about dropping down a size and possibly trying the S2, but I am not sure seems like 66.5 is going to be small.

I usually weight 190-195 during the ski season so I am on the border on the ski sizing charts.

 

 

[Horton]

@ToddF there is a lot more here than ski size. The A1 was a deep riding ski and the Strada is a much faster ski. The 68 Radar is a pretty big ski. At 190-195 you want a 67" ski.

 

In the S2 I am not 100% sure. The 67 is a big ski but I liked it a lot. Ran my first tournament 38 on that ski.

 

I would not generally recommend a 66" traditional shaped ski.

 

[ToddF]

I read your review on the S2 and what others said about sizing so it just made me more unsure about size, I also thought maybe a 67 strada.

[ChadW]

@ToddF I have a 2011 Strada 67" for sale. PM me if you're interested.

[GroovyGrant]

@horton what size Strada if in 175-180 range?

[Horton]

@GroovyGrant 67 I think.

[imprint]

I'm 6'1" 178lbs. and 53yrs. old. When I went to buy a new Strada a few years ago, I was going for a 67", but, the "Rep" insisted I should be on a 68". I wish I had the luxury of demoing the two different lengths so I could decide which was best for me, unfortunately, that's not an option. So, I trusted the opinions of two "Reps" and went with the 68".

I love the ski!!! It took me a while to get the adjustments just right for me, even that process was enjoyable.

But, I've always wondered if I would have been better off, right out of the box, on a 67".

It would be nice if there were more detailed guidelines for sizing high end skis.

I guess we'll just have to rely on BOS.

[GroovyGrant]

@horton--thanks!

@imprint--my story is just about the same. I'm on a 68 Strafda for the same reason. Really like the ski but have always felt it was just a bit big. Feel like I would be a little more agile with a little less ski under me. I might see if I can do some trading before spring.

[Horton]

@imprint the problem with better guidelines is that your level of skiing is a big factor. If you are not chasing balls or are chasing balls at 15 off or even 28 off a bigger ski should be fine. Might be better. By the time a skier is running 32 off or shorter things get increasingly more critical.

 

For me, trying to run 38 (and getting it once in a while) at 190 lbs the 68 Strada as just almost too big. I skied good on that ski but I could have gone down to the 67.

[DavidP]

@ToodF Todd, I am about 10 lbs. lighter than you and went from a 67 A1 to a 2011 66.5 S2. I was told by a reliable source at the time that the surface area of a 67 A1 and 66.5 S2 are about the same. I am more consistent on the S2 and increased my PB a little bit. I ski at 34mph and tournament average of 2ish@38.

 

The thing I love about the S2 is if I mistakenly get on the back foot exiting my offside, the ski keeps moving and I get cross course and stay is the pass. I am itching to try the 2014 S2 with the new flex, softer than the earlier S2.

[Ham_Wallace]

The Strada was too fast for me. I skied great some days but I never could keep a tight line with a tailwind. If you want easy on your body, it's hard to beat a Strada. I went down to a 66 and had better luck, but ultimately I went back to the HO's and am now on an A-3 66.5. Luv it! 6'0", 184.

[ToddF]

@ham_wallace great point about the ease on the body, my A1always made my back sore, I never really felt sore on my strada, and felt like I skied technically better, just less buoys