Ski length for 32 MPH

[beancounter]

I ski in a course at 32 MPH, getting into 38 off. My weight is about 180 and, at age 61, that could go up a little in the next decade. I currently ski on a 2002 HO Phantom 68" but am considering a 2015 HO V-Type. I'm looking at the HO Ski Size Chart and the 67" V Type at 34 MPH is 160-190# and the 68" at 36 MPH is over 190#. If I skied at 34 MPH, no question that the 67" would be the ski for me. I'm trying to extrapolate what the weight range would be for 32 MPH and am getting 140-170 for the 68" and over 170# for the 68". Math tells me the 68" is better for me. Does anyone have an opinion about this?

[Andre]

Congrats on getting into 38 off!

Great skiing !

Go with the biggest ski you re able to turn!

[Horton]

@beancounter any modern ski is going to be amazing after your old Phantom. My guess is the 68 will suit you fine. I am 185 and like the 67" 2015 V Type. If I was going to ski at 32 mph the 68 might be better.

 

If you can demo some skis that is the safest thing to do. If you find a demo ski that you like buy that exact ski even if it is not brand new.

[BRY]

@beancounter I used to ski a 70" Phantom (220+ at the time), great ski. Then went to a Phantom Truth, what a lie! That was not the same ski, the Truth sucked for me. Wished at the time I hadn't sold the original. Anyhow, the 2014-2015 Vapor's (green-blue) ski in a similar fashion to that original Phantom. Fast, arcing turns, not stop-start. 2016 Vapor is more bow down, more stick, but I feel even better, particularly the shorter you go. My 2016 Vapor 68" 34mph 28-38 (occasionally through 38) 215# turns very well though wouldn't mind it a touch stiffer. So for you at 180 32mph -38 I think the 68" would be aces. Talk to Radar, Eddie/Chris/Brooks, they love helping people get set on Vapors. Definitely worth getting a demo.

[beancounter]

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm going with the 68". Prior to the Phantom it was a 68" Connelly so it's been over 20 years with that length and no complaints. I also came across several comments here that said, "when in doubt, go with the bigger ski". Seems like good advice.

 

The plan now is to transfer my existing Animals to the V-type, get accustomed to the ski, then decide if new bindings are in order. Of course, that will be some time after today's blizzard passes through.

[Horton]

@beancounter your old animals may not be the right binding hole pattern. I forget what year it changed last but you may need to check.

[beancounter]

Ahhhh... thanks for the tip on the hole pattern.