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Are 160cm skis too short?

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Lioncourt
Posts: 204 - Karma: 16
I just picked up some Original 02/03 Armada AR5s off ebay, new, for 120 bucks.
Not really a bank blowing purchase, but I do need something to get me on the slopes before I can invest in something in the 350-550 range.

Now onto the real thread.
I'm 5'11'' and about 145 lbs.
I used to be a pretty good skier, but rode skiboards for the past few years.
I know that these skis are "short", but how short? Will it put a seriously damped on my skiing?
I normally hit rails and 15-20 ft tables, little powder, and a lot of groomers.

I'm planning on having these be an all park ski, as that's all I ride because of were I live.

How will these guys hold up?
Nov 20 2010 12:57AM
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binturong-qwerty
Posts: 1506 - Karma: 146
Yes they will be short as hell
Nov 20 2010 12:59AM
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brakes
Posts: 457 - Karma: 11
I pulled off 161s last year and I'm 5'9 160lbs, so yes you CAN do it
but its going to suck
hard
Nov 20 2010 1:04AM
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Lioncourt
Posts: 204 - Karma: 16
 How does it affect the ride?
Nov 20 2010 1:10AM
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brakes
Posts: 457 - Karma: 11
you feel like your constantly going to fly over the tips of your skis and eat shit hard, pushing you into the backseat out of fear. it sucks
Nov 20 2010 1:20AM
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Caleb.E
Posts: 3556 - Karma: 1,014
ull be fine, im 5'9 and ski 159 disordlys that are centermounted....and i love them!
Nov 20 2010 12:28PM
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CREASTON
Posts: 765 - Karma: 1,981
As you said you rode skiboards for the past few seasons so you are used to a much shorter running surface, The 160 would probably be a good transition ski, as you get used to a 160 ski this season maybe you could get used to a longer ski next season. Just my opinion you'll be fine with the experience built up from being on a super short skiboard. later on as you get better with the skis you'll want to go up in size as you progress though.
Nov 20 2010 1:02PM
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CANNON^
Posts: 1609 - Karma: 23
u should be rocking some 175s, ur the same height and weight as me and thats what i ride. check my threads if u want a pair
Nov 20 2010 1:10PM
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Joe_Brogan
Posts: 360 - Karma: 11
im about the same size as you (im 6' 150 lbs), but I ski 179cm.  id say that they'll be short, but i do have a friend who is maybe 5'9" and skis 160cm fine.  they'll be easier for the park cause youll be able to spin faster, cause of less weight.  a short ski will be worse for powder because a shorter ski means less surface area, and less surface area means less flotation
Nov 20 2010 2:29PM
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Lioncourt
Posts: 204 - Karma: 16
When I was in 8th grade I rode 139 K2 Juvys.
Mind you I was about 5'6'' then, and that was hell, mostly because they were skinny. Loads less surface area than even my skiboards.

Can anyone post a picture comparing 180s to 160s so I can see?
Nov 20 2010 2:58PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
161 on far left 181 on far right








Click for larger image
Nov 20 2010 3:07PM
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dunkilla
Posts: 28 - Karma: 10
I took a 161cm long poop today..... then a made a poop man out of it and played playmobile with him
Nov 20 2010 3:12PM
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Lioncourt
Posts: 204 - Karma: 16
That is a pretty noticeable difference, I'll keep these as a preseason ski and pick up another pair in January when our park get's built.

Do you guys have any recommendations for a flexy, buttery ski that can I can spin off and onto rails with that can also hold up to 20-30 ft tables, and do a little pipe? Preferably in the $400 range?
Nov 20 2010 3:13PM
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
Maybe 166 Afterbangs? That is, if you still want shorter skis.
Nov 20 2010 3:18PM
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muFFn
Posts: 1040 - Karma: 74
Line Afterbangs. I'm 5'10 and 160lbs and they were excellent for me. Their very buttery on the tips and tails, but solid underfoot. Their 115-88-115, so there essentially the same ski forward and backward. Their excellent for jumps until you get above 50ft or so. You'll want them in a 177 because they are very flexible. At a 166, I think your gonna slip out a lot on jumps more than you'll want. The 177's are stable, but very fun. Also they are very tough and can be used for a few years. I'm on year 2 with them and that's a record for myself. from 2007 to 2009 I broke 6 pairs of Liberties *claim*
Nov 20 2010 3:49PM
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a_pla5tic_bag
Posts: 9210 - Karma: 5,357
i have the same skis but I'm like 5'5 and I wish i got longer. point being it's preference.
Nov 20 2010 4:32PM
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84891jnf92048
Posts: 11552 - Karma: 2,550
Click for larger image
Nov 20 2010 4:56PM
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