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New Skis, too big..?

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Javascript
Posts: 109 - Karma: 16
Hey so I bought a pair of last years 2013 Armada Pipe Cleaner's (176cm) and I rode them (and skied for the first time this year)

My last skis were afterbangs, but they were 155, so I have to get used to skis 21cm which is like 8 inches. I'm 6ft exactly for reference, i've grown maybe 2 inches from last year using my afterbangs.

I noticed while skiing that it was harder to control them and just move, I fell down riding switch because I couldn't turn.

Is it that the skis are so new that the edges need to be used so it's easier to turn? or are these skis too big for me and I need to complain to the guy that convinced me I need 176 skis. TY
Dec 1 2014 9:38AM
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Javascript
Posts: 109 - Karma: 16
I think I'm going to try to get something like 166 or something most likely, I just want to know anyone else who's been in the same situation and how they got used to it
Dec 1 2014 9:40AM
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Logan.
Posts: 717 - Karma: 1,862
If you're 6 feet, you probably shouldn't be on anything less than 170
Dec 1 2014 9:42AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Yeah man, you're 6' tall... Anything shorter than 170 is seriously blasphemy IMO. Also, pipe cleaners aren't exactly the stiffest skis out there so yeah- just ski them. You'll get it eventually but that is absolutely a good length for your size.
Dec 1 2014 9:45AM
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JahLiam
Posts: 2321 - Karma: 7,823
how tall are you?
Dec 1 2014 9:45AM
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ESB
Posts: 9273 - Karma: 10,647
Everyone I know at 6 foot or over rides at least 180cm long skis even in the park.

You're a big boy, you need big skis. I'd say 176 is almost too small for you. Learn how to ride them and you'll be stoked on the bigger platform. 166 for a 6-foot tall dude is just a joke, unless you're looking to get into ski ballet.
Dec 1 2014 9:46AM
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DayMan
Posts: 4702 - Karma: 8,727
Wut. How do those not feel like miniblades? I'm 6'2" and my everyday skis are 186, and my pow skis are 191. Anything under 180 just wouldn't feel right. You'll get used to them, and I'm guessing you'll learn to like them soon enough. You really shouldn't be skiing on anything under 175 with how tall you are.
Dec 1 2014 10:19AM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
no those are not too big at all. 6 foot tall people usually ride 180+ for sure

but since you obviously prefer shorter skis (or arent very good, no offense) then that's a good length for you

reasons you think theyre too big:

1) youre rusty, it's the beginning of the season
2) youre used to TINY skis, 155cm afterbangs are like snowblades. so youre probably mentally blocking yourself thinking how much bigger they are, and are probably trying to ski them the way you did the a bangs
3) the PCs are a pretty different ski from a bangs, plus theyre new so i bet the edges are sharper than what you are used to and therefore less forgiving

just keep using them and use good technique and i PROMISE you you will start to love them. if you can and are interested, take a lesson, you wont regret it
Dec 1 2014 11:16AM
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erica
Posts: 3449 - Karma: 24,068
I jumped from a 157 to a 171, im 5'7"ish. Yeah it takes a little bit of time to get used to and the first day is weird. but honestly its the right size for you. give it a couple days.



you know what they say


bigger is better
Dec 1 2014 11:18AM
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Javascript
Posts: 109 - Karma: 16
thanks for all the replies, I guess i'll try to get used to them, but did anyone say anything about how it was harder to turn the skis? just wear them in?
Dec 1 2014 11:57AM
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erica
Posts: 3449 - Karma: 24,068
Javascriptthanks for all the replies, I guess i'll try to get used to them, but did anyone say anything about how it was harder to turn the skis? just wear them in?


you're just not used to controlling a longer ski
Dec 1 2014 12:00PM
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mik0tsi
Posts: 252 - Karma: 2,533
Javascriptthanks for all the replies, I guess i'll try to get used to them, but did anyone say anything about how it was harder to turn the skis? just wear them in?


So when i started skiing i used these around 150cm race skis meant for slalom for about 5 years. They turned super fast and were fun to turn like prob your afterbangs. Then i bought my first twintips that were around 171. The first few days were afwul. I remember when i first tried to turn them like my slalom skis and realized they didn't turn at all, i was sliding on my side down the hill. I was thinking just like you that i made a huuge mistake buying them. After a while i started to learn how and when they turn so i fell in love with them. I'm 6 foot too and now i can't ride anything under 180cm. So i recommend that you spend a day or few just skiing around the mountain every possible way. You will learn how they turn and soon you will realize the extra stability they give you! Keep shredding!!
Not so good english but..
Dec 1 2014 12:31PM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
Javascriptthanks for all the replies, I guess i'll try to get used to them, but did anyone say anything about how it was harder to turn the skis? just wear them in?


the edges will naturally get dulled a little bit and therefore be more forgiving

but the important thing is to just get used to the skis. youre gonna have to half ass it less than you did with your small skis. push those shins into your boot tongues and take control of the ski
Dec 1 2014 12:34PM
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Substitute
Posts: 1375 - Karma: 2,270
I'm 5'5 and have 171cm skis.
Dec 1 2014 12:43PM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3431 - Karma: 11,404
you are just used to tiny skis.
if they are mounted in different spots that could be throwing you off too but I'm assuming they're both in the center
Dec 1 2014 1:07PM
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Chronic_
Posts: 1730 - Karma: 1,601
In my first 4 years of skiing park (note this was 08-12) i went from 161 invaders, to 176 chronics, to 181 jeronimos. I'm 6ft for reference. Trust what people are saying you will get used to them, and believe it or not learn to love bigger skis. Have no fear my friend you just need to give yourself some time to figure them out.
Dec 1 2014 1:19PM
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turntwood
Posts: 301 - Karma: 295
Like everyone else is saying, jumping sizes in skis can be really awkward. Last season I switched from 165 to 175 last season in the same exact ski and thought I was going to die. Then I realized it wasn't the skis, it was me. It took some time, but once I figured it all out I feel like my skiing really improved. I know it's totally a buzz kill to feel weird on skis, especially if you were really confident on your old pair, but be patient and I expect you will end up happy with your choice! Good Luck!
Dec 1 2014 2:05PM
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_salty_
Posts: 672 - Karma: 1,034
I'm 5'9 160 and ride 178 kArtel 98's and I love them I think your riding way to small of a ski
Dec 1 2014 2:16PM
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M.M
Posts: 1696 - Karma: 4,490
like everyone has said those are good or even a tad small. it is personal preference but once you get used to the extra length you will never go back

im 5'10 150 and on 184's for park and they took a bit of getting used to but i loveee the length now
Dec 1 2014 3:13PM
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TheDetectives
Posts: 634 - Karma: 1,472
im 6' 180 i would ride the next size up
Dec 1 2014 9:37PM
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Javascript
Posts: 109 - Karma: 16
mik0tsiSo when i started skiing i used these around 150cm race skis meant for slalom for about 5 years. They turned super fast and were fun to turn like prob your afterbangs. Then i bought my first twintips that were around 171. The first few days were afwul. I remember when i first tried to turn them like my slalom skis and realized they didn't turn at all, i was sliding on my side down the hill. I was thinking just like you that i made a huuge mistake buying them. After a while i started to learn how and when they turn so i fell in love with them. I'm 6 foot too and now i can't ride anything under 180cm. So i recommend that you spend a day or few just skiing around the mountain every possible way. You will learn how they turn and soon you will realize the extra stability they give you! Keep shredding!!
Not so good english but..


thanks for a perfect response and everyone else

I'll keep them and get used to them, thanks everyone!!
btw so far these skis are really fast and light for the most part if anyone's interested
Dec 1 2014 10:37PM
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Lucas
Posts: 4877 - Karma: 1,520
Good to hear^ Once you get used to riding a pair of longer skis you'll never want to go back.
Dec 1 2014 10:39PM
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