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December, 2020

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Skis for (slightly?) Overweight Skier

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applepie_eli
Posts: 6 - Karma: 32
I'm 6' and weigh right around 250 pounds. I wouldn't consider myself to be severely out of shape and I don't even think that I would be considered "overweight" by most people. I'm 24 and while I'm certainly not in the best shape, I still consider myself to be fairly agile. But seeing that most ski size charts max out at 220+ and checking BMI charts, I know I could shed a few pounds.

That being said, what size skis and what type would work best for me? I currently own a pair of Elan Explore 4 that I bought a couple years ago in my second year of skiing. I believe they are 168s but I'll have to look when I get home. They might be 177. I am no expert but I have no problem going down most black diamonds here in the Eastern US (and usually pretty aggressively). I may stick with the Elans for the rest of the year but I'm considering buying new skis since I've gained some weight since buying the Elans a few years ago. I'm pretty new to all the sport and don't know much more than what I've researched on the internet. What do yinz think would be the best option for me?
Dec 21 2020 1:50PM 5 1
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MiIfHunter
Posts: 2315 - Karma: 1,549
Dope name

**This post was edited on Dec 21st 2020 at 1:57:15pm
Dec 21 2020 1:53PM 8 0
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ericforman
Posts: 168 - Karma: 1,381
If you are a directional skiier I would get something beefy and longer than 170 for sure. 184 mantra m5 would prolly do the trick for everyday east coast skiing. I ski the 177 but I’m ~150 pounds. If you want something a little more “fun” maybe hit up j skis masterblaster. If you are skiing park obviously get something different.
Dec 21 2020 5:09PM 4 0
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Yung_Gnarley
Posts: 9080 - Karma: 2,847
well, they deleted my link to the one kid on here who had a similar question but idk. Anyway, I'm also pretty big and ski hard. Make sure you ride skis that are somewhat stiff and a bit longer than usual. Both will help with stability and improve your ability to drive the tip of the ski without it folding from weight. I'm a big believer that the skier makes the ski, so I'd go into a shop so you can flex the skis and decide if it seems like "enough" ski for you. Elans are a great candidate for sure since they're often stiff. Also, stay away from fat skis (over ~98mm) since youre East coast and heavy. The wider the ski, the more pressure applied to the knee laterally. Big guys like us have too much weight to be straining knees like that.
Dec 21 2020 5:17PM 4 0
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applepie_eli
Posts: 6 - Karma: 32
Thanks! I'm mostly skiing groomers. No interest in the park. I ski at Holiday Valley in western NY and make a trip up to Whiteface once a year. We're going out west next year so I'd like something that can do powder as well. My Elans are 168.
ericformanIf you are a directional skiier I would get something beefy and longer than 170 for sure. 184 mantra m5 would prolly do the trick for everyday east coast skiing. I ski the 177 but I’m ~150 pounds. If you want something a little more “fun” maybe hit up j skis masterblaster. If you are skiing park obviously get something different.
Dec 21 2020 5:19PM 1 0
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applepie_eli
Posts: 6 - Karma: 32
Interesting. I figured wider skis would be better since they would spread your weight out? But like I said, I'm a BIG time newbie 😂 thanks for the advice!!
Yung_Gnarleywell, they deleted my link to the one kid on here who had a similar question but idk. Anyway, I'm also pretty big and ski hard. Make sure you ride skis that are somewhat stiff and a bit longer than usual. Both will help with stability and improve your ability to drive the tip of the ski without it folding from weight. I'm a big believer that the skier makes the ski, so I'd go into a shop so you can flex the skis and decide if it seems like "enough" ski for you. Elans are a great candidate for sure since they're often stiff. Also, stay away from fat skis (over ~98mm) since youre East coast and heavy. The wider the ski, the more pressure applied to the knee laterally. Big guys like us have too much weight to be straining knees like that.
Dec 21 2020 5:21PM 1 0
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Yung_Gnarley
Posts: 9080 - Karma: 2,847
applepie_eliInteresting. I figured wider skis would be better since they would spread your weight out? But like I said, I'm a BIG time newbie 😂 thanks for the advice!!


No problem. Imagine a line going from the side of your knee down to the side of your foot. If you were to be in normal shoes you can lean on the side of your foot pretty easily right? Now imagine you have shoes where the soles are really wide and try to imagine leaning on the side of your foot now. It's going to introduce a lot of torque to your knee, ya know?
Dec 21 2020 5:24PM 5 0
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applepie_eli
Posts: 6 - Karma: 32
What about Nordica Enforcer 93? My buddy has a pair and likes them. A shop near me has the 2020 model on sale with bindings for $600. Good deal and right fit or nah? Figured it might be a good thing to blow a stimulus check on...
Dec 21 2020 5:24PM 3 0
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ericforman
Posts: 168 - Karma: 1,381
Cool. Yea I would listen to some of the stronger / bigger guys on here more but you are definitely going to want a longer ski than 168 and it should be fairly stiff cause you’ll be able to bend the crap out of it.
applepie_eliThanks! I'm mostly skiing groomers. No interest in the park. I ski at Holiday Valley in western NY and make a trip up to Whiteface once a year. We're going out west next year so I'd like something that can do powder as well. My Elans are 168.
Dec 21 2020 5:25PM 1 0
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Yung_Gnarley
Posts: 9080 - Karma: 2,847
applepie_eliWhat about Nordica Enforcer 93? My buddy has a pair and likes them. A shop near me has the 2020 model on sale with bindings for $600. Good deal and right fit or nah? Figured it might be a good thing to blow a stimulus check on...


If I were to recommend one ski it'd be that one. It's fate!! Nordicas are sooooo fun :)
Dec 21 2020 5:25PM 4 0
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applepie_eli
Posts: 6 - Karma: 32
That totally makes sense now.
Yung_GnarleyNo problem. Imagine a line going from the side of your knee down to the side of your foot. If you were to be in normal shoes you can lean on the side of your foot pretty easily right? Now imagine you have shoes where the soles are really wide and try to imagine leaning on the side of your foot now. It's going to introduce a lot of torque to your knee, ya know?
Dec 21 2020 5:25PM 1 0
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anders_a
Posts: 878 - Karma: 2,321
I'm 230 currently, skis that other review as "stiff" you will... well they wont be stiff ;)

enforcer 93 or 94 should be decent for sure, how much do you ski? and how much have you skied?

what kind of skiiing do you like and want to do?
Dec 21 2020 5:41PM 1 0
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bradwalters
Posts: 157 - Karma: 887
I'd recommend any of the Mindbenders Ti models. In particular the Mindbender 99ti. Great ski and has metal in it and a beefed up sidewall so will give you the support you need.
Dec 21 2020 5:44PM 0 0
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Domaski
Posts: 17 - Karma: 100
I would highly recommend the enforcer 93's. Tons of fun. They carve really well without feeling like a race ski. The width means they ski pow decently well as long as it's not crazy deep and also keeps them plenty fun.
Dec 21 2020 6:24PM 2 0
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overweightmastr
Posts: 75 - Karma: 392
who tagged me?
Dec 21 2020 8:19PM 0 0
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Yung_Gnarley
Posts: 9080 - Karma: 2,847
overweightmastrwho tagged me?


I did! Figured it'd be relevant. Wasn't trying to be rude or anything lol
Dec 21 2020 8:20PM 3 0
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Yung_Gnarley
Posts: 9080 - Karma: 2,847
You're the master after all...
Dec 21 2020 8:20PM 3 0
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overweightmastr
Posts: 75 - Karma: 392
Yung_GnarleyYou're the master after all...


aah yes but when the dude said he had elans I don't think I know how to help. eheath might know lol

**This post was edited on Dec 21st 2020 at 8:23:22pm
Dec 21 2020 8:21PM 4 0
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overweightmastr
Posts: 75 - Karma: 392
I am not dissing eheath he is the goat

**This post was edited on Dec 21st 2020 at 8:24:46pm
Dec 21 2020 8:23PM 4 0
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ASAPCarter
Posts: 256 - Karma: 1,811
overweightmastraah yes but when the dude said he had elans I don't think I know how to help. eheath might know lol

**This post was edited on Dec 21st 2020 at 8:23:22pm


I thought he might have some experience to speak on... instead he deleted my comment:(
Dec 21 2020 8:48PM 2 0
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TreyMiddleton
Posts: 52 - Karma: 130
I’m a similar height and weight as the op. since i’m on the west coast i usually ski a 191cm ON3P jeffrey 108 and they are more than stable enough for me.
bradwaltersI'd recommend any of the Mindbenders Ti models. In particular the Mindbender 99ti. Great ski and has metal in it and a beefed up sidewall so will give you the support you need.

I also have a pair of mindbender 99ti that i use for firmer snow days. I also like the 90s but they might be a little narrow if you want to ski everything but that’s personal preference. I sized down to 184cm and they are just as stable as my longer skis and absolutely rail groomers when tuned correctly.
Dec 22 2020 12:03AM 1 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 5780 - Karma: 23,486
Yung_Gnarleywell, they deleted my link to the one kid on here who had a similar question but idk. Anyway, I'm also pretty big and ski hard. Make sure you ride skis that are somewhat stiff and a bit longer than usual. Both will help with stability and improve your ability to drive the tip of the ski without it folding from weight. I'm a big believer that the skier makes the ski, so I'd go into a shop so you can flex the skis and decide if it seems like "enough" ski for you. Elans are a great candidate for sure since they're often stiff. Also, stay away from fat skis (over ~98mm) since youre East coast and heavy. The wider the ski, the more pressure applied to the knee laterally. Big guys like us have too much weight to be straining knees like that.


This-- OP you want a stiff ski and don't bother with anything bigger than 100 waist, you don't need it on the East almost ever

enforcers sound great for you. The length might be a tough decision because your size says long but your skill level says shorter, so try to strike a balance
Dec 22 2020 12:10AM 0 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 5780 - Karma: 23,486
How do your current skis feel in terms of length? Good? Too short? Too long, hard for you to manage?
Dec 22 2020 12:11AM 0 0
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applepie_eli
Posts: 6 - Karma: 32
I only ski maybe 5 to 7 times a year. I started about 4 years ago. Weekend warrior stuff. I like doing blues and blacks most, usually at decent speed. It's mostly going to be groomers and ice, but occasionally powder. I do know that my Elans are pretty crappy in the few powder days I've experienced. I'm also planning on going out west next year so I'd like something a little better in powder. Other than that my Elans feel pretty decent, except they don't feel as fast as they were a couple years ago, probably since I've gained weight I'm guessing.
anders_aI'm 230 currently, skis that other review as "stiff" you will... well they wont be stiff ;)

enforcer 93 or 94 should be decent for sure, how much do you ski? and how much have you skied?

what kind of skiiing do you like and want to do?
Dec 22 2020 6:29AM 0 0
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applepie_eli
Posts: 6 - Karma: 32
They're easy to manage. Honestly they're not all that bad, that's why I was considering waiting till next year since we're already half way into this season. I just feel like since I've gained some weight and since my skill level has gone up a little, I'm probably due for an upgrade. My buddy has the Enforcer 93 in 185s and he has no trouble. I would say me and him are equal at ability level. I was planning on getting 185s if I did snag the enforcers, being that my 168s don't feel too bad at all most of the time. At this point I'm just kinda debating whether to buy them now or just wait till summer and see if I can find them even cheaper. I could buy a used pair of 2017 enforcer 93s in 185 from a mutual friend for $400 with bindings. They've only been used 4 or 5 times. But I felt like the 2020 model with bindings for $600 brand new sounded like a better deal. But again, not sure if I just wanna wait till next year because realistically I only have maybe 5 ski days left this year.
SofaKingSickHow do your current skis feel in terms of length? Good? Too short? Too long, hard for you to manage?


**This post was edited on Dec 22nd 2020 at 6:38:57am
Dec 22 2020 6:36AM 2 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 5780 - Karma: 23,486
applepie_eliThey're easy to manage. Honestly they're not all that bad, that's why I was considering waiting till next year since we're already half way into this season. I just feel like since I've gained some weight and since my skill level has gone up a little, I'm probably due for an upgrade. My buddy has the Enforcer 93 in 185s and he has no trouble. I would say me and him are equal at ability level. I was planning on getting 185s if I did snag the enforcers, being that my 168s don't feel too bad at all most of the time. At this point I'm just kinda debating whether to buy them now or just wait till summer and see if I can find them even cheaper. I could buy a used pair of 2017 enforcer 93s in 185 from a mutual friend for $400 with bindings. They've only been used 4 or 5 times. But I felt like the 2020 model with bindings for $600 brand new sounded like a better deal. But again, not sure if I just wanna wait till next year because realistically I only have maybe 5 ski days left this year.


**This post was edited on Dec 22nd 2020 at 6:38:57am


That's cool, okay well yeah up to you when you get new skis but that's great that you have those options and really, it's best if you get to a size that's normal for your size
Dec 22 2020 8:39AM 3 0
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