Slalom Ski Sizing
Your choice of ski size must take into consideration many factors.
Weight and Boat Speed are
considered the most important factors. Recreational skiers
will likely have a few more factors thrown into the equation
than would a tournament skier. You may have to consider a larger ski
if you ski behind an underpowered boat that has trouble getting you out
of the water during a slalom deepwater start. Also depending on
boat horse power, you may have to consider larger sizing if
you plan on using double high wrap bindings, which can require more HP
during deepwater starts. DIfferent brands of skis are
sized differently as well. Some manufacturers sell 65", 67", 69" while others
sell 66", 68", 70". As well, individual models of skis may require different
sizing due to unusual shapes or characteristics. Tournament skiers
that are about to change divisions might want to keep in mind
any speed changes that go along with the division changes.
The table below is a good
starting point. This table was copied (without permission) from the 1996
HO Extreme Ski Company brochure.
| HO Skis Chart |
|---|
| WEIGHT | 26-30mph
42-48km | 30-24mph
48-55km | 34-36mph
55-58km |
|---|
80-110lbs
36-50kg | 62"-64" | 62"-64" | --- |
|---|
95-120lbs
43-55kg | 65"-66" | 63"-64" | 63"-64" |
|---|
115-140lbs
43-55kg | 65"-66" | 65"-66" | 63"-64" |
|---|
135-160lbs
61-73kg | 67"-68" | 65"-66" | 65"-66" |
|---|
155-180lbs
70-82kg | 69"-70" | 67"-68" | 67"-68" |
|---|
175-200lbs
80-91kg | 69"-70" | 69"-70" | 67"-68" |
|---|
195-220lbs
89-100kg | 72" | 69"-70" | 69"-70" |
|---|
215lbs & up
98kg & up | 72" | 72" | 72" |
|---|