How to choose slalom ski length?

[flaskier]

I have an HO Omega Max and ski the course at 32 mph, 22'-28' off. 6', 177 lbs. If I look at the online charts for HO or any other mfg, I am right in between a 66" and 67" ski. What is the difference between a shorter ski and longer ski? Does one turn quicker? Does a longer ski hold its track better thru the wakes?

I know the answer is ski both and see what you like, but just wondering if there is a performance characteristic that you can expect from a shorter or longer ski. Any thoughts appreciated.

[waterlogged882]

Lots of variables.

66 is a little quicker coming across and a little tighter in the turn. However one gets into the characteristics of a particular ski, etc. for consideration. You are asking the right questions.

I use a 67 at 205 lbs. I like a little hotter pass at 36 MPH, of which the 67 allows with ease. .

Any ski will hold its edge coming through the wake as long as you keep it on edge.

I have both lengths and prefer to 67 most days.

For the in-between quagmire, I'd go 67 if you are looking for a new board.

.

[93Prostar190]

When in doubt, go a touch longer especially with todays designs and construction …

[jpwhit]

What length is the HO Omega Max that you already have? Are you considering getting a new ski?

Shorter ski will turn slightly quicker, longer ski will build more speed side to side relative to the effort. At 177lbs and 32mph, I would think 67 is the better length even factoring in the Omega is little bit of a wider ski. But it's really more about total surface area of the ski, so length alone isn't the only factor. That's why it's a good idea to go by the size chart for the specific model. But if you're right on the boundary, always go with the bigger size.

For reference, I ski on a 67" Radar Vapor Pro. I open at 32 / 22 off and typically ski into 34 / 32 off. Occasionally get a few balls at 35 off.

[flaskier]

I had a 67" that broke, see below. It was only 1 year old. Thought about going to 66" but based upon comments above will probably stick w/67".

[jpwhit]

Have you contacted HO about it? They may do something about it breaking.

[RxMC]

I had a 67" that broke, see below. It was only 1 year old. Thought about going to 66" but based upon comments above will probably stick w/67".

How did that happen? I know I was not impressed by the HO customer service.

[88 PS190]

How did that happen? I know I was not impressed by the HO customer service.

Its tough to ridicule the ski brands while they are companies they are also all basically owned by 2 venture capital firms. Like Radar and HO are both actually owned by the same group. If you have real HO concerns needing brand attention reach out directly to Sam Avaiusini they prefer you go through whomever you bought the ski from but you can always go uphill to people like Sam and HO or Brooks at Radar.


That ski looks like it got slammed into by a tailgate more than a skiing related problem but ya never know could be both. Skis are never loaded "down" like that so the most common way to snap a ski in that direction would be it being closed into by something hard. Think normally the forces would snap it UP at that break line.

[88 PS190]

Ski sizes assume a ski speed. Ski speed is assumed based off the ski type more than lenght.

So the ski size chart for a Radar Vapor is at 36MPH, for a senate assume those sizes are for 34mph. I would tell you to go up a size for every 2mph you go slower than the anticipated design criteria. So if you would ski a 66" Radar Vapor at 36 I would get a 67 radar vapor for 34 and then I would be on the fence about going to a 68 for 32 or lower. Just depending on skier ability.

The omega max is a wider profiled ski, generally speaking you can run those shorter than you would think because they have the support. Some of the theory there is that the ski rocker and sidewall profile has to do with the turn and cross course direction sort of like the side cut profile of downhill skis and that the volume or total width of the wet area has to do with the support. So for the Omega Max specifically I would probably try to stick with the smaller ski unless you feel like it is shutting down coming into the turn. Sometimes that can be fixed with a binding move and sometimes that needs a bigger ski but it ALWAYS makes people pull too long.

[flaskier]

Yes, HO is sending me a new ski. I bought it thru Wiley's and Wiley's helped get the exchange done.

There was nothing wrong w/the ski prior to the fall and no tailgates slammed down on it. It was only 1 year old. The tail can be lifted up or down and was fine up until the fall. I'm a little leery about getting back on a HO but from what I can tell this is a freak accident and there is no overall problem w/the ski design.

[jpwhit]

Yes, HO is sending me a new ski. I bought it thru Wiley's and Wiley's helped get the exchange done.

There was nothing wrong w/the ski prior to the fall and no tailgates slammed down on it. It was only 1 year old. The tail can be lifted up or down and was fine up until the fall. I'm a little leery about getting back on a HO but from what I can tell this is a freak accident and there is no overall problem w/the ski design.

They are luckily rare, but I've seen similar failures on pretty much every brand of ski. I know tons of folks that ski on HO, there is no overall issue with the quality and durability of their skis. I haven't experienced it myself, but one of the guys I ski with had a ski fail on him last season and cause a very hard fall. It took him a little time to feel comfortable again. Just start easy and build up and you'll regain your confidence in the equipment.

[BROUSSARD]

Its tough to ridicule the ski brands while they are companies they are also all basically owned by 2 venture capital firms. Like Radar and HO are both actually owned by the same group. If you have real HO concerns needing brand attention reach out directly to Sam Avaiusini they prefer you go through whomever you bought the ski from but you can always go uphill to people like Sam and HO or Brooks at Radar.

Please don't spread misinformation. Radar and HO are not owned by the same group and are completely separate. Radar is under Square One Distribution which is the parent company for the Radar and Ronix brands. HO is part of Kent Outdoors which owns a tonnnn of brands including: HO, Hyperlite, FatSac, Barefoot International, Obrien, Connelly, Liquid Force, Freedom Foils, and Margaritaville.

[88 PS190]

Please don't spread misinformation. Radar and HO are not owned by the same group and are completely separate. Radar is under Square One Distribution which is the parent company for the Radar and Ronix brands. HO is part of Kent Outdoors which owns a tonnnn of brands including: HO, Hyperlite, FatSac, Barefoot International, Obrien, Connelly, Liquid Force, Freedom Foils, and Margaritaville.

My bad its Connelly and HO.

(And obrien)