new ski size advise

[randyb]

I'm looking to buy a new ski and wanted to get some opions and advice on sizing. I've read some of the threads and charts but still have some questions.
I've been demo'ing the HO System 8, 68" for a couple of weeks and really like it. I'm going to demo the 67" on next week.The ski I was on was a 10 year old 67" HO something and I thought the 68" might let me slow down and work on form more. I'm 185lbs and usually ski at ~32mph. I don't have access to a course but am thinking of putting one in maybe next year. I tried the Monza last year and it seemed too stiff at the speeds I'm comfortable with; the System 8 feels much more alive.
The size charts for my weight say I could be on a 67, 68 or 69 inch ski- not much help there. Aside from the speed I want to ski at, are there any other considerations I should think about when picking a size?

Thanks!

[shepherd]

If you're skiing 32 mph, you should pick a ski on the long side of the charts -- 69".

[H20ski Dude]

if you're only skiing at 32 I'd recommend the vengence from HO. the system 8 is still a lot of ski... it won't help you with your form. JMO

how much do you weigh?

[BeavenX5]

I am also 185lb (5'10") and started the course 3 years ago.
I had a 67" HO Thruth for 3 years and got a 68" System 8 late last year. I was lucky and got my ski from Shepherd when he was upgrading to his Monza.
According to our MC dealer here in Montreal (he is also a pro skier) 68" was definately the lenth I needed in that ski since I was skiing at 32-34mph and would not go faster than 34mph (I am 40 year old and max speed is 34).
I love the ski and think that if you are a little agressive, it will allow you to improve a lot. The System 8 is not as unforgiven as the Monza...
I you tried it and like it, get it. You won't regret it.

[randyb]

Thanks everyone for the input. So, if I stick with the 68" ski, I should be skiing 32-34 mph. I too am in my 40's and I think 34 max speed is a good idea. I do really like the ski - it definately turns best and has the best acceleration of the ones I have tried.

Now to find a used slalom course on craigslist...

[sand2snow22]

I'm 195 lbs and have a 68" System 8. My brother rides the same ski and he's about 185 lbs. We like it. My cousin has a 67" HO CDX, I like it too, but just is a little more tiring losing 1 ".

[Jesus_Freak]

I'm looking to buy a new ski and wanted to get some opions and advice on sizing. I've read some of the threads and charts but still have some questions. I've been demo'ing the HO System 8, 68" for a couple of weeks and really like it...

When you ski the course, you will find that it is a brand new sport compared to free skiing. All the great and wonderful things you can think about while skiing, great turns, great angle coming out of turns, etc. goes to pot when you try in a course....There is just something about those fixed points in space you have to get around.

Just make sure your demo time includes as much as possible course time.

[BrianM]

I agree. Go with the longer ski for the slower speeds. I am about your size and started getting into course skiing on a 68" KD7000. It wasn't until I was skiing 36mph that I went to the 67" Monza. A little longer ski really helps being able to slow the boat down.

[starman205]

Also look on ski-it-again.com for used courses. :)