Recommend me a LENGTH

[kmcclain]

So I've made up my mind that I want to buy some powder skis, but I ski on the east coast except one week in utah each year. So I'll probably not use these skis a whole lot (which is why I'm looking to buy used), pulling them out for powder days on the east coast (assuming we get any) and to take to Utah with me.

I've been searching forums and that auction site a lot and reading reviews. My biggest question is what LENGTH I should get. I'm 6' tall and 180 lbs, a former racer/coach so I do well in all conditions, am used to stiff skis, and will primarily be skiing my rossi 9x oversizes (176cm), rossi 9s world cup (SHORT, I won't even say given the nature of this thread), or my tele set up. No backcountry action here in the east for me.

I'm open to general lengths ranges/recommendations given the above information, but I know different skis will vary with listed v. actual lengths, stiffness, etc. So here's what I've been considering

04/05 Rossi B3 (i'm kind of a rossi whore) I demoed a pair of these in utah 2 winters ago and loved them. I'm almost positive it was in the 185 and I'd almost definitely get this length and no shorter (the 178).
Rossi Scratch BC.
K2 Seth 179 or 189. Would the 189 be too long for me? I'm worried about struggling with them in the trees. From what I can tell, they ski longer than listed.
Volkl Gotama, explosive
Salomon 1080 Gun

If anyone wants to recommend any other skis I'm open to suggestion. I've been thinking in the 188/189/190 range but now I'm worried that might be too long given my usage (especially in the Seths). What do you think?

[Mr.Scruff]

Run, you fool!

[mrkristofo]

....how much do you weigh and how tall are you?

04/05 Rossi B4 (get the B4, not the B3. Wider platform, but holds an edge almost the same...get the 185)
Rossi Scratch BC. - These are my BC skis. I don't know what I think about them yet. Super quick to turn, ski switch in pow OK. Get the 185.
K2 189. I have 189 Madens that I whip through the trees in the Eagle's Nest and the 'ho at Alta all the time. This would be a good length of Seths for me, but without your size and weight I have no idea.
Volkl Gotama, explosive - good skis, now made in china. can't say more because I don't know anything.
Salomon 1080 Gun - No.

[kmcclain]

Very good point Mr. Kristofo. I meant to list my height and weight originally. 6 feet 180 lbs.

Also, in 04-05, the B4 didn't exist yet, well, at least not to the masses. I think they did a mid-season release or something strange. It was 05-06 when they screwed with everyone's heads by making the 04-05 B3 into the 05-06 B4 (and the 04-05 B1 into the B2, B2 into the B3, etc.) The skis I skied had a 95 mm waist.

[JeffreyJim]

Scratch BC will ski shorter than the B3(or b4...whatever) in the 185. I love my Scratches but if you're not going to be spinning much with them/skiing switch mount them a little further back (IMO)

[BS720]

Uh..the 04/05 B3 IS the B4. They just slapped the Grinch graphics on it. I have a 195cm B4 and they have great edge hold. I would look for a pudgy, stiff ski, that you can still rock in the East. Definately a 189 Seth, if you go that way. Have you considered the AK Enemy? Also how about a Squad, 184 or even 189? You would be ok on groomers, and have a great ski for UT.

[kmcclain]

Hadn't considered the AK Enemy. I was under the impression that it's more of a park ski (or at least it used to be). Think it might be too soft too.

Squads would be awesome, but I'm on a budget and I'm not going to use these enough to justify purchase of something brand new. I'm trying to go the used/old stock route. Hard to find any used squads just yet.

[72Twenty]

185 1080 Gun

[BS720]

Ak Enemy v. Public Enemy. Big difference, but doesn't matter if you are on a budget. What about a pair of the older B3's in 185cm? Should be able to find these pretty cheap.

[BS720]

1080 Gun + East Coast + racing background = bad investment

[Tony]

The ideal ski for your weight, background and brand preference would a Rossi B4/Squad (B3 too soft if you like stiff skis) keeping in mind your intended use (almost none on EC).

It might be harder to get a used deal on that ski. I'll say go with a used Gotama or Seth in no less than 190. There's plenty of those around.

[2FUNKY]

Hadn't considered the AK Enemy. I was under the impression that it's more of a park ski (or at least it used to be). Think it might be too soft too.

Squads would be awesome, but I'm on a budget and I'm not going to use these enough to justify purchase of something brand new. I'm trying to go the used/old stock route. Hard to find any used squads just yet.

You are confusing the Public Enemy, which is a park ski, with the AK Enemy, Which is built for pow. AK Enemy a great ski. Get the 189. Stiffer than the 179. This is still a soft ski but a lot of Pow specific boards are. Helps with float. I just picked up a set of Apache Chiefs. They are 131,98,116 in a 181. I moved to a area that has a lot of trees so I went with a shorter stick. They fucking RIP!
Stiff and smooth. Great Resort ski. No twin, but no biggie for me. They kill the pow and crud. They can also dig trenches on groomers, just have to get into the ski a little more due to little side cut. Good luck

[kmcclain]

I am an idiot. I was thinking public enemy. Why couldn't they just keep calling them the maidens? Anyway, I dont think I need 108 underfoot. I think the 90-100 range is going to be more versatile, especially if I get to Utah and there's no freshies and only crust and crud. Chiefs are nice, just think I can get a seth cheaper than a chief, and they seem comparable.

Can someone elaborate on the 1080 Gun situation? I've got 2 no's and 1 yes. Is it too soft?

[BS720]

Somebody else will have to change the vote, but I just got rid of a pair because they are too soft. Not the kind of ski you want to ever have in a straightline situation, and get knocked around in crud. It's not a bad ski, just not for a size LG hardcharger, and definately not for ice or groomers!!

[kmcclain]

23. Lots left in my knees.

[cj001f]

I'd recommend you a 150lb 6' brunette with a 10" LS9000K

[BS720]

Dude, look over the list of suggested fatties. Depending on what you are wanting to spend, there is a great used ski for you without going 1080. Volkl Mantra would be SOOOO good for you. And keep your eye on ebay. A 184 Squad would be great too.

[qruddick]

I'm 6'4" 200+, I've bought last years B4 (04-05 B3) in 195 for use as a powder ski. While I dont think that these can turn on a dime, I enjoyed them so much in every condition that they quickly became my everyday ski.

[dirtybryan]

I'm 6' and 20 lbs lighter then you, racing background, and am moving around 193's around fine in everything except bumps. Go big, you won't regret it.

[kmcclain]

Alright so I might have a chance to pick up some 185 Pocket Rockets (not sure what year, and only if BS720 doesn't want them), or some 2004 Line Pollard Pro's (118-86-111).

Given the above discussion, are these skis a decent fit for me? Anyone recommend one over the other? Are these going to be too soft? I know the pocket rocket is soft, don't know about the pollard.

[Brock Landers]

I live on the east and was sorta in the same situation. I purchased a pair of 1080 Guns and Gots. I think the Pocket Rockets may be a little soft for you. Dont sweat going short either- youll be happy in the woods at Stowe or Jay or wherever on the east without the length- Im assuming youll do your cruising on the Rossis you already have and are just looking for something on pow days to hit the glades with, I just think the PR may be too soft for the crud and late season heavy snow. The B4's should be ok, Chiefs would be good, Mantras would be great too in a 184 if you can find a set. Seths may be good too, and Ive heard good things about the Rossi Scratch BC- taking into account some ski longer than others Id try for around a 183-189 length, considering youre not going to be charging big mountain on them, but using more for powder in the woods.