Correct Ski length

Question
I am purchasing new shaped skis after skiing on 185 straight skis for last 20 yrs. Ski mostly groomed blue and black slopes. I am 5'9" and weigh 155 lbs. The local ski tech. suggested 160-165 cm range and the Head website brought up 170. What would advantages/disadvantages be for the shorter vs. longer length.  I am look at Head Hot Thang.

Answer
hello and thanks for the question

sorry about the delay to answer am currently at a conference...

congratulations on switching ... you wont regret it - only the fact you left it so long...

length and surface area change once you go to a shaped ski...
ie: a 160cm shaped ski may actually have the same surface area/ski similarly as a 168-170cm straight ski

generally you want something chin-nose height
however ... and there are plently of those ...
if you like short turns - go shorter
if you like long and fast - go longer
is the ski stiff? maybe you'll need it shorter
is it soft flex? consider longer
a short soft flex ski will vibrate more under foot at higher speeds...
--- get the idea?

so depending the type of ski your looking at will alter perhaps the length you get.

more important..
how old are your boots?
maybe look at updating them as well if you have skied in these ones more than 100 days or they are more than 5-7yrs old... they will effect the ski more than the length of it.


the guys in the shop should know...
ask about a return policy if your not happy
can you test some skis on hill before making a decision??

need anymore info? ask away

lisa