The Fischer Ranger 90 is the narrowest offering in the Ranger line up, and is a very versatile, user-friendly ski that is approachable for many skiers. With a 90-millimeter waist, this ski excels on all front side terrain. Groomers, bumps, trees, steeps, even a bit if fresh, the Ranger 90 is both stable and secure. Its stability comes from a Shaped Titanal rib that runs through the ski, which provides dampness and stability with just the right amount of torsional stiffness. A poplar wood core adds stability and pop in and out turns, and you will feel the progressive edge grip really hold on firm snow. Sandwich Sidewall construction keeps the ski durable and strong and can take abuse and keep coming back for more. Intermediate skiers will enjoy how easy the 90 skis, and how it responds to input from the skier whether they are skiing slow, medium or fast speeds. The 90 gives you the confidence to reach your next levels performance, while growing with you every step of the way. Advanced skiers will also skiers appreciate the skis ability to carve and lay trenches on the groomers, while also attacking that zipper line in the bumps. For those skiers looking for to reach new heights or raise the bar on their own fun meter, the Fischer Ranger 90 will deliver for you run after run, day after day.
Hi guys. I'm an advanced, but aging : ( skier who mainly stays on the frontside. One trip out west a year might get me in some softer snow but for the most part I'm on firm groomers in Michigan. I really like to carve tight turns across the fall line so I'm looking for a ski that will do that and hold an edge, but not beat me up over time. My speed us usually less than 35 mph. I've been looking at the Mindbender 89TI, Salomon QST 92, Armada Declivity 92, and now this Ranger 90 has caught my eye. I'm 68 years old, 6'1", 195 lbs and have been skiing on a 179. What do you think would be the best ski for me? I know the Salomon will be updated for 2023 so use that for comparison if you can. Thanks!
Question by: Tim Neal on Mar 28, 2022, 6:34 PM
Hi Tim!
These are all going to be excellent skis for the job, however I think you'll really enjoy either the Ranger 90 or the 2023 QST 92. The Ranger is an excellent balance of all mountain performance and groomer performance. The new ranger uses a shaped Titanal laminate giving it a little more backbone on groomers and icy hardpack while keeping it playful off the piste. The QST is lightweight but carries a lot of energy though the turn giving you a fun responsive ski on groomers while maintaining the off piste performance expected of a QST. I'm leaning more toward the Ranger for you but I also wouldn't count out the new QST.
SE
Answer by: Chris McClelland on Mar 29, 2022, 3:14 PM
Hey! Looking to pick up my first set of skis, and with the current supply issues, I've been unable to demo anything I'm interested in. I'm a 5' 10" 155 lbs intermediate male east coast skier who takes 2-3 trips out west each season. I'm looking for something that is generally more front-side focused, although I'd love some performance in glades and off shoots. I'm not planning on going too fast and would prefer something with some play that I can use to improve from intermediate to advanced. From what I can tell, the upper 80's to lower mid 90's seems to be the sweet spot for that, and I've been looking at this ski (Ranger 90), Rustler 9's, J Ski Fastforwards, and Salomon QST 92's. Any thoughts? Really appreciate the advice.
Question by: Justin Trainor on Feb 14, 2022, 3:17 PM
Hi Justin!
You're in the right zone for sure. If you like the front-side with some versatility, I think the Ranger is a great choice. Can't go wrong with the Rustler, either--very well-rounded, but I suspect you'll appreciate the quickness and agility of the Ranger. I'd go that route.
SE
Answer by: SkiEssentials Expert on Feb 17, 2022, 3:28 PM
Where is metal laminate positioned within the ski?
Question by: Joseph Arcara on Feb 16, 2022, 8:53 PM
Hi Joseph!
it's full -width underfoot and extends forward to about mid-body and same for the tail. No metal in the very tips and tails of the ski.
SE
Answer by: SkiEssentials Expert on Feb 17, 2022, 4:55 PM
How would you compare these skis to the Kendo 88s? I’m a 5’11” 175lbs east coast skier that spends 75% of my time on groomers. Thanks
Question by: Joe on Mar 8, 2022, 5:50 PM
HI Joe!
The Ranger is not the on-trail carver/performer that the Kendo is, but it's a lot easier to wrangle for sure. If you value precision, power, and stability at speed, you're better off on the Kendo, but for more off-piste activities and a generally easier go at it, the Ranger still has plenty of performance to offer. If you're aggressive and fast, I'd lean to the Kendo, but otherwise I'd strongly consider the Ranger.
SE
Answer by: SkiEssentials Expert on Mar 9, 2022, 12:36 PM
I asked this question last week on the Sheeva 9 page but haven't had a response. Re-posting it here since the Q&A on women's skis isn't as active as "men's" skis.
I am looking for a 100% dedicated tree/mogul ski - mostly New England , mostly non-powder days. I am just getting into technical terrain and want a ski that will be a lot of fun as I learn. I have multiple options for those unfortunate days that are spent on groomers, so don't need the "all-mountain versatility" that most manufacturers claim for most/all of their skis. Trying to wade through the sea of everything for everyone offerings to figure out what will work best for this specific need.
I had pretty much decided on the Blizzard Rustler/Sheeva 9 and then I saw your introduction to the redesigned Ranger lineup and the Ranger 90 seemed like a really good option - closer to what I need than the Ranger 94 FR. How does the new Ranger 90 compare to the Sheeva 9? I'm 5'4" 132 pounds - I'll be buying the 157/158cm.
Question by: L. Walsh on Apr 4, 2022, 12:16 PM
Hi!
The new Ranger 90 has better float than the Sheeva but the Sheeva is going to have more grip for those firmer days. The Handling between these two skis is going to be fairly similar as well. I think for strictly woods and bumps the Sheeva is going to edge out the Ranger slightly.
SE
Answer by: Chris McClelland on Apr 7, 2022, 1:22 PM
Hi! I am looking for a new all mountain ski in the low to mid 90s. Looking at the new Ranger 90s, the QST 92 or the Ross Escaper. Im a 40 yo intermediate-advanced skier at 6'1", 185 lbs. Mostly ski groomers and trees with the kids, not too much at speed. Might see some off piste a few days (hours) a year. Also considering putting a Shift binding on these. Any thoughts?
Question by: Martin on Apr 27, 2022, 5:36 AM
Hi Martin!
The Ranger 90 sounds perfect here. Its got a shaped metal laminate for those icy groomer days, but also a maneuverable ski shape that doesn't catch in slow speed turns and trees. Its a great candidate for a shift binding and makes for a killer 50/50 ski.
Have fun out there!
SE
Answer by: Chris McClelland on Apr 27, 2022, 1:36 PM
Hi guys, thanks for the constant reviews & inspiration, I love tuning in for your expert opinions on a regular basis. I'm looking at this model for a fairly specific purpose & would love your thoughts. I'm based in Tasmania (Southern Hemisphere) & almost only free-tour these days, odd trip to New Zealand (+ than Japan trips, but that's an easier choice of second ski than this). Our snow is temperamental, going from fresh (not pow though, we're too low in altitude & get too much moisture) to a lot of ice, re-freeze, crust etc. I enjoy steep skiing & we have quite a bit of choice for that when the conditions align. I currently ski the Origin 96 (2017 model) with Marker Kingpins & am ok with this weight. I find this ski pretty good, mostly, but the long tail rocker & almost twin shape I find blows out easily when tight steep skiing. I'm looking at the Fischer Ranger 90 as an option, little less waist width, metal for stability & less of the tail issue. I'd probably mount my next ski with a Shift binding for the extra knee protection. Any other models you might recommend? I' fear going to a light touring specific ski I'd suffer instability when it gets icy & get bounced around. The Huslte 9 intrigues me, but I think the semi-twin tail again might be a bit loose for steeps? Other models i'm considering include the Ripstick 96 Black, Declivity 92ti, Faction Dictator (1 or 2), faction Agent 2 (too light?), maybe the new Faction La Machine Micro, but haven't seen the rocker profile on that, maybe even the Dynastar M-Tour 90 or 99. I guess I'm looking in the 88-96 +/- width, still a little bit of tail rocker (but not twin), metal if it's going to help with ice & variable stability, bit of tip rocker for float.... As I say, a free-touring ski down here is vastly different than what it's defined as in the US, though there may be some parallels to East Coast touring. I do try to tour for the down, for fresh tracks, it's just conditions are so variable it's tough to choose. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks guys. Stu B.
Question by: Stu Bowling on Jul 5, 2022, 10:43 PM
Hi Stu!
The Ranger 90 would certainly fit the bill for what you're looking for. I however would like to suggest the Atomic Maverick 95 Ti if you are okay with the Origin 96 weight. These come in a little lighter than the Origins and the Ragner at 1699 g per ski (172) and feature a dual metal laminate and just about as much tip rocker as the origin but with a flatter tail and a much longer running length. You also get Atomics HRZN tip which give this ski the versatility it needs to jump around the woods and moguls, float in powder, but also lock into turns on icy steeps. If you wanted to shed a little more weight you could even jump down to the Maverick 88 Ti. Either of these skis with a shift binding would work extremely well given your circumstances. Hope this helps!
SE
Answer by: Chris McClelland (Admin) on Jul 6, 2022, 12:04 PM
I am considering both the Ranger 90 and Atomic Bent 90’s. I am an intermediate to advanced skier that splits 40% groomers, 20% moguls, 20% trees, and 20% ungroomed. I enjoy hitting bumps and jumps on the side of the trail, but don’t spend time in the park. I have a pair of BC 100’s for powder days and love those skis. I am 5’11” and 155 lbs, all of my skiing is out west and I get in about 30 days/year. Would you recommend the Bent 90’s or Ranger 90’s for my second out of skis?
Question by: Kevin on Aug 2, 2022, 10:25 AM
HI Kevin!
I have both the BC 90 and 100, and that was more a matter of chance than choice. If I were to choose a complementary ski to the BC 100, I'd go with the Ranger, as it's way more front-side capable than the BC 90. Have fun!
SE
Answer by: SkiEssentials Expert (Admin) on Aug 2, 2022, 11:36 AM
Bent 90 vs Ranger 90? My main side ski is a Brahma 82 180cm. This would be a second ski, not a replacement.
Question by: Brett Thomas on Nov 26, 2022, 7:43 PM
Bent is lighter, quicker, more playful, and more of a twin tip. Ranger 90 is still a very playful ski, but has more strength underfoot, more vibration damping, and better edge grip. Still agile in bumps and trees, although not quite as quick as the Bent, but you certainly gain a lot of strength. Hope that helps!
Answer by: Jeff Neagle (Admin) on Nov 30, 2022, 11:41 AM
This guide is for Alpine Skis. For help with Nordic Ski sizing, please call us at: (877) 812-6710.
Ski Sizing can be tricky, thanks to a combination of the ever changing ski technology. It used to be that if you extended your arm upwards, you should be able to reach the tips of your skis. Then parabolic shapes came along. Then skis got wider. Then rocker technology came along, and, long story short, there’s way more room for preference and interpretation than ever before. The good news is that the all around quality of skis is increasing, making it more possible than ever to find a ski that fits your specific style and preferences. The bad news, is that it can be a bit more difficult to do- but that’s why we’re here. Take a look at the chart below, and if you have any trouble figuring out your size range, scroll past the cart to where we provide more information regarding these categories.
Sometimes you just need to speak to a expert, so if you're still having trouble picking a size, please give us a call at (877) 812-6710.
Rules of Thumb:
Adults: Between Chin and Eyebrows
Kids: Between Chest and Chin
Height
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
3'
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
3'2"
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
3'4"
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
3'6"
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
3'8"
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
3'10"
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
4'
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
4'2"
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
4'4"
110-120 CM
110-120 CM
110-120 CM
120-125 CM
4'6"
115-118 CM
118-121 CM
122-125 CM
125-132 CM
4'8"
121-124 CM
124-127 CM
127-130 CM
130-138 CM
4'10"
124-129 CM
129-134 CM
134-139 CM
139-148 CM
5'
134-139 CM
139-144 CM
144-149 CM
149-160 CM
5'2"
139-144 CM
144-149 CM
149-154 CM
154-165 CM
5'4"
144-149 CM
149-154 CM
154-159 CM
159-170 CM
5'6"
149-154 CM
154-159 CM
159-164 CM
164-175 CM
5'8"
154-159 CM
159-164 CM
164-169 CM
169-180 CM
5'10"
159-164 CM
164-169 CM
169-174 CM
174-185 CM
6'
164-169 CM
169-174 CM
174-179 CM
179-190 CM
6'2"
169-174 CM
174-179 CM
179-184 CM
184-195 CM
6'4"
174-179 CM
179-184 CM
184-189 CM
189-200 CM
6'6"
179-184 CM
184-189 CM
189-194 CM
194-205 CM
6'8"
184-189 CM
189-194 CM
194-199 CM
199-210+ CM
Skill Level Descriptions:
Beginner: Chances are you’ll know if this is you. Beginner skiers are classified as people who have never ever skied, right up to those just starting to dabble in Intermediate trails. Chances are if you’re the type of skier who typically skis with a “ski-mentor” or a friend who’s job it is to get you down the mountain. Skill wise, you’ll be able to control your speed with snowplowing, wedging, or forming a “pizza”. Turns will be slow and steady, and at the end of your time as a beginner, you’ll be starting to tip your skis to turn rather than pushing yourself to turn with your heels.
Intermediate: Congratulations! You’ve made it to the next level in skiing. Rather than snowplow your way down blue squares, you’re able to use the shape of your skis to make parabolic or carving turns. You’re likely still pretty cautious in regards to your speed, but are able to stop on demand and have a bit more confidence that you’ll make it to the bottom in one piece. Most intermediate skiers will be tempted to wander off trail, but may not be brave enough quite yet. Some certainly will, but if off-trail skiing becomes your preference, chances are you’ve graduated to the next level.
Advanced: This might be one of the hardest groups to identify. If you know you’re not an Intermediate skier still, but aren’t quite confident enough to call yourself an expert, then chances are this is you. Ski lengths on our chart above will fall somewhere between your nose and eyebrows. This is what used to be referred to as “Expert” until rocker skis came along and let experts go back to over head ski lengths. Characteristics of an advanced skier would be: the ability to ski most, if not all trails, an ability to ski fast, regular ability to ski off trail, and more traditionally, the ability to link full carving turns at full speed.
Expert: Hands down, you’re the best skier on the mountain. Ok, so maybe not the best, but you certainly could be a contendah, kid. Black diamond, double black diamond, centuple black diamond, it doesn’t even matter. You’re that good at skiing. Heck, you could probably even ski blindfolded and with your hands tied behind your back. Well, maybe not, but you get my point. If you’re truly an expert skier, you probably know it.
Other Considerations:
Weight: There’s no easy way to say it, but skiers who are carrying around a bit of extra weight should consider staying to the higher side of the scale. More weight means the skis will feel softer, and shorter. With a bit of extra length, the skis will have a more accurate flex and better weight distribution. Conversely, skiers who are exceptionally light should stick towards to smaller side of the scale, for similar reasons.
Use: This is a question that’s most relevant to advanced or expert skiers: Where are you skiing? If you’re looking to buy a powder ski, the natural notion is to go a bit longer. In most cases, this is the right call, but skiers should be geo-conscious before buying more than they can handle. For example, East Coast skiers may have visions of skiing wide open powder fields, but the reality is that 9/10 they’ll have to navigate tight trees before finding their 100 yard straight shot of glory. Out West, where things are a bit more open, it’s not uncommon to see skiers on skis much taller than themselves. Powder is likely the most common reason to adjust your ski size, but other specialties such as ski racing, park skiing, and moguls can all skew what size is proper for you.
Preference: Finally, there’s preference. While this isn’t a free pass to say “screw all that, I know I need 210’s!,” it is an official recognition that different skiers have different preferences which can easily change the length of ski they purchase. Myself? I size up. I like the extra stability on groomers, and with 102mm waist widths, the extra length allows me to use these skis in light powder on those rare East Coast days.
SKI POLE SIZING
Alpine (Downhill) Pole Sizing
The nice thing about sizing ski poles is that it's relatively straight foreword. To determine your size, simply flip a ski pole over, grab it under the basket, and place the handle on the ground. If you're holding the right size pole, you'll notice that your elbow forms a perfect 90 degree angle between your bicep and forearm. If the pole is too long, then your forearm will be angled slightly up. Too short, and you'll find your forearm angled downward. Of course if you don't have ski poles to try this out on, you can always use the chart below. Finding the proper length ski pole is important as ski poles too long will actually shift your center of balance to behind you, and a pole that's too short will put it in front of you.
Skier Height:
3'2 - 3'4
3'5 - 3'8
3'9 - 4'0
4'1 - 4'4
4'5 - 4'8
4'9 - 5'0
5'1 - 5'3
5'4 - 5'6
5'7 - 5'9
5'10 - 6'0
6'1 - 6'3
6'4 - 6'6
Ski Pole Length (IN):
32"
34"
36"
38"
40"
42"
44"
46"
48"
50"
52"
54"
Ski Pole Length (CM):
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130
135
Nordic (Cross Country) Pole Sizing
Cross-country pole sizing is easy as well. For classic or touring poles, the correct size pole should reach your armpit. For skate skiing, poles should be a bit longer. The rule of thumb for skate poles is that they should come between your lip and your nose. So you can measure yourself, or you can just check out our handy-dandy chart below.
Skier Height:
4'11"
5'0"
5'1"
5'2"
5'3"
5'4"
5'5"
5'6"
5'7"
5'8"
5'9"
5'10"
5'11"
6'0"
6'1"
6'2"
6'3"
6'4"
Skate (CM):
130
132
135
137
140
142
145
147
150
152
155
157
160
162
165
167
170
172
Classic/Touring (CM):
120
122
125
127
130
132
135
137
140
142
145
147
150
152
155
157
160
162
We're looking for your Mondo Point size, and the conversion is easy! Find your street shoe size on the chart, determine men's, women's, or kid's, and find the corresponding Mondo size! Please keep in mind that ski boots DO NOT come in half-sizes. If you measure a Men's 8/Mondopoint 26, please select 26.5, for example.
BOOT SOLE LENGTH: What is it?
Your boot sole length is the actual length of your ski boot, in millimeters. This is the number that our ski techs will use to mount your bindings. While you’ll still need a final adjustment done before you can ski, providing us with your boot sole length is absolutely crucial if you’d like us to send your skis pre-mounted with your bindings.
HOW DO I FIND IT?
Finding your Boot Sole Length (BSL) is easy. On your ski boot, there will be a 3 digit number on the outside or inside heel of one or both of your boots. Keep in mind that there shouldn't be a decimal (ex. 28.5). If the number you see has a decimal, then you’re probably looking at your Mondo Point size which isn’t accurate enough to use when mounting bindings. Other hints that you're looking at the Mondo Point and not the BSL would be if it looks something like "270/275" or if the number is found on the bottom of the boot. If you’ve looked all over and still can’t find your BSL, it’s also acceptable to measure along the bottom of the boot from the very tip of the toe, to back of the heel- just make sure you measure in Millimeters!
ISN'T THE BSL THE SAME AS MONDO POINT?
Nope! The mondo point size is the generic boot size that every boot maker uses it. Think of it as a shoe size, like a "size 11" for example. The boot sole length is the literal length from toe to heel of that boot, measured in millimeters. It's entirely possible and very common for boots with the same Mondo Point to have different Boot Sole Lengths. Because ski bindings are so precise, it's crucial to have them mounted to the BSL and not the Mondo Point.
HOW CAN I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR FREE MOUNTING OFFER?
We offer FREE mounting if you provide your actual Boot Sole Length ("BSL") in mm in the “sole length” box below selecting length of ski. If the box is left blank, the skis and bindings will be sent separately and unmounted. We cannot guarantee mounting if your BSL is provided after the original order is placed. If you need to find your BSL, but would still like to submit your order, please enter "I will provide" in the Sole Length box and we will hold your order for mounting. Please note: We are unable to mount Look Pivot bindings because the actual boot is required due to the extremely small amount of adjustment in the heel. Please remember, you will still have to take them to a certified technician at a local ski shop before your first run. They will need to set the forward pressure, DIN, toe height, and test the bindings with your boot to ensure safety.
ALPINE SKI SIZING
This guide is for Alpine Skis. For help with Nordic Ski sizing, please call us at: (877) 812-6710.
Ski Sizing can be tricky, thanks to a combination of the ever changing ski technology. It used to be that if you extended your arm upwards, you should be able to reach the tips of your skis. Then parabolic shapes came along. Then skis got wider. Then rocker technology came along, and, long story short, there’s way more room for preference and interpretation than ever before. The good news is that the all around quality of skis is increasing, making it more possible than ever to find a ski that fits your specific style and preferences. The bad news, is that it can be a bit more difficult to do- but that’s why we’re here. Take a look at the chart below, and if you have any trouble figuring out your size range, scroll past the cart to where we provide more information regarding these categories.
Sometimes you just need to speak to a expert, so if you're still having trouble picking a size, please give us a call at (877) 812-6710.
Rules of Thumb:
Adults: Between Chin and Eyebrows
Kids: Between Chest and Chin
Height
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Expert
3'
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
65-75 CM
3'2"
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
75-85 CM
3'4"
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
80-90 CM
3'6"
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
85-95 CM
3'8"
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
90-100 CM
3'10"
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
95-105 CM
4'
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
100-110 CM
4'2"
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
105-115 CM
4'4"
110-120 CM
110-120 CM
110-120 CM
120-125 CM
4'6"
115-118 CM
118-121 CM
122-125 CM
125-132 CM
4'8"
121-124 CM
124-127 CM
127-130 CM
130-138 CM
4'10"
124-129 CM
129-134 CM
134-139 CM
139-148 CM
5'
134-139 CM
139-144 CM
144-149 CM
149-160 CM
5'2"
139-144 CM
144-149 CM
149-154 CM
154-165 CM
5'4"
144-149 CM
149-154 CM
154-159 CM
159-170 CM
5'6"
149-154 CM
154-159 CM
159-164 CM
164-175 CM
5'8"
154-159 CM
159-164 CM
164-169 CM
169-180 CM
5'10"
159-164 CM
164-169 CM
169-174 CM
174-185 CM
6'
164-169 CM
169-174 CM
174-179 CM
179-190 CM
6'2"
169-174 CM
174-179 CM
179-184 CM
184-195 CM
6'4"
174-179 CM
179-184 CM
184-189 CM
189-200 CM
6'6"
179-184 CM
184-189 CM
189-194 CM
194-205 CM
6'8"
184-189 CM
189-194 CM
194-199 CM
199-210+ CM
Skill Level Descriptions:
Beginner: Chances are you’ll know if this is you. Beginner skiers are classified as people who have never ever skied, right up to those just starting to dabble in Intermediate trails. Chances are if you’re the type of skier who typically skis with a “ski-mentor” or a friend who’s job it is to get you down the mountain. Skill wise, you’ll be able to control your speed with snowplowing, wedging, or forming a “pizza”. Turns will be slow and steady, and at the end of your time as a beginner, you’ll be starting to tip your skis to turn rather than pushing yourself to turn with your heels.
Intermediate: Congratulations! You’ve made it to the next level in skiing. Rather than snowplow your way down blue squares, you’re able to use the shape of your skis to make parabolic or carving turns. You’re likely still pretty cautious in regards to your speed, but are able to stop on demand and have a bit more confidence that you’ll make it to the bottom in one piece. Most intermediate skiers will be tempted to wander off trail, but may not be brave enough quite yet. Some certainly will, but if off-trail skiing becomes your preference, chances are you’ve graduated to the next level.
Advanced: This might be one of the hardest groups to identify. If you know you’re not an Intermediate skier still, but aren’t quite confident enough to call yourself an expert, then chances are this is you. Ski lengths on our chart above will fall somewhere between your nose and eyebrows. This is what used to be referred to as “Expert” until rocker skis came along and let experts go back to over head ski lengths. Characteristics of an advanced skier would be: the ability to ski most, if not all trails, an ability to ski fast, regular ability to ski off trail, and more traditionally, the ability to link full carving turns at full speed.
Expert: Hands down, you’re the best skier on the mountain. Ok, so maybe not the best, but you certainly could be a contendah, kid. Black diamond, double black diamond, centuple black diamond, it doesn’t even matter. You’re that good at skiing. Heck, you could probably even ski blindfolded and with your hands tied behind your back. Well, maybe not, but you get my point. If you’re truly an expert skier, you probably know it.
Other Considerations:
Weight: There’s no easy way to say it, but skiers who are carrying around a bit of extra weight should consider staying to the higher side of the scale. More weight means the skis will feel softer, and shorter. With a bit of extra length, the skis will have a more accurate flex and better weight distribution. Conversely, skiers who are exceptionally light should stick towards to smaller side of the scale, for similar reasons.
Use: This is a question that’s most relevant to advanced or expert skiers: Where are you skiing? If you’re looking to buy a powder ski, the natural notion is to go a bit longer. In most cases, this is the right call, but skiers should be geo-conscious before buying more than they can handle. For example, East Coast skiers may have visions of skiing wide open powder fields, but the reality is that 9/10 they’ll have to navigate tight trees before finding their 100 yard straight shot of glory. Out West, where things are a bit more open, it’s not uncommon to see skiers on skis much taller than themselves. Powder is likely the most common reason to adjust your ski size, but other specialties such as ski racing, park skiing, and moguls can all skew what size is proper for you.
Preference: Finally, there’s preference. While this isn’t a free pass to say “screw all that, I know I need 210’s!,” it is an official recognition that different skiers have different preferences which can easily change the length of ski they purchase. Myself? I size up. I like the extra stability on groomers, and with 102mm waist widths, the extra length allows me to use these skis in light powder on those rare East Coast days.
SKI POLE SIZING
Alpine (Downhill) Pole Sizing
The nice thing about sizing ski poles is that it's relatively straight foreword. To determine your size, simply flip a ski pole over, grab it under the basket, and place the handle on the ground. If you're holding the right size pole, you'll notice that your elbow forms a perfect 90 degree angle between your bicep and forearm. If the pole is too long, then your forearm will be angled slightly up. Too short, and you'll find your forearm angled downward. Of course if you don't have ski poles to try this out on, you can always use the chart below. Finding the proper length ski pole is important as ski poles too long will actually shift your center of balance to behind you, and a pole that's too short will put it in front of you.
Skier Height:
3'2 - 3'4
3'5 - 3'8
3'9 - 4'0
4'1 - 4'4
4'5 - 4'8
4'9 - 5'0
5'1 - 5'3
5'4 - 5'6
5'7 - 5'9
5'10 - 6'0
6'1 - 6'3
6'4 - 6'6
Ski Pole Length (IN):
32"
34"
36"
38"
40"
42"
44"
46"
48"
50"
52"
54"
Ski Pole Length (CM):
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130
135
Nordic (Cross Country) Pole Sizing
Cross-country pole sizing is easy as well. For classic or touring poles, the correct size pole should reach your armpit. For skate skiing, poles should be a bit longer. The rule of thumb for skate poles is that they should come between your lip and your nose. So you can measure yourself, or you can just check out our handy-dandy chart below.
Skier Height:
4'11"
5'0"
5'1"
5'2"
5'3"
5'4"
5'5"
5'6"
5'7"
5'8"
5'9"
5'10"
5'11"
6'0"
6'1"
6'2"
6'3"
6'4"
Skate (CM):
130
132
135
137
140
142
145
147
150
152
155
157
160
162
165
167
170
172
Classic/Touring (CM):
120
122
125
127
130
132
135
137
140
142
145
147
150
152
155
157
160
162
We're looking for your Mondo Point size, and the conversion is easy! Find your street shoe size on the chart, determine men's, women's, or kid's, and find the corresponding Mondo size! Please keep in mind that ski boots DO NOT come in half-sizes. If you measure a Men's 8/Mondopoint 26, please select 26.5, for example.
BOOT SOLE LENGTH: What is it?
Your boot sole length is the actual length of your ski boot, in millimeters. This is the number that our ski techs will use to mount your bindings. While you’ll still need a final adjustment done before you can ski, providing us with your boot sole length is absolutely crucial if you’d like us to send your skis pre-mounted with your bindings.
HOW DO I FIND IT?
Finding your Boot Sole Length (BSL) is easy. On your ski boot, there will be a 3 digit number on the outside or inside heel of one or both of your boots. Keep in mind that there shouldn't be a decimal (ex. 28.5). If the number you see has a decimal, then you’re probably looking at your Mondo Point size which isn’t accurate enough to use when mounting bindings. Other hints that you're looking at the Mondo Point and not the BSL would be if it looks something like "270/275" or if the number is found on the bottom of the boot. If you’ve looked all over and still can’t find your BSL, it’s also acceptable to measure along the bottom of the boot from the very tip of the toe, to back of the heel- just make sure you measure in Millimeters!
ISN'T THE BSL THE SAME AS MONDO POINT?
Nope! The mondo point size is the generic boot size that every boot maker uses it. Think of it as a shoe size, like a "size 11" for example. The boot sole length is the literal length from toe to heel of that boot, measured in millimeters. It's entirely possible and very common for boots with the same Mondo Point to have different Boot Sole Lengths. Because ski bindings are so precise, it's crucial to have them mounted to the BSL and not the Mondo Point.
HOW CAN I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR FREE MOUNTING OFFER?
We offer FREE mounting if you provide your actual Boot Sole Length ("BSL") in mm in the “sole length” box below selecting length of ski. If the box is left blank, the skis and bindings will be sent separately and unmounted. We cannot guarantee mounting if your BSL is provided after the original order is placed. If you need to find your BSL, but would still like to submit your order, please enter "I will provide" in the Sole Length box and we will hold your order for mounting. Please note: We are unable to mount Look Pivot bindings because the actual boot is required due to the extremely small amount of adjustment in the heel. Please remember, you will still have to take them to a certified technician at a local ski shop before your first run. They will need to set the forward pressure, DIN, toe height, and test the bindings with your boot to ensure safety.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI SIZING
Fitting cross country skis is different then fitting alpine skis. Instead of fitting the ski by height, the skis that we carry are fit by weight. Check the charts below to see which size you need. Still have questions? Don't hesitate to give us a call at (877) 812-6710 and let us help you.