Slalom water ski too short

[bretonjustin]

I'm 5'7" 185 lbs and bought a slalom water ski. It's a O'Brien Narrow Tunnel Concave 45° Edge Bevel, 66" length. I looked at the size chart after I bought it. Will it be too short for me? How will it affect how I ski if it's too short? Thanks!

[Clydesdale]

How fast do you ski? Manufacturers size chart is usually a good indicator. Personally, I hate skiing on something too short. If it’s too short for your size/speed you’ll sink into the water in the turns more than you should, and the ski just won’t ride as intended. Within a certain range it’s down to individual preference though.

[Horton]

@bretonjustin The ski you describe sounds like it is likely either 30 or 40 years old OR designed 30 or 40 years ago. Even if it was the right size for you it is likely completely awful.

[skialex]

If it’s a 30 year old ski, maybe it’s better that it’s a 66” but you will be better off with a modern or at least up to 5-6 years old ski at the right size... probably a 67” in most brands/models...

[Clydesdale]

@bretonjustin based on your description sounds like the O’Brien world team slalom? I had a look at their size chart and 67 not offered. It’s either 66 or 68. I’d go with the 68 if you can swap it. Or... if you want to consider a more modern design (as per posts above) and stay in this price range you could look at ski it again.com. Lots of great used skis there to choose from.

[Rednucleus]

Hey @bretonjustin welcome to BOS!! Tell us about your skiing history and you will get lots of help here spending your money!!

[mikegile]

Maybe you could get one of those new tail blocks from Connelly and bolt it to the back!

[Dysco]

If you are skiing for fun, open water, you should be fine. Bump up the mph by a couple and drop 10 lbs by June. Best of both worlds.