Write your question here..I am buying cross country skis for the 1st time and don't know what length to get in this style because my weight is 145lbs.+ or - a few. Should I err on the side of longer or shorter?

I'd say, buy the ski that's recommended for your weight range. This may sound obvious, but I ran into a problem: I weigh about 175, and the cut-off between the 186's and 196's is 180 lbs. I figured I'd probably tip the scales at over 180 with a pack on, or even just in the back-country boots I bought to accompany these skis. I didn't want slow skis. The 196's are f'n stiff. I can't get the kick zones (the scaly parts on the bottom of the skis) to hook up much at all, and I know how to kick and glide (been skiing Nordic since I was six or seven). The Glades glide surprisingly fast for waxless skis, but I don't recommend compromising kick for glide when buying a touring ski, particularly since this ski has a "negative" kick zone (which doesn't drag unless it's pressed into the snow).

Kim Weight is only one factor in determining ski length. You must also consider your height. (height in inches x 2.6 + 15 = ski length in cm) If you are light for you height you can go shorter. If you are heavy for your height, you can go with a longer ski. Dan

I also weigh roughly 145-150 and have the 186 size. You might have to work a bit more during the kick phase to fully weight the ski, but you'll get more glide out of it. These skis are fairly wide underfoot as is (assuming your mainly going to be in track skiing) so the added glide will be welcome. I've had no problems with grip.

I would say go for the 186 in this size. The size that would best fit you is 176 in these skis but they don't seem to be available. You're better off going longer then shorter.