1st purchase of GS racing skis

Question
I'm looking to purchase GS racing skis for my 16-yr-old son (5'11", 146 lbs) who just joined his high school ski team.  He's done well so far, moving up his seed spot on some recreational skis, but it's time to upgrade to racing skis.  What do you recommend for ski length and other factors to consider when choosing his racing skis?  The majority of his races are GS.

Answer
Dear Kerry --

Weight and skiing style are the two key factors for your son's first high performance racing skis.  You do not want to buy skis that are so stiff that he cannot press his edge into the snow to hold a carved turn.

Since your son is fairly tall for his weight, he can probably still use a junior race ski in around 160cm in length.

Some good skis to look at are the Volkl racetiger GS ski, the Dynastar Team Course junior GS ski, the Fischer RC4 World Cup junior (if a very aggressive skier), the Fischer RC4 Competition junior (if he is less aggressive and the Nordica DOBERMANN GSJ PLATE ski.

A shop expert will be the best source to guide you to actual ski length.  However, don't change ski lengths more than about 10 cm from his previous skis, unless he has gained significant weight and height since he raced on his older skis.  Definitely do not let them talk you into skis that reach higher than his lower forehead, they will be too long for his weight.

If they recommend adult skis due to his height, I caution against race specific skis since I believe they will be too stiff for his weight and level of racing experience.  If you cannot find a good junior ski for your son, please write back, so we can discuss adult ski options.

Good luck to your son this ski season!