Junior Racing Skis

Question
QUESTION: Hi!  Our kids are starting their 3rd year in a ski club and will be skiing at the KD (Nancy Greene) level.  They are 9 and 10 1/2, and are about 65 and 75 lbs. respectivly.  Regarding the type of racing skis we need to purchase, we're debating between the Rossignol Radical RSX Racing I-Box and the Nordica Doberman Spitfire and haven't been able to find a review on either.  Do you know much about either of these skis and have a recommendation as to which would be better for racing at this level or for their weight?  Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

ANSWER: Dear Kerri --

Either ski will be fun for your kids to ski.  Both are well designed and high performing junior skis.  The Rossignol skis are more focused for kids who really want to race.  The Nordica skis are more for kids that want to ski the whole mountain and cruise.  

If you want to get the same brand ski for both kids I would recommend the Rossignol because it will allow a skier, who really wants to race, some edge control and some 'pop' for turn initiation.  The Rossi will still allow your kids to ski the whole mountain and enjoy "fun on skis" time.

The Rossis are also known for matching flex to the length and sidecut of their skis, so the skis will be well suited to junior racers and their shorter skis and lighter weight.

However, if you find a good deal on the Nordicas, they are an excellent ski too, perhaps a bit stiffer than the Rossis.  They will also perform very well for a junior racer.

Good luck to your racers!  Think snow!






---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for such a quick reply--very helpful!  Last question  - would your answer be different if we went for the Nordica Doberman SLJ versus the Spitfire?  I'm leaning towards the Rossignal, even before your answer, but just want to be certain...or if you have other skis you could recommend, that would be great as well.

I appreciate your time...thank you!

Kerri

Answer
Dear Kerri --

The Nordica Doberman SLJ are excellent skis.  However, Nordica is already specializing their junior skis into slalom and giant slalom models.  Your kids might not get the versatility they need to develop their all around skiing skills, if they get a specialized ski too early.  If you do go with a specialized ski, the slalom version is the right model to get now.

At their age the key to success is a ski that is not too long or too heavy for their strength and skill.  The ski should have soft enough flex for their weight and how aggressively they ski.  A softer flexing ski for a less aggressive or lighter skier.  A stiffer ski for an aggressive or heavier skier.

I like the Rossis because they have a balanced flex for their length, and your kids should have good control even as their skill and therefore their race speeds increase.

However, they will likely outgrow the skis in a season or two, so, if you find a good deal on junior skis by any of the top manufacturers (Volkl, Dynastar, Atomic, Fischer, Solomon, Rossi and Nordica) you really can't go wrong.

I have probably muddied the waters here, but feel free to write back if you have additional questions, or need clarification.  Have fun ski shopping.