junior race ski length

Question
My son who is 65 pounds and 53 inches (135 cm) has raced 2 seasons in a Elan RCX 125 cm.  He has one more season on BW J6 and is more than competent on the above-mentioned skis on both courses.  He edges really well, but sometimes to heavy which slows him down.  We really like the Elans and are tempted to buy 130's.  However, is the 5 cm going to make much a difference?  I feel like he should spend one more season on these skis and then graduate to something more specific when he bumps up to J5.  Any other suggestions?

Answer
Dear Dorothy --

If your son's weight and height did not change much over the last year, I do not recommend changing his slalom ski.  However, he may be ready for a longer, heavier GS ski that could power him through the heavier snow.

He could continue to use his Elan skis for slalom, and try a longer  ski, and perhaps stiffer ski for the GS.  

If you think you might be interested in getting him a GS specific ski this season, please write back, and we can discuss various ski options.  

Think snow!