Beginer race ski

Question
QUESTION: My son is 14, 5'11 and 120 lb. We are looking to buy him a pair of racing slalom skis. he has not done much racing but is going to camp (Mt Hood) this summer, joining a team next year, and hopefully high school team. Can you make some recommendations for a ski and length ?  Would like a ski that can handle SL and GS but understand he will need both if he gets serious.

Thanks
Stephen

ANSWER: Dear Stephen --

For a dual purpose ski I recommend using a race sanctioned slalom ski.  The top manufacturers -- Volkl, Dynastar, Fischer, Nordica, Solomon and Rossignol -- all make excellent junior race skis.  Personally I like the Racetiger by Volkl, the Fischer RC4 Junior race skis or the Rossignol RSX.  If he is a novice racer, stay with the shorter ski that is still suitable for his height and weight.  He will get the most benefit from his lessons, if he has skis that he can control well.

Please write back, if you have additional questions, or if you have narrowed down your choices, but still have questions.

Good luck to your son.





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

QUESTION: Thanks so much.
What would be the correct length ? He is 14, 5'11 and 120lb.

Thank you
Stephen

ANSWER: Dear Stephen --

With the current ski design, length depends on weight more than any other factor.  Each ski designer will recommend a slightly different length based on their design and camber compared with his weight.  If he is between lengths err toward the slightly shorter length.

If you narrow down your choices, please feel free to write back so we can discuss the options.



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

QUESTION: My local ski shop has a pair of Elan RCG Jr ski's 160cm or 168 cm. Also has a pair of Dynastar speed omeglass WC (155 cm). Both priced very well.
Would one of these work out for my son (new racer 14, 5'10, 125 pounds) ? He's headed to camp at Mt Hood in early June.

Thanks so much for the help. Hope this is my last question :)

Answer
Dear Stephen --

The Dynastar skis will be stiffer, and likely perform better racing on hard snow and icy conditions.  The Elans will be more forgiving, and perform well in softer snow and reasonably well in icier conditions.  

Although your son is getting tall, he is still light for his height.  Since this is his first racing clinic, I recommend  either brand and the shorter Elan, if you choose that ski, if he is learner both slalom and giant slalom (GS).  If he is focusing solely on GS, I recommend the longer Elan.

Don't hesitate to write back if you have additional questions.  Also -- his boots will be the most critical link in his skiing.  Please check that those fit well prior to getting new skis.  

Good luck!