So I’m coming from a different ability level from you folks - an advancing intermediate. Never raced and starting Masters race training classes next season (4 days/week). I have no expectation of being competitive. I just want to run gates for the challenge. After next season I’ll just follow the advice of my coach, but I have one question before that. I don’t have any race skis. I have Redster X9 WB 160s (13m radius, 75mm underfoot) for short radius carving. I’m hopeful that I can get by with those for my first season, but I don’t want to get a little talk and a $1200 surprise in December. So if you guys think I’m going to need something more from day 1 please let me know so I can try to find something affordable between seasons. Remember, I’m not an advanced skier and I’ll be focusing more on getting a clean run than a fast one. If I do need something, any recommendations? 5’10” 195#, athletic senior.
You can use a wrench to pound a nail BUT it is inefficient, greatly increases the chance of bending the nail and usually leaves damage on the surface. so why would you do that when you can use a hammer ( or a nail gun)..?
let me give some advice with my coaches hat on. you are investing in coaching and want to learn to ski slalom. get a proper (FIS) slalom ski. Period!
all you are doing on a non slalom ski like the WB redster you suggest is trying to ski round the gates. You are learning nothing about technique that will transfer to the following season. Slalom is basically skiing through the gates which requires a responsive and quick edge to edge ski - aka a slalom ski. Do you need the latest and greatest at this stage? No , a decent used one will be fine. This is not just simply about getting faster, it is about leaning how to ski slalom properly so you can get faster rather than having to start leaning again the following season. And yes a 165 would be the recommendation at your size.
so, just do it. After all you wouldn’t try to run a 100m sprint in ski boots would you?
ETA. You also mentioned beer league and GS but it was not clear if you also planned to use the 160 redster for that also. While it is slightly more feasible than for slalom, I would very strongly recommend something longer and larger radius for your own safety. When a short small radius ski hooks up unexpectedly at speed there can be soem not so good consequences...