Slalom (Lite) Skis
Ok, ding ding! Seconds out! Here we go with Round 2 of the race ski cage match ... and here is where it may get a bit more subjective or, as some of you may prefer to call it, opinionated!Well, today's slalom skis are not your father's slalom skis. So, what are they? What options are available? And who are they for?
First, let us totally dispel one of the biggest "fake news" responses often seen on the interwebz, provided in response to the question, "I am thinking about a slalom ski to make short-radius turns on hard Eastern slopes; what should I consider?” If you see a response suggesting an 85+mm-wide ski, RUN! DO NOT WALK! away because it is sure-fire evidence that the respondent cannot even spell slalom, let alone has any experience skiing one. Such a ski bears no resemblance at all to a slalom ski, even if it does have a small radius.
So, what is my definition of a race slalom ski (for adults)? It has a length from 155 to 165 and a waist width less than
66 mm. Okay, okay, some of you smarta**es have already jumped ahead to look at the skis examined here and are waving your hands in the air, "He doesn't know what he's talking about, most of the skis listed here come in lengths longer than 165 -- and they are all wider than 66 mm."
Well, not so fast. There are really only two types of slalom skis:
- FIS/race stock slalom skis (you know, the ones that will kill mere mortals if you simply look at them the wrong way), and
- "Slalom-lite" skis.
- They often come in lengths up to 170.
- Bindings and plates may bear some resemblance to the manufacturer's race slalom but are more likely to be integrated with the ski.
- Waist widths may be at or approaching 70 mm at the reference 165 length.
- Radius is typically less than the 13ish radius more commonly found on the FIS race ski.
- The shovels are a bit wider.
- They are a bit slower in response than the race version (which can also translate to being more user-friendly for some skiers).
So, that being said, and before we consider individual specimens, what can we say about the slalom-lite category as a whole?
Who are they for? Those who want a ski to:
- Make short radius, dynamic turns on hardpack;
- Maximize the smile factor on limited vertical /small hills;
- Be a bit more manageable in bumps and mixed than a race-stock slalom;
- Support skills development of fast, linked short-radius slalom-type turns;
- Run the occasional Nastar "slalom" course;
- Start to feel like a race ski and provide more fun and performance than a generic short-radius carver;
- Be available in a 170 length;
- Serve as a technical teaching ski for instructors.
Insider tip: If you are serious about skiing slalom gates, do yourself a favor and avoid all of these. Make the investment only once and buy a real race ski. If you really can't bring yourself to do that, and still want to run gates, there are a couple here that are more suited than others. (But don't say you haven't been warned!)
Dimensions: scaled
Radius:
- 10.9-9.9-9.9m@153 (122.5-69-108)
- 11.5-10.5-9m@159 (124-69-109.5)
- 12-11-10m@165 (125.5-69-111)
- 12.5-11.5-10m@171 (127-69-112.5)
Binding (Included): Atomic X12 TL
This version of the Redster brings some of Atomic's race technology to the party. The plate is the DoubleDeck plate as on the GS skis rather than the non-DD slalom plate of the FIS skis. The integrated binding is very similar to the regular race X binding and offers some opportunity to vary the mount position. The DD plate adds to the stability of the ski at the expense of a little responsiveness, but it still has a quicker turn-in than most. As such, this ski in a 159 or 165 could potentially serve double duty for beer-league slalom racers
- Who is it for? Those prepared to stand on and drive short-radius turns.
- Who is it not for? Those not ready for quick edge changes.
- Insider tip: Not a bad choice if you want to run gates occasionally but it is not your main focus.
Dimensions: 121-70-106
Sizes offered: 156, 160, 165, 170
Radius: 12.5m@165
Plate (integrated): EVO R-CT
Binding (included): Marker X-Cell 14 Grip Walk
Dimensions: 121-70-106
Sizes offered: 156, 160, 165, 170
Radius: 12.5m@165
Plate (integrated): EVO R-CT
Binding (included): Marker N-Power X-Cell EVO
Initially the Blizz/Nordi twins (the skis and the plates are the same, the binding is different) in some ways disappointed me as a fan of the brands. But then I realized that my judgment was being clouded by a lot of experience (and ownership) of the FIS versions from both brands -- skis that are pretty much at the top of my list in that category. So when I changed my focus to consider where these skis are intended to do, my views are modified. These are great skis, good examples of what they are aimed at, with lively performance and good edge grip. They just are not as quick or solid as their FIS big brothers, with some dulling of response attributable to the 70 waist. (Note: One of my athletes previously persevered with the Nordica for a season of Masters racing before he switched to a race-stock version and realized he had been handicapping himself.) But these are still very much fun, high-performing skis that will force you to up your game and could still give a decent showing in beer-league slalom.
- Who is it for? Those looking for a robust, high-performing slalom-like ski that can be taken into gates when required.
- Who is it not for? Those at the lighter, less-skilled end of the spectrum.
- Insider tip: Stand on it and it will deliver!
Dimensions: scaled
Radius:
- 11.7m@155 (120-69-103)
- 12.0m@160 (122-69-104)
- 12.4m@165 (123-69-107)
- 13.0m@170 (124-69-107)
Binding (included): ELX 14.0 Fusion
This year the Elan has an asymmetrical profile with some tip and tail rocker. This is a double-edged sword: it makes the ski more accessible to a wider range of skiers without requiring the level of skill of some others here, but it also brings down the top end if really pushed. It fits well into what appears to be becoming Elan's niche, good-quality skis, often available at a lower price point than comparable models, which can open up a market segment to a wider skill range of skiers by dialing back the performance envelope a bit.
- Who is it for? Someone looking to make a first purchase in the short-radius, race-like category.
- Who is it not for? Those who want to focus their efforts on developing slalom-type skills as opposed to skiing a pleasant short-radius all-around ski.
- Insider tip: Unless your focus is really on value, you can do better here.
Dimensions: 122-68-103
Sizes offered: 150, 155, 160, 165, 170
Radius: 13m@165
Plate: Racetrack (integrated)
Binding: Fischer Z12
The Fischer SC is, surprisingly, positioned remarkably close to the full FIS slalom ski. It displays the classic Fischer family traits: it is (relatively) stiff and powerful and is actually a bit more lively feeling (and fun) than the Fischer FIS ski. There is a reason that this ski is seen regularly on the feet of beer-league racers who don't want to go to a full race ski. Bring your A game with this one!
- Who is it for? The beer leaguer who should be on a race-stock ski but refuses to go there.
- Who is it not for? Lighter, less aggressive skiers.
- Insider tip: This is the closest to a race ski in the slalom-lite category.
Dimensions: 124-68-108
Sizes offered: 150, 155, 160, 165,170
Radius: 11.5m@160
Plate: EVO
Binding (optional): Freeflex EVO 14
Head brings a lot of its race heritage to the design and build of the i.SL. However, Head goes in a different direction than Fischer with this model. The i.SL is a significantly different tool than the no-holds-barred i.SL RD: softer, livelier, and more forgiving with a softer plate. Note, this does not mean it is a lesser ski, just different! While the RD is an awesome tool for attacking slalom courses, requiring a reasonable degree of skill, the i.SL has a wider, more accessible range. Despite this it could still be used in gates if you must, the 68 waist helping quick responses, but ultimately it is not as effective as its big brother when you push it.
- Who is it for? Those who want the Head Rebels cachet but not the demands of the RD.
- Who is it not for? Not many! This ski can support a wide range of skills without biting back.
- Insider tip: Don't listen to those who tell you Heads are all super stiff! But also don't think this ski is a real slalom tool like the RD.
Dimensions: 122-68-104
Sizes offered: 157, 162, 167, 172
Radius:
- 11m@157 and 162
- 13m@167 and 172
Binding (included): Look SPX 12 Dual WTR KONECT
Given the quantum leaps in performance Rossignol has made in recent years, this is a rather surprising ski in that it resembles much more the Rossi of old. Noticeably softer than most of the others in this group, the Hero ST Ti, along with the Elan, is the ski I would least like to take into gates. It does however make a very useable, short-turn carver that will support those trying to build their skills but who want to get earlier access to the performance offered by this genre of ski.
- Who is it for? Lighter or less aggressive skiers who want to finesse short-radius turns.
- Who is it not for? Those looking for higher-end slalom performance.
- Insider tip: Better options are out there if you don't fit the "who is it for" category.
Dimensions: scaled
Radius:
- 11.9m@155 (117-66-98)
- 12.7m@160 (117-66-98)
- 12.7m@165 (123-68-104)
- 13.6m@170 (123-68-104)
Binding (included): rMotion2 12.0 D Race, rMotion2 16.0 D Race
The Racetiger Speedwall carries the same UVO vibration damper as its FIS brother. It has the typical Völkl lively feel and edge grip and is happy to be pushed hard by a reasonably skilled pilot. The most surprising aspect of this one is that, while it has a fairly narrow waist at 68, it feels slightly sluggish edge to edge, without the lightning fast turn-in of the FIS version. Nonetheless, this may well be a benefit for progressing skiers who are a bit leery of superfast edge switches. This also lets it be skied at higher speeds than some of the others here, which the UVO must take some credit for.
- Who is it for? The skier who could just as easily use a race ski but thinks they are getting a bit more flexibility this way.
- Who is it not for? The more timid skier who is not prepared to really stand on the ski.
- Insider tip: A good choice for Völkl fans.
@Dave Petersen Artwork