Race skis

Is it insane to want a real race ski (Rossi 9x, or Atomic GS 9) just for the "fun" of it? A local shop has some '06 models for $99 US. And I am tempted to pick some up just to see what they are like. Am I going to kill myself? :)

Dshenberger wrote:Is it insane to want a real race ski (Rossi 9x, or Atomic GS 9) just for the "fun" of it? A local shop has some '06 models for $99 US. And I am tempted to pick some up just to see what they are like. Am I going to kill myself? :)

I doubt they do, the race department stuff doesn't really appear in retail outlets. What does appear is FIS homogulated skis that are used by competitors in slightly lower level competitions, I've some FIS "Masters" skis I use from time to time. Super fun but brutal, the sweet spot is tiny but if you can ski them they're pure adrenaline.

I have some GS9s. 15M radius @ 170 (very non FIS compliant), but worked for me to start running NASTAR courses. Medium flex, nothing to snappy.
How much are the bindings ? You would need Neox or race bindings which normally run about $150 on ebay.

Trencher

The guy at the shop acted like I was retarded, and if I couldn't handle 50-60mph I had no right to own them. :) I didn't check into bindings yet, but he also let me know that I would have to have race bindings - as though that was some kind of deterrent. We'll see. I might give it a try. . .

Dshenberger wrote:The guy at the shop acted like I was retarded, and if I couldn't handle 50-60mph I had no right to own them. :) I didn't check into bindings yet, but he also let me know that I would have to have race bindings - as though that was some kind of deterrent. We'll see. I might give it a try. . .

he sounds a bit "odd", GS9 and 9x are just recreational skis, they're sold retail, you don't need a special permit to use them. It's just the sidecut and design are more race orientated than, say a Metron etc.

I've got some GS9's and I have to say that I've enjoyed them. When I first got them I noticed they were fairly quick, although this could have been down to the bases being in pristine nick.

Since, though, I've wanted something far quicker and snappier as I can't get anything more out of them no matter how hard I try.

They're really not a race ski in my opinion, merely reasonably lively 100% piste ski with race graphics, if you like that sort of thing.

The Atomic GS12's and SL12's; now thats a different matter I believe. Still short of how a REAL race ski performs in the right hands (or on the right feet.)

I told you to get those Blizzard World Cups in Mayrhofen didnt I?

Ask me about my Geordie friend over a beer tonight, he might have something of interest for you.....

Tony_H wrote:I told you to get those Blizzard World Cups in Mayrhofen didnt I?

Ask me about my Geordie friend over a beer tonight, he might have something of interest for you.....

I doubt it.

"Wanna go boardin'"