Bend it Like Bode - Devos, U8 - U12

Bend it like Bode

What’s the best ski for your future World Cupper ages 6-11? 

While the focus should be on fun and skill building, equipment does matter at this early stage.

Here at SuburbanSkiandBike.com we’ve found that there are only a few good choices of Multi Event skis for U8, U10 and U12 Racers such as:

Available Multi Event Skis include:
Rossignol  Radical RSX  110,120,130, 140,150
Wood Core Cap construction makes this the softest and easiest ski in the range

Rossignol Radical Pro 125,130,135,140,150
Wood Core laminate sandwich construction with vertical sidewalls

Head Worldcup i.Race 100,110,120,130,140,150,160
Wood Core laminate sandwich construction with vertical sidewalls

Beware of Package Skis re-badged  as Junior Race Skis. These “Race Replica” skis do not have the softer flex nor the torsional stiffness of a true Junior Race Ski. The ability to bend the ski, and carve a turn are the fundamentals on which everything else builds on.  Ben Drummond, US Racing and Team Manager for Head Wintersports reports that the Head Worldcup i.Race,  a multi-event ski, “does great for us”, a wonderful flex in all the lengths”.  It's a great tool for young racers.

In most programs all U8 and Development kids belong on a Multi Event ski. As we move into U10, new kids should use Multi Event Skis with some programs suggesting a GS ski sized as a Multi Event.  U12 newcomers can consider a Multi Event Ski, however those moving up the ranks will need SL and GS skis.

Proper sizing is based on athlete’s age, weight, and ability. We’ve found the Rossignol Race Department Chart to be right on the mark with it’s sizing recommendations across all brands.

Junior U8 Ages 6-7 and Devo Team
Junior U10 Ages 8-9
Junior U12 Ages 10-11

Hope you found this information helpful and good luck this season!

USSA not following FIS Standard for 13/14 Ski Season- GS Ski sizing for U16,U18 and U21

This is an update on GS race skis for 2014 for our Tri-State and VARA Racers.

As you know, the FIS has a new standard but it only applies to FIS point races.

Most of the racers we deal with only race in USSA events. USSA has not adopted the new FIS standard for this year but may for next year.

For more info links to a sizing chart from the Rossignol Race Department that outlines the sizing guidelines as well as a copy of the USSA rules. We've found the Rossignol sizing chart to be spot on and a good reference point for all brands.

In summary: 

FIS U18+ lengths are 35m 190cm+ for Men and 30m 183cm+ for Women. 

U16 Racers are not affected by the rule change however strong male U16 racers may want to jump to the women's 183cm length if they are thinking of racing U18 FIS next season. This would be an easier transition. The same could be said for U18 Racers that plan on doing FIS races in the 2015 season.

For U18+ USSA, the rules state that Men need to be on a >21m 180cm+ Ski . Women need to be on a >21m 175cm+ Ski.

Leftover GS skis will be at a premium since they meet this standard.  It seems that for 2014 only Fischer makes a non FIS (USSA) race ski that is longer than a 183cm, making 185cm and 188cm non FIS skis very rare. 

It's been reported that male athletes that need a ski longer than a 183cm have been liking the longer Women's length of 188cm (FIS) ski with its 30m sidecut from Atomic, Rossignol and Head.

I would also encourage athletes to shop early since manufacturers may not have enough skis to meet the demand.

By Pat Moore
MIPS Technology - Protect your noggin!

After 15 years of research, MIPS has come to the consumer market.  An acronym for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, MIPS helmets deliver a level of protection for cyclists and skiers not available before.

Here at SuburbanSkiAndBike.com we were proactive in bringing in the Scott LIN and TAAL mountain bike helmets and became one of the very few online retailers in the United States to stock these revolutionary helmets.

The demand has been extraordinary.  The only remaining LINs in stock are the Matte Gray in Small (51-55 cm).  We have a limited supply of the Universal Fit TAAL in White, Black, and Gray/Yellow.

Grab one for yourself before the supply runs out.