Moving from Junior Skis to Adult Skis

It's been a while since I posted here, but I figured that the crew here would be the best to get me an answer to this question.

My 10-year old daughter is now needing a ski in the 140-150-cm length range and I'm struggling with whether to go with a longer junior ski or a a shorter adult ski. As some background, she has been skiing since age 4, weighs about 105-110 lbs with an athletic build (pretty tall for her age), and is at the low level advanced stage (can maneuver off-piste with confidence on easier black trails). She prefers to be off trail to groomers. She also has a women's 23.5 boot, which is what got me thinking about adult skis. I know I can save money getting her junior skis, but are the other compelling reasons to go the adult ski route?

Thanks!

 With her size, I'd consider a women's ski.
Many of the women's skis are designed for women who know their way around the mountain, but still are light weight and can use a lighter weight piece of gear.

With your location and assuming you're looking for a midfat, I'd seriously consider a pair of Blizzard Eos' (88w) or perhaps the K2 Luv line with a Lotta luv(82w) or Tough Luv(88w)

With the advancement in ski gear for her size and ability, she has a lot of amazing options to choose from!

If your daughter was at least a couple of years older then I would agree with TC since the options are wide open when it comes to women's selection. But, at 10yo, I would really be hesitant putting her on adult skis and definitely steer her away from adult boots. ...Even though I understand she sizes more like a 13 year old. Also, if you're getting her adult skis, you really should go with adult bindings.

FWIW, I am just (somewhat hesitantly) moving my 13yo, who is considered by others to be a competent racer and a seasoned all around freeskier,  into adult freeskiing gear for the first time. We are still sticking with Jr. racer skis for at least another year. Granted, she is just coming into about the size as your 10yo.

Just my opinion.

 Junior skis pretty much max out at around a 100lb skier, she is past that and "athletic", she will overpower most junior skis. 

I'd be more concerned about putting her in a women's boot, which she may not yet have the strength to flex.

But if it were me, I'd look for a pair of used or cheap 140-150 junior skis, planning to make them her last pair.

Junior race skis also work well as nice all-round skis for good skiers who aren't racing.  You can go a bit longer than the recommended racing length to get better all-mountain versatility.  Also, relax the tune a bit if you want a bit more forgiveness.

A 17m JR GS ski in maybe a 160 or 165 length could be a good option for someone your daughter's size.  Demo different sizes if possible -- you might find that a 170 would work, and give your daughter something to grow with for a few seasons.  If a lot of time is spent in the trees & untracked stuff, the slightly softer flex of a Dynastar or Rossi might be more comfortable (compared to say Fischer or Atomic).

I'm with chanwmr.

My opinion is not to rush into adult skis, she's only 10. Keep in mind that that a 105-110lb woman is physiologically significantly different than any 10 year old. My (just turned) 12 year racer son is an athletic 5' 100lbs and is still on jr (race) skis and jr boots and has been skiing since 2-1/2. Don't let size entirely sway your judgment because it doesn't necessarily mean the strength, coordination, and importantly stamina is there yet. You want a ski that she can have fun on all day long. Nothing is more deflating than struggling with too much equipment. I've seen it plenty of times with "big" kids on adult race skis because that's the "right length" to be on.

Read the OP, she prefers to be off trail to groomers..why are we talking jr. race skis? While a junior race ski would be better for her weight, they aren't looking for that type ski. 

A junior race ski is a good all mountain ski, on piste and off piste.  For a big mountain, a 17m junior GS ski would provide a lot of versatility and room to grow.  On a smaller mountain, a 14m junior GS ski could be the better choice.

Even in race programs, kids in the 9-14 age group are learning to ski as much as learning to race, and the equipment is designed to support all-round development.  The only area where a junior race ski would really fall short is skiing switch in the park.

BanditMan, I've made an assumption (always dangerous I know...) that your daughter has outgrown a softish non-race model kids ski, and you're looking for a step up on the equipment side to help her development.  And with 6 seasons in the PNW, I'm assuming a pretty decent technical and tactical skill level with corresponding mental strength.  If that fits, I'll still say a JR GS ski is a good choice, and I'd go there before looking at adult skis.

That is absolutely true. There are a number of factors relating to this, including...

• Even though the length of the boots may fit her, the construction/mobility of what's below the knees could be entirely different than that of an adult.
• The unfilled volume inside the boot around the ankle and just below the calves could be enough to make things difficult for her flex. Of course to compensate for that, she can opt for a softer pair of boots. But, the fact is things are worse off as lower end boots tend to provide more "comfort" by means of much higher volume.
• Adult boots tend to run too high in the tongue/calf area to provide effective flex for most youths
• most kids at that age tend to ride more in the backseat. That would worsen all of the above

Yeah, I saw that too. But, that appeal is true for the majority of young mid to higher level skiers, regardless of specialty. Given the choice when free skiing outside of gates, most jr racers are found in either the park or the trees. Even from a training standpoint, much of our coaching last year was done on race skis in pow, crud and bumps. Now, I'm not necessarily suggesting a stiff race ski for the OP's kid to ski off-piste. I'm just saying... (even though I think most of the dual event may fit her well -- as MM suggests they are really made for all mountain experiences)

Also, another thing I gathered from the OP was that his daughter is skiing in the lower advanced range. Combined that with her age, I deduce from that that she may be easily overpowered by any adult skis that are worth considering -- particularly driven by a decent pair of adult boots. Given the choice between a well built jr ski/boot combo and a spagetti adult ski/boot setup, I think the choice is pretty easy. Finding a suitable jr ski in the right length OTHO may take some extra time.

My point was analogous, not to reccomend a race ski. My 12 yr old jr (race) skier who is of average size and is a fully capable, all-around, advanced skier skis on jr (race) skis. I see no need to put him onto adult skis as there jr skis are specifically made for kids of that size, age, and ability. Again, in analogy, I see kids struggle on adult skis simply because they are "the right length", but they can't handle them.

Phil - You nailed it. She had some 133 Line Celebrity's last year that turned out to be too short towards the end of the season and she skied so hard on they started to delam. Durability and it's connection to safety are certainly part of my thinking.



Agree here too, but I think the sheer size of her foot is going to force that change. I plan on keeping her in something soft, but she has already had some foot growth plate issues that are being addressed through orthodics since you is growing so quick.



Well, this is changing too. Her physical make-up (dare I say "shape" in conjunction with a 10 yo??) is that more of a teenager than a child, but I really agree with not wanting to see her struggle. She really clicked last year with skiing off trail (where I'm most happy) and here in the WA Cascades, there is lots of opportunity to do that, especially since grooming is nearly non-existent. I do want her to have fun and continue to grow in both her abilities and enjoyment of the sport.


I do appreciate the perspective and input from all, especially those who have experience with their own kids. I'm open to more thoughts, as I'm still not quite sure which route to go.

It doesn't matter what other 10 yo's are skiing or fitting. Each person is different and she obviously has grown to a point of needing a step up in gear.

 Have you got soft boots for her yet?

If not, you should try the Dalbello Krypton Lotus or Storm.
This is a soft flexing women's boot that allows for a lot of personal tweeking to make it just right for her.

From there, look at ski options.
Don't rule out any skis whether they are jr skis or women's skis, there are options galore to be had!

Quote:
If she was anywhere close to 100 pounds at the time, I'm not surprised.  My daughter was on 143 Celebrity Minis at 75 pounds, and 153s at 95.  Both pairs have held up much better than most of the adult skis I've seen.


I doubt it.  Most manufacturers make kids' boots up to 25/25.5 or 26/26.5.

Yes, I agree with that. In fact, mine was just under 100lbs and she was on the 143 Celebrity Minis last season too. Not only were they good for freeskiing under alll conditions, they were run quite a few times through Nastar with respectable time. She did, however, sort of outgrew them towards the end of the season.




Yup. There are quite a few decently made Jr. boots (by several makes) in the 55 through 70 flex range. 23/23.5 and up mondo size feet in today's kids are pretty common.

Im in the same boat. My doughter is 12 Alpine racer skis Atomis kids race skis. See likes to ski powder and goof around when not training. Her race skis worked fin for her but in deep powder never had the float. She was sking them switch even after I told her she will catch the back of those skis and be out for the winter. I decided to buy her a 148 Roxy twin tip. The Alikazam. Nice top sheet and being a twin tip she can have more fun skiing were her snow board buddies go. Her boots are soft 40 because she likes that? Being 12 thats OK i guess I cant emagine that but she posts the fast times in the slolom so who am i to say. Shes a free styler at heart. No team hear so fundimental ski coaching is what she gets. I think shes going to love this ski for recreational skiing. Her other skis are 70 waist and these are 80 and 5cm longer with wider tip and tail. So should still do OK on Pist and be better off. Med flex. Roksy Skis seem to realy have the girls atention not just the top sheets but wood core and they seem to be a real ski but flexed for women. Thats what I found? Worth checking out for girls and women alike making that transition to an adult ski for girls. BTW SkiBay had some realy great prices as did the venders hear. REI,Backcountry ect... I wanted the N9 but they came with the N7 that should do her for two more years anyway. Her din never goes past 5 right now and has no trouble. Ill have to see what these bindings can take. i have lots of 10din and ups lying around the shop so if i have to Ill put some Atomics or somthing on there once i see if she pulls out this season unreasonably.

Rossignol has the best chart I have ever seen determing race ski size for JR.  A JR race ski should take a skier up to 140lbs. Basic JR skis work up to about 120lbs. There are many types, and skill levels of JR skis, SO PICK THE ONE THAT MOST MATCH THEIR SKILL/WEIGHT LEVEL.