Keep kids in RTP?

[Bdecker]

I just bought my son (10) a new (used) slalom. 59" O'Brien Elite. It came with the semi-hard shell bindings they made, they look non-releasable. My gut is to mount his Wiley's and rtp on and toss the double boots in the shed. Is there any benefit in putting him in double boots?

[Bruce_Butterfield]

Definite no to double boots at that age/stage. Wiley and RTP until he's ready for a Reflex.

 

Unless he is going 34mph, a 59" ski is way too small. He will progress much faster on a properly sized ski. Below 30mph should be a 64". If he's at 30-32, then a 62" would be right.

[Bdecker]

Interesting, I went with the smaller ski because I thought the 63" was huge for him. He only weighs 70 lbs. I'll try him on it to see how things go- I have 2 bigger skis for him if things aren't better.

[RazorRoss3]

If you change skis I would not change bindings too. Changing either of those individually is enough to throw you for a good loop.

[wtrskior]

@RazorRoss3 it's a kid. They are pretty adaptable and can ski 10 sets a day.

 

Rini cut the tails off adult comp skis for his kids as I recall. Pretty sure neilly Ross used to rip shortline on a cut down ski too

[fu_man]

+1 on a bigger ski. I made that 59" mistake. That lasted only a few sets. Now she's on an old 65' that I had. Is it big? Yea. Is she more comfortable on it? Yea. Does she ski better on it? Yea. (She weighs all of about 60 lbs.)

 

I also vote for RTP. I don't have any real justification for it other than I think kids might feel less comfortable being so "locked-in" when they are still getting the feel for it.

[brettmainer]

+1 for Wiley and RTP

Don't let the Wiley get too tight on him as he grows. He will fall, and the back foot will come out, so make sure the front foot comes out cleanly also.

[Wish]

RTP and never move to double boots. Much easier getting COM forward on a ski with RTP period. Wish I had never moved to double but it was "the thing to do". Now more skiers seem to be moving back to RTP and for good reason. I still have a ski set up with an RTP that I'm gonna start playing with again and if I can run consistent 35s on it, the double boot system will be collect dust. I would also suggest that the Elite is not a user friendly ski...unless it is designed different for youth.

[Chef23]

Definitely Wiley and RTP. I moved my son to a Reflex when he was about 9 because I got it for his trick ski and he really liked it. He still skis with a RTP though.

[WaterSkier12]

Listen to Bruce!!!