New slalom ski

[ADiFran]

Hi! I'm relatively new to slalom skiing. I'm just under 5'6", around 115 lbs. 28 years old. Grew up on a lake but didn't really start skiing until I was 16. I've been using my Mom's old Kidder skis from 1987. I love those things. This summer, I spent a lot of time practicing slalom skiing on one of the skis from this Kidder combo set. I cannot drop a ski, so I only start on one. My brother is 19 and a phenomenal slalom skiier. He has an O'Brien World Team. He helped me find a new ski this week and I liked the Radar T.R.A. (2018 model). Now, that is a Junior Girls ski...He felt that it would be more than enough for me in the 65 length with the Lyric boot and RTP. I was skiing on the Kidder at 27-28mph and was just starting to figure out how to cut. I'm technically NOT a Junior, but size-wise it seemed like the ski was a fit. Anyone have any input on this? I do not have access to a course and do not think I will ever be skiing a course. I just want to eventually be able to put in some consistent, hard cuts and ride :) And I ski every weekend in the summer and shoot to go 2-3 times a week as well. Skiing behind a Malibu, mostly.

[ADiFran]

Any ladies or anyone have any experience with this ski? Bueller?

[MJE]

The T.R.A. should be just fine for you. The only difference between the T.R.A., Lyric, and Senate Alloy is flex. The T.R.A. has the softest flex pattern. Since you are at the bottom or the weight range for a 65" ski and are not skiing the course, the softer flex of the T.R.A. won't matter. Go ski and have fun!

[ADiFran]

Thank you very much!!!! I'm guessing as I progress I want the ski with less flex and would most likely move up to a Lyric? Again, I don't even know the difference. Very new, but love to ski :)

 

[shansen345]

Both the Lyric and TRA will be good skis for you. 65-inch ski size is correct for your weight. I think you could even get away with going straight to a Lyric if you don't want to worry about buying another ski as you progress. I have personally taught several people how to ski (even first-timers) on Lyrics. That being said, getting a new ski is fun every few years.

[ADiFran]

@shansen345 I can be a bit cautious with new things, especially skiing. I'm a runner and have had my share of injuries, so I progress slowly. Just wanted to make sure the TRA would be a fit because the price was certainly right on it!!!!

 

[KRoundy]

At the level you are at and your size that ski seems like a perfect fit. Go ski and advance. Once you are skiing more aggressively you might want a stiffer ski. Welcome to your new addiction! :)

[ADiFran]

@KRoundy thanks :) I'm in the Northeast so i got it on Closeout and I'm pretty bummed I'm on hold until May. But I managed to ski the last week of September. Can't complain too much!!!!

[KRoundy]

If you ski anywhere near as much as you hope, I predict you'll find yourself in a course before 2020. ;)

[ADiFran]

@KRoundy I hope you're right!