Well, being a beginner skier who just learned to slalom this summer I would say definitely use a mid-level to start running the course. I went from a Theory making a couple balls in the course while maintaining decent form with few bad habits to an A1. I made a few more balls with the A1, but felt my skiing getting worse. I have since moved to an S2 and having only ridden it once, it seems to suit my skill level and style very well. In my mind, there is more value in maintaining/perfecting your technique on a mid-level before moving up to a top line ski. That being said, I'm a beginner and don't really know any better..