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Rossi S1 jib to a young boy, too long?

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ChileFranco
Posts: 5 - Karma: 10

Hi there,

I'm a very oldschooler guy with a big family getting newschool, so I'm in for some advise about gear I don't know too well:

One of my kids is 11-12, 155cm and some 50 kg. I got in stock for him right now a 168 "S1 jib" rossi ski (the one with the skull bikini girl, you may have seen). Being a twin tip, I'm trying to believe that it's still okay, even if a bit too long, since the little guy is quite fearless anyway.

He is high about the graphics, and I'm inclined to saving the bucks from a new pair, but not at the cost of him getting a hard time on his gear now (season about to start downsouth).

So any thoughts welcome, the boy handles everything at the resort, some outside too, and want's to push the limits and get into the park as much as he can, starting now. Is this one ski way too long? 

thank you guys, and have a nice summer!

Jun 20 2012 1:50PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
Well its kind of a tough call, he's 5'2" if my maths is correct, which would mean those 168's would be pretty big for him. Im guessing he is still in junior boots and bindings at that age (if he isnt he should be) and although you could use junior bindings on those, personally I would go for a junior ski.

Im sure he could learn to ski them, but they will hold him back, they will be heavy and the swing weight would be massive. Now admittedly over time it may make him a stronger skier, I think a smaller lighter ski, would actually help him advance faster, and also be less chance of injury caused by big heavy skis.

Have a look at the Line, K2 or armada junior skis. There pretty cheap so you should be able to find something which will be a bit more suitable for him now.
Jun 20 2012 2:37PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
For someone his size, a 150ish ski would be better. Shorter skis are easier to throw around in the park, most people ride on a pair thats about their height, if not shorter.

It depends how fast he is growing. At that age, a new set in the 150's may only fit him well for half a year. I wouldn't get new unless money is really no object here. Most important is the mount point, if the skis he's on right now arent dead centered, do it - it'll balance the length better and help with spinning. Dead centering will mess with the performance on snow, but it'll be better for when he's in the air for sure.
Jun 20 2012 2:41PM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
i have that ski in a 168. i love it. now I'm 6' and 130 lbs so they're too small. i used them for 3 years on did a few comps on them, skied down mt rainer on them and went from intermediate to expert on them
Jun 20 2012 3:59PM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
probably not too long if still growing
Jun 20 2012 4:00PM
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ChileFranco
Posts: 5 - Karma: 10

yep... I kinda hold on to that.

I guess we'll give it a try and see (brother managed them tele mounted and quite well, for a couple of years, he was also feather weight -but slightly taller then).

I realize though that i'm pushing it, thank you for your comments everyone.

I'll keep an eye on this guy (if I can keep track!), and then maybe, try to explain to my wife why -having five skiing kids- she still can´t get a new hairdrier, 10 years in a row...

so thanks

Jun 20 2012 4:31PM
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Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
Like above, I'd say too big. Some older people can ride skis that are 13 cm taller than them, but he is probably weaker (not as physically mature) and would appreciate something smaller and easier to manage, especially if he is getting into park. If you want something that he can grow into, I would say something 160 max, and early rise would help him with a bigger ski. The s1 is a full cambered ski (correct me if I'm wrong) and most people here, even some of the best, wouldn't take a cambered park ski that is 13 cm taller than them
Jun 20 2012 5:19PM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
oh yeah, when i startred riding them they were way over my head and i had no problems
Jun 20 2012 5:23PM
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QuinnBestwick
Posts: 693 - Karma: 751
im 5'2 100 pounds and ride 160s just bought some 166s the 3inches over my head doesnt bother me
Jun 20 2012 5:47PM
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RoofDaRoofieDogg
Posts: 3090 - Karma: 1,989
Nothings too long for a young boy ;)
Jun 20 2012 6:58PM
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JWeinstock
Posts: 3439 - Karma: 1,352
i was 5 feet 2 in at the begining of the year and i used 161s. they fit me good but maybe even a little big. he could most likely be fine with them but it might be challenging
Jun 20 2012 7:41PM
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ChileFranco
Posts: 5 - Karma: 10

Right

In my mind I feel closer to the sayings "it's too long to be wise". But than again, the sayings "it worked for me" are all by experience, good currency. Of course it doesn't mean it should work for any young skier, but this particular one started at 4, was heading down way before he knew the word stop, and has survived so far. We will be doing a lot of days this seasons so there will be time in spare for a change if needed, too.

So, just to check a little thinking with you guys, yesterday and before drilling in the bindings I had him standing on top a some 10 cm box (as if "sinking down" the raised part of the tails), and the ski then was right to the top of head. Does anyone believe this possibly means something, or was it just good the let the soup get cold?

Jun 21 2012 11:37AM
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snakerton
Posts: 2434 - Karma: 1,977
i forgot, they make a kids version of the ski. it has the same top sheet
Jun 21 2012 11:44AM
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ChileFranco
Posts: 5 - Karma: 10

yeah, but this is 168, if at all existing in this length I would say then it is the kids version because I first bought it to a kid, was it in kids rack? I guess so, but was the salesman in knowledge, no clue. The ski is very soft flex though. My elder son insists it was turning real easy in every kind of

Jun 21 2012 11:58AM
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paige.
Posts: 1930 - Karma: 907
If you were looking at buying the kid new skis I'd say go for a shorter length but you have the skis so why not give them a try? It may not be the ideal length but it's something he should be able to ski no problem. Plus he's still growing so 6 months from now they could fit perfectly. I started riding my 166s when I was about his height (to be fair I'm still only 5'4) and had no problems with them.
What length has skis has he been on previously? Were they center-mounted? If you're mounting these further forward than his previous skis the increase in length in front of the ski will be less and may make them seem like less of a jump.
Jun 22 2012 3:24AM
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ChileFranco
Posts: 5 - Karma: 10

hi again, just to say thank you everyone. We went out this weekend and it seemed to work just fine for a little jumps, some skinning and some bad snow skiing back. Mounted them couple of cm forward following advice and it was good. The real season coming will tell, but so far I'm pretty convinced.

Jun 25 2012 9:04AM
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