FIS vs REGULAR SKIS | What's the Difference?

Considering buying a WC or FIS skis? This really helpful guide shares the pro's and con's of FIS skis and compares them recreational carving skis.

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[alant]

I remember years ago when I was doing club racing I bought a pair of Nordica Dobermann GS Race skis. The reviews had pros and cons. Pros: “This is a full blown race ski”. Cons: “This is a full blown race ski”. And boy they were right. I remember the very time I went to race on them… out of the 3rd gate… totally wrecked…. You had to be on your game ALL THE TIME with those skis… and let’s be honest… I was a guy who was a recreational skier doing club racing… who had done pretty well… but these skis were way out of my league. I stuck with them and learned to ski them…. But if I didn’t stay totally focused for the entire run… they bite you HARD… You know… like a Dobermann. Haha

[shootera]

FIS SL skis are much different than FIS GS skis, as far as the level of skier required.

Most decent skiers, even intermediates, can actually ski a FIS 165 cm SL ski. With a 12-13m radius, the turn arc is so tight that you do not need to really bend the ski. Just tip in a bit...and it is turning like crazy. This makes them extremely versatile. When I hopped on a pair of Rossi Hero 165 FIS SL skis....I seriously wondered if they were really race skis. They were so balanced and easy to ski. But then when I laid them over, I saw that in fact they can grip/rip. They literally can do it all, at least on piste.

A FIS GS ski (30m+) is a completely different beast. The long radius requires very high level technique to get the turn started as you build speed. Also, to get the ski to bend and turn properly you have to get up to at least 35 mph, and be able to lay the ski over to at least 45 degrees. There are not many people that can do this reliably enough to ski safe on a public resort. I would only recommend a 30m ski to a true expert or ex racer. Even most Masters races choose a 24-27m ski...not a full 30m ski.

[misterfunnybones]

Good info. I have 190cm Fischer GS race skis & they are great for hard pack & boilerplate groomers. Heavy, no chatter, very stable, & no real speed limit; only for expert skiers on specific terrain.

[leipismelkis]

Nooo, don't spread awareness! I've been racing on mostly fis skis bought by rich idiots who sold them soon after half price... am I supposed to buy them full price now!? 🤣

[rich]

I have an older (2012/13 I believe) Volkl FIS GS women's ski (188) and I love it. It reminds me a little of my old P9 SLs. It's not the most forgiving ski and tends to wear me out pretty quickly, but it always feels like it wants more out of me. It definitely has more performance potential than I have ability.

[Stan-B]

A good and brief explanation, right to the point, thanks.

[NeilSnapePhotography]

I have FIS cut skis 165cm yet the retail version. They are so much more forgiving, and my old knees don't complain. Yet in no way if you're going fast on the right snow will they come close to a true FIS ski. You are spot on in this video.

[BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

There is great joy in being able to ski all conditions on a mountain on one pair of skis.

[SuperHix]

Hi, just a small comment.
I'm also lucky enough to have proper FIS slalom skis and "top of the line" commercial skis. You got most of the differences. Let me add few more.

FIS skis have much more acceleration out of the turn, which you need to anticipate and correctly use for next turn. If you don't, you might do a somersault. ;)
FIS skis need much more pressure on the edge in turn, to make them "work" as intended. So skier must be in good physical condition, for whole day of skiing.
FIS skis are usually more than 50% heavier, when you carry them around.
To get most of FIS skis, your ski boots needs to have stiffness at least 120, and above.

[tannerstines]

if you’ve never skied FIS GS or SL skis your missing out

[behroozghorbani]

Very informative. Jus want I was looking for before buying my Racetiger SLs. Thanks!

[gregormiller]

You ski just like Reilly, purrfectly! Good stuff, have a great Turkey day. God Bless.

[harrymcfadden]

Great chat bro, good message, look forward to skiing with you when we can. 👊🏾👊🏾

[wallstreetoneil]

I have that 170 'retail' version. The 13.4-meter radius, with the 127_68_103 profile, and the 'retail' Volkl stiffness, versus 'FIS' stiffness, makes it frankly one of the very best overall frontside skies you can buy if you ski in the East of North America. The combo of that Volkl stiffness, but with a 13.4 radius, allows you to really open up the ski to GS turns when desired, it also slams through the crud amazingly well given the ski's mass and 127 front profile, and at the same time at 68 underfoot it's very fast to initiate turns - I love the ski - it's my frontside daily.

[loveafg]

Alway enjoy your videos. I have learned a lot from you. Thank You Paul.

[christophergoble]

As on old guy who grew up on 80's planks, I find my FIS GS skis great - as long as I'm just doing groomers. I prefer the extra stiffness. And, the ride is just so gentle and smooth - some weird combination of a Cadillac and a Ferrari.

But I always bring my second pair for mid day switch overs.

[jays]

Nice video. Would be nice if you could discuss radius requirements for the side cut of World Cup versus regular skis. This seems to be something that’s more dramatic with GS skis.

[juniorjohnson]

Have a pair of Head e-SL RD slalom skis. Absolutely a blast on everything I've run them on so far - ice, soft groomers, granular groomers, wet slush, but no deep powder. I would recommend this ski to every expert skier - very predictable, and respond instantly to your inputs.

[snowdevil]

The flex and torsional rigidity of the WC ski in the shape of the recreational ski. And, make it short, 155cm, even for a big guy. That's what I thought when demo'ing Stoeckli's slalom skis anyway. Then again, I'm a huge fan of RTC's classic carvers and they are short, 128cm to 168cm, every 10cm, and the 68'er feels like a 210.

[Mr]

Hi Paul. I bought Racetiger SL WC skis. there are 3 options for installing front mounts. My level is advanced )) Where would you recommend putting the front mounts ?