Junior Park and Pipe |
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| As more and more kids give up racing once they discover park and pipe, manufacturers have taken notice. If you’re a parent, you should too. This year’s offering of junior park skis is better than ever, and offers huge versatility beyond the park. |
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4FRNT Grom ($289)
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| 117, 127, 137 (102/72/92 at 127 cm, 11-metre radius) |
Utilizing summer camp coaching experience, Matt Sterbenz has designed a ski that kids can count on. Watch for these competitively priced sticks at parks near you. |
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Armada Coda ($435) |
| 150, 143, 136 (114/78/104 at 150 cm, 12.9-metre radius) |
| On a budget but still want to throw down with the big boys and girls? This may be your ski. The Coda comes with the same engineering and materials used in the adult Fleet series. |
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Atomic Lil’ Punx ($299.99)
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| 130,140,150 (105/74/97 at 140 cm, 14-metre radius) |
This scaled-down version of the Punx model is bound to be popular with the parents, as it boasts a low price tag and the same great reputation as Atomic’s higher-end skis. |
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Dynastar Troubled Youth ($349.99)
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| 138, 148, 158 (110/80/103 at 148 cm, 20-metre radius) |
Like its older sibling, the Troubled Youth is lightweight and has a freestyle specific shape. With an 80 mm waist, these skis are stable for big landings and riding switch. |
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Elan The Zen ($225)
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| 115, 125, 135, 145 (102/72/92 at 135 cm, 13.1-metre radius) |
Similar to the Zenmaster, this ski shares its graphic style but goes with a cap construction to keep costs low. Four different lengths make this a good option for all kids. |
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Faction Dillinger ($645)
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| 168 (122/92/112 at 168 cm, 18-metre radius) |
The Dillingers are designed for younger guys and girls who want to rip up the park but also get out in the backcountry. With a semi-stiff flex, these skis are ready to land switch while also providing plenty of pop. |
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Fischer Villain Pro ($439.99)
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| 145, 154 (110/80/110 at 154 cm, 18-metre radius) |
A genuine twin-tip for the up-and-coming ripper. This ski is ready to shred in the pipe or park, and just about anywhere else the kids are taking skis these days. |
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Head Spawn II ($475 with bindings)
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| 118, 127, 136, 145, 154, 163 (108/76/102 at 136 cm, 11.7-metre radius) |
Extremely flexible, light and durable, this ski is made to take any punishment a junior park rat can throw its way. |
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K2 Bad Seed ($420 with bindings)
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| 119, 129, 139, 149 (113/85/104 at 149 cm, 14-metre radius) |
With a team that includes Sean Pettit and three junior skis in the line, K2 proves it is dedicated to the youth market. The Bad Seed sports a wide 85 mm waist for stability. |
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Line Mini Invader ($230)
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| 123, 133, 143 (101/80/94 at 133 cm, 15.5-metre radius) |
An extremely durable, performance-driven design. Sized for the smaller rippers out there, this will have the junior park rat graduating to the big hits in no time. |
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Movement Joystick Jr ($425)
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| 146, 156 (107/77/97 at 146 cm, 14-metre radius) |
The Joystick combines poplar and okoume to create a composite that is both light and strong. Graffiti-inspired graphics are a deviation from the other Movement skis and add to this park ski’s image.
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Ninthward Butterlicious ($459)
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| 161 (110/75/100 at 161 cm, 15.5-metre radius) |
A poplar-fir core combined with Ninthward’s own Mad Pop ollie pad makes this ski a lively choice for jib skiers, and continues Ninthward’s reputation for a “workhorse” lineup. |
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Nordica Spark J ($369.95 with bindings)
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| 128, 138, 148 (102/72/92 at 138 cm, 13-metre radius) |
The provocatively titled Spark J gives kids the same graphics and similar construction as the adult models in a smaller package. A composite core keeps price and weight down. |
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Rossignol Scratch Brigade Pro ($500)
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| 140, 150, 160 (120/90/113 at 160 cm, 16.4-metre radius) |
For the grom who rips in the backcountry. Considered to be 60 per cent backcountry and 40 per cent jib, this ski will have any kid stoked to be out on the mountain. |
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Salomon Teneighty Flyer ($449)
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| 141, 151, 161, 171 (110/80/104 at 161 cm, 18.7-metre radius) |
Comes with a Rastafarian-themed topsheet and a price that will leave some money in the bank for Mom and Dad. Tip rivets hold an Isocell Complex core together, so Junior can abuse it liberally. |
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Scott Rebel ($499.95)
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| 142, 152, 162 (112/78/108 at 152 cm, 13.5-metre radius) |
A smaller version of the Punisher, the Rebel has a hard wood core with slanted sidewalls to create a quick and stable ski. |
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Volkl Ledge ($450)
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| 148, 158, 168, 178 (111/81/104 at 168 cm, 18.9-metre radius) |
A scaled-down version of the Wall, this junior ski works well for the underage crew that wants to go as big as their older counterparts. |
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