Laser gs fis junior review

Overview

The Stöckli Laser GS FIS Junior is a purpose‑built junior giant slalom race ski. It rewards clean fundamentals with razor grip, a calm platform at speed, and repeatable GS arcs. It is not a playful all‑mountain option; think training lanes, salted courses, and hard early‑morning corduroy.

Who is it for?

• U12–U16 racers and dedicated club athletes training and competing regularly.
• Skiers who prioritize edge grip and stability on hard snow.
• Not ideal for beginners or casual skiers; not intended for soft‑snow freeride.

On‑snow performance

• Edge hold and stability: Full camber and long effective edge (Full Edge Contact) provide exceptional bite on ice and injected surfaces. The ski stays composed as speed rises.
• Turn shape and timing: Length‑specific sidecut radii (13.5 m at 144 cm to 19.5 m at 168 cm) deliver clean GS arcs. It asks for deliberate pressure at the top of the turn, then tracks precisely.
• Energy and rebound: Titanal‑reinforced sandwich build gives elastic, race‑like rebound. The tail is supportive yet will punish back‑seat habits.
• Terrain/conditions: Best on hard, groomed snow and in ruts. In soft push piles it hangs on, but it won’t float or smear like a rockered ski.

Construction and tech

• Sandwich construction with Size Optimized Construction for length‑appropriate flex and mass.
• Full Edge Contact for a longer effective edge and quicker initiation.
• Flex Torsion Control in tip and tail to balance torsional stiffness and smooth entry/exit.
• Racing‑graphite base, durable race sidewalls, and sharp racing edges.

Specs and what they mean

• Rocker profile: Full camber (no rocker). Maximizes edge contact and grip; requires solid technique.
• Sidecut: Manufacturer lists FIS‑FIS‑FIS; an independent test measured 103‑64‑88 mm. A 64‑mm waist is quick edge‑to‑edge with strong bite; moderate tip avoids hookiness.
• Radius by length: 144 cm 13.5 m; 152 cm 15.5 m; 160 cm 17.5 m; 168 cm 19.5 m. Choose radius/length to match category, size, and course sets.
• Available lengths: 144, 152, 160, 168 cm. Shorter builds are tuned lighter/softer for younger athletes.
• Weight: Not published; estimated approx. 2.2–2.8 kg per ski. More mass improves damping; less mass aids quickness. Stöckli strikes a junior‑friendly balance.

Note: Stöckli does not publish numeric tip/waist/tail or weight for this model; the 103‑64‑88 figure is the best reputable independent datapoint.

Sizing and setup

• Length: Start around chin‑to‑forehead per athlete and category rules; stronger/faster racers can size up for more stability and radius.
• Plate/binding: Pair with a race plate and a solid junior race binding (appropriate DIN). Many programs run 0.5° base and 3.0° side; confirm with your coach.

Comparisons

• Head WCR e.GS Rebels Team: a touch heavier/damper with superb rut stability; Stöckli feels lighter with finer line precision.
• Atomic Redster G9 RS J: powerful tail acceleration; Stöckli is smoother through the whole arc with subtler feedback.
• Rossignol Hero Athlete GS Pro (Junior): easier tip engagement and big sweet spot; Stöckli offers crisper edge feel and faster base prep.
• Elan GSX Team: comparable radii; Stöckli’s finishing quality and base speed are a notch higher.

Key takeaways

• Ice‑grip specialist: full camber and long effective edge bite hard.
• Race precision: tracks exact GS lines at speed with confidence.
• Intended user: serious junior racers, not casual all‑mountain skiers.
• Premium finish: fast base and clean factory prep ready for race tuning.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is the Stöckli Laser GS FIS Junior suitable for beginners?
A: Not really. It is a FIS‑oriented junior GS race ski that expects solid fundamentals. Newer skiers will find it demanding and less forgiving.

Q: How should I size the Stöckli Laser GS FIS Junior?
A: Use athlete category and height as a starting point (chin to forehead), then factor course sets and strength. Always check local and FIS guidelines.

Q: What tune works best for this ski?
A: Many teams run 0.5° base with 3.0° side for maximum grip on hard snow. Adjust to conditions, level, and preference.

Q: Can I use it as an all‑mountain ski?
A: You could, but it’s not designed for that. With no rocker and a narrow waist, it performs best on groomers and race lanes.