Race Suit Buying Guide
Ski Race suits are full body spandex suits designed for ski racers. Ski Race Suits provide better aerodynamics than ski jackets and pants do. Ski Race Suits are not warm, it is important to wear quality long underwear under a race suit to help you stay warm on the slopes. A Ski Jacket and either Ski Pants with full length side zippers or Training Shorts should be worn over the Race Suit during training and warm up runs. For an improved time in the race course racers will strip down to the suit for timed race runs.
Ski Race Suits are available in Mens, Womens and Kids Sizes. Womens Ski Race Suits are anatomically cut for a woman and are typically available in more feminine colors. It is not imperative that a woman buys a women’s specific Race Suit. The suits have great stretch and will form to fit any body shape. Check the manufacturer’s specific sizing guides to ensure you are purchasing the correct sized suit.
Downhill Ski Race Suits vs. GS Ski Race Suits: Is there a difference?
There is a huge difference! GS ski race suits have padding in them to protect racers when they hit the gates. Downhill ski race suits do not have any padding; racers typically don’t hit gates when racing downhill so they don’t need the added protection. Additionally, Downhill Race Suits are not padded to comply with FIS wind resistance regulations. Unless a racer is competing in FIS regulated Downhill events it is beneficial to have a GS suit with the padding. While Downhill suits aren’t as expensive initially, if you plan on racing or training ‘Tech Events’, especially Giant Slalom, you will most likely find that you need additional padding or protective gear which usually ends up costing more than the difference between the prices of the downhill and GS suits was to begin with. more...
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