light weight fanatics take note:

I agree, Paul - if there's a long, flat approach I'll definitely take the other skis.

Well, most of the guys that use these move so fast that any flat stretch probably goes by pretty quickly! <br><br>As an example (not on flats though I guess) Toti Bess of Catalonia was timed climbing harmony piste (not sure the vert but I think at least 1000' and maybe a bit more even) at the Whistler race in 12 minutes.

I don't believe I'll ever hang with Toti Bes regardless of how light my bindings are, but they are on the R:EX's<br><br>

. . . and for you rando racers on a budget, Atomic TM:11's and TM:10's are on sale at sierratradingpost.com for $99.95 (small sizes only)

What is the ski length restriction in most rally races. I'd like to pick up a pair of the TM:ll's.

Most of the hard cores use 160's, which should be fine if you are as lean as those guys. Andrew McLean says he freeskis on his 160's most of the time; pretty impressive considering where he freeskis. Hard to beat that price . . .