Equipment
Giant slalom skis are shorter than super G and downhill skis, and longer than slalom skis.
In an attempt to increase safety for the 2003–04 season, the FIS increased the minimum sidecut radius for giant slalom skis to 21 m (69 ft) and for the first time imposed minimum ski lengths for GS: 185 cm (72.8 in.) for men and 180 cm (70.9 in.) for women. A maximum stand height (the distance from the snow to the sole of the boot) of 55 mm (2.165 in.) was also established for all disciplines.
In May 2006, the FIS announced further changes to the rules governing equipment. Beginning with the 2007–08 season, the minimum radius for GS skis was increased to 27 m for men and 23 m for women. Additionally, the minimum ski width at the waist was increased from 60 to 65 mm, and the maximum stand height for all disciplines was reduced to 50 mm. The best skiiers tended to use a bigger sidecut radius, like Ted Ligety 29m and Lindsey Vonn 27m.
For the 2012-13 season the FIS increased the sidecut raidius to 35m and the minimal length to 195 cm. Many athletes critizised this decision. Often David Dodge was cited. Dodge argues that FIS used studies which do not copmrise a scientific proof. He states that it is well known that if one tips the ski 7° more the 35m ski will have the same turning radius than the 28m ski. He states as well that knee injuries are decreasing since the 1990s, when carving skies started to be used.
Read more about this topic: Giant Slalom Skiing
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