What skier weight range would you say is the gray area between 60 and 70 flex?
Acknowledging that there are other factors including skier height and how aggressive the skier is.
Ski Trab Gara World Cup Ski
The one race ski to rule them all! Eagerly awaited by top racers, the Gara World Cup is the culmination of years of design, testing, and tweaking with Ski Trab’s world class athletes. Combining ideas from the podium dominating Gara Aero, the more specialized Sprint ski, and even the amazing Maestro.2, Trab’s designers have created the ultimate race ski. After years in development (we met Roberto Antonioli at the factory when he was giving feedback on an iteration in early 2018), the ski finally met everyone’s high expectations. This Gara WC ski improves skiing even further over the original, while also reducing energy consumption on the ascent due to its specialized shape and profile. The renowned Trab reliability is guaranteed by using the well-tested and appreciated 14-layer construction – the most advanced in the world. Put together, the Ski Trab Gara World Cup will almost certainly dominate the podium for years to come.
UPHILL: Ski Trab shifted the widest point of the tip and the tail forward as compared to their previous, widely acclaimed race ski. Extensive testing showed this allows for a more fluid and dynamic stride when skinning. At the same time, the early rise in the tip was lengthened to reduce contact with the snow when gliding. Finally, the sprint-inspired tapered tail was included for the fastest entry into your backpack’s ski carry.
DOWNHILL: A longer tip and tail rise means more floatation in soft snow, and better handling in variable conditions. The sidecut was refined for better control while the mounting location was shifted forward to make steering a breeze. The flex was also tweaked to improve the ride. Finally, the 14-layer carbon-wrapped construction offers plenty of torsional support for exceptional edging while a special bridge between the edges offers maximum resistance from rock impacts.
- Honeycomb Aramid core is interspersed with light Ash for the ultimate lightweight performance.
- Gara Control Flex is customized with a softer tip and tail and a rigid underfoot platform.
- Hibox Torsion Control is a micro-mesh carbon cage that ups the torsional stiffness without compromising the unique flex.
- HiConnect carbon bridge connects the two edges, keeping them in place even after multiple rock impacts.
- NoShock vibration control is a special elastomer placed along the edges for cushioning and stabilizing the ride.
- Duo Tail allows the ski to track straight while making turning easier with extra control.
- High density polyethylene bases are finished with Trab’s signature structure.
- 52 HRC steel edges bit into icy snow and can stand up to daily abuse.
- 3 year warranty is the longest in the business.
Update 2023/24: The ski remains the same albeit with a fresh coat of paint.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 162, 169 |
|
Weight |
700g [162, Flex 60] 710g [162, Flex 70] 740g [169, Flex 70] |
| Weight (pair) | 1400g [162, Flex 60] 1420g [162, Flex 70] 1480g [169, Flex 70] |
|
|
92-64-79 [162] 92-63-79 [169] |
|
Turn |
23.6 [162] 24.8 [169] |
|
Skin |
Attivo clip or classic race notch |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
Camber underfoot, early rise tip & tail |
|
|
Broad tip, longer radius, tapered swallow tail |
|
|
14-Layer Gara Control with carbon wrap |
|
|
Honeycomb Aramid & Ash |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | World Cup racing, training, and missioning |
| Notes | Available with multiple flex ratings |
| Bottom Line | The one race ski to rule them all |
| Compare to other Race Skis | |
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Questions & Reviews
3/13/2025
3/13/2025
Elliott, I would say the 150-165 lb range can go either way. Another factor is how fast you descend. For going fast in a race, the 70 flex is better. If you aren't racing hard, and looking for a training or distance ski, the 60 flex will be easier to turn.
Answer this question:
2/21/2025
Hi skimo.co i want a skimo race setup for training, long days up and down and some races
My finalist are trabs 60 and dynastar pierra. For sure both are great choice, but since i will do some resort training descends and also some fresh snow or variable snow in the backcountry, what ski could be better? Everybody say trab its not bad in fresh snow, but the 92mm tip Vs 96 of the dynas.. i came from a 6year old Atomic 65ul
Finally about bindings atk brake race models or skitrab brake?
Thanks for the feedback
My finalist are trabs 60 and dynastar pierra. For sure both are great choice, but since i will do some resort training descends and also some fresh snow or variable snow in the backcountry, what ski could be better? Everybody say trab its not bad in fresh snow, but the 92mm tip Vs 96 of the dynas.. i came from a 6year old Atomic 65ul
Finally about bindings atk brake race models or skitrab brake?
Thanks for the feedback
2/21/2025
Gabriel, All good choices. But if you plan on using a lot for touring and fresh snow, check out the DNA 4.0.
A bit wider tip and shorter turn radius, makes for easier turning in soft or variable snow.
Race brake bindings. There is the obvious difference between the ATK and Trab bindings. As far as the brakes go, the Trabs are the most trouble free Race brakes.
A bit wider tip and shorter turn radius, makes for easier turning in soft or variable snow.
Race brake bindings. There is the obvious difference between the ATK and Trab bindings. As far as the brakes go, the Trabs are the most trouble free Race brakes.
2/24/2025
Hi Gabriel
" resort training descends " Pierra Menta are perfect. This week resort skiing with these rocket ( 90 km / hour ) in Descent :-) Quite fun to race them. No backseat. And be careful they broke in tip are in " harder fall ". Enjoy skis
" resort training descends " Pierra Menta are perfect. This week resort skiing with these rocket ( 90 km / hour ) in Descent :-) Quite fun to race them. No backseat. And be careful they broke in tip are in " harder fall ". Enjoy skis
Answer this question:
1/17/2025
Do I have it right that Trab marks as the mounting point where the toe pins should line up? Meaning boot mid point is not relevant for where the boot sits on the ski?
1/17/2025
Hi Aaron, not quite. The marking is for the boot tip, not the pins. But yes, the boot midpoint is irrelevant.
3/1/2025
Hi jbo - My local shop thought this was the pin line mark, resulting in my mount being 10mm forward. This was on the 24/25 skis, which I believe had the recommended mount position moved rearward from the previous year (according to the Skialper’s Guide). They ski well but I’ve crashed from nose diving in heavy powder a couple times. I’m lightweight and on the 70 flex skis, so the forward position may be better in some ways. I’m not usually opinionated about mount position. Would you recommend remounting?
3/11/2025
My shop did the same thing! But 10mm seems like a lot - wouldn’t the pins in most cases only be like 2-3mm max from the boot tip? But I have the same experience- the skis feel a bit off - and yeah nose dives. Can these skis be remounted?
3/11/2025
On my PG Blacks, the center of the pin line to the boot tip actually looks more like 12mm when measuring again.
I’m getting used to how they ski, but I don’t love the balance for kick turns. The tip rises too fast to get a good controlled kick. Definitely doing all my mounting through Skimo Co in the future!
I’m getting used to how they ski, but I don’t love the balance for kick turns. The tip rises too fast to get a good controlled kick. Definitely doing all my mounting through Skimo Co in the future!
3/11/2025
OK, I see that now - would 10-12mm really make that much of a difference in ski performance? (I am using PG Race) - I actually really like them for kick turns at this mount point, but skiing feels a little funky
3/11/2025
I’ll let someone more knowledgeable weigh in. I haven’t personally experimented much with mount positions.
3/15/2025
Hi Aaron & CDB,
With a pin line mount you will be 1-1.5cm forward of recommended but still within the reinforced mounting area. You would end up over 3cm ahead of balance point (Trabs are purposefully marked in front of this). Most Trab athletes use recommended, but a few go this far forward. Tradeoffs with a forward mount:
1. Downhill will be more optimized for hard snow vs soft.
2. Easier to change directions without a kick turn, but harder with a kick turn. Note it can be learned to do most turns without a kick.
3. Ever so slightly easier to rip skins.
A remount over 1cm away will not be a problem. Hope this helps.
With a pin line mount you will be 1-1.5cm forward of recommended but still within the reinforced mounting area. You would end up over 3cm ahead of balance point (Trabs are purposefully marked in front of this). Most Trab athletes use recommended, but a few go this far forward. Tradeoffs with a forward mount:
1. Downhill will be more optimized for hard snow vs soft.
2. Easier to change directions without a kick turn, but harder with a kick turn. Note it can be learned to do most turns without a kick.
3. Ever so slightly easier to rip skins.
A remount over 1cm away will not be a problem. Hope this helps.
3/16/2025
Super helpful. Thanks very much, jbo.
Answer this question:
10/18/2024
Hello, I broke two pairs of skis last season (hit a rock with the old version of this ski, and then broke a blizzard zero G race in two). I'm now considering going back to this skitrab, as I've heard it might be the most solid out of all the race skis. Would you agree with that? (compared to the ato, blizzard or elan for instance)
10/18/2024
Hi JBM,
Yes, overall we would say that the Trab are the most durable race skis. Their unique 14-layer construction makes them extremely resistant to flex fatigue, and they hold up really well. Of course, you can break any ski this light under the right conditions, but we have seen fewer of these break over the years than other brands, and we attribute that to the construction.
Yes, overall we would say that the Trab are the most durable race skis. Their unique 14-layer construction makes them extremely resistant to flex fatigue, and they hold up really well. Of course, you can break any ski this light under the right conditions, but we have seen fewer of these break over the years than other brands, and we attribute that to the construction.
Answer this question:
3/29/2024
How would these Gara WC skis compare with Dynafit DNA 4.0 skis? I am looking for a race ski that will be used for training, linking super big days in the backcountry, and possibly some grand course racing in the future. Would the DNA 4.0 or these be a better choice? How about the DNA pro or Mezzalama (seems kind of heavy)?
I am 5’ 9” 165lbs and ski Alien 1.1’s. Would 60 flex be best?
I am 5’ 9” 165lbs and ski Alien 1.1’s. Would 60 flex be best?
3/30/2024
Hi,
Both would make for good training/adventure skis! The Gara is a sweet ski, the split tail makes them turn easily, but keeps the tails supportive. I'd go with the 60 flex, unless you have a very aggressive skiing style. The DNA 4.0 is fairly turny, not as inclined to straightline as the Ski Trabs. The wide shovel gives them a bit more float in soft snow. For an all-around race ski, I'd go with the Trabs. For a race ski with a bit more focus on backcountry performance, the DNA 4.0 would be a good option.
The DNA Pro is fairly stiff - more of a traditional race ski. Good for race style skiing, but not as versatile in the backcountry.
The Mezzalama is similar to the 4.0 in that it's fairly turny, just a bit heavier and damper than the 4.0. Not a bad option for backcountry or training, but as you said most people go with a lighter ski for true racing. Great option for racing on a budget!
Both would make for good training/adventure skis! The Gara is a sweet ski, the split tail makes them turn easily, but keeps the tails supportive. I'd go with the 60 flex, unless you have a very aggressive skiing style. The DNA 4.0 is fairly turny, not as inclined to straightline as the Ski Trabs. The wide shovel gives them a bit more float in soft snow. For an all-around race ski, I'd go with the Trabs. For a race ski with a bit more focus on backcountry performance, the DNA 4.0 would be a good option.
The DNA Pro is fairly stiff - more of a traditional race ski. Good for race style skiing, but not as versatile in the backcountry.
The Mezzalama is similar to the 4.0 in that it's fairly turny, just a bit heavier and damper than the 4.0. Not a bad option for backcountry or training, but as you said most people go with a lighter ski for true racing. Great option for racing on a budget!
Answer this question:
1/26/2024
What are the factory edge angles on these skis?
1/29/2024
Hi Scott, we're pretty sure it's a 2 degree side 1 degree base bevel.
Answer this question:
11/12/2023
Hi,
I am 180cm/75kg and looking at these skis in 162cm for skimo racing and training. I have other skis for touring. What flex would you recommend for my size/weight? 60 or 70 flex?
Thanks,
Benoit
I am 180cm/75kg and looking at these skis in 162cm for skimo racing and training. I have other skis for touring. What flex would you recommend for my size/weight? 60 or 70 flex?
Thanks,
Benoit
11/13/2023
Hi Benoit,
We would recommend the 60 flex. The 70 is really best for much heavier folks, it is very stiff. The 60 is not soft by any means.
We would recommend the 60 flex. The 70 is really best for much heavier folks, it is very stiff. The 60 is not soft by any means.
Answer this question:
1/13/2023
Hi - I'm looking for a solid set of Skimo Race Skis and am leaning towards the Gara. I'm 6'5", 200 lbs and like a solid ski. Is the 169, Flex 70 the one I should be getting, or the 162?
I should also mention that I have a pair of SkiTrab Magico.2's that I love. (and got from Skimo.co!) They're unlike any ski I've ever had before. (Somehow stiff and smooth at the same time) Can I expect the same spirit to echo through in these?
I should also mention that I have a pair of SkiTrab Magico.2's that I love. (and got from Skimo.co!) They're unlike any ski I've ever had before. (Somehow stiff and smooth at the same time) Can I expect the same spirit to echo through in these?
1/13/2023
Hi Shaun, good taste! The Gara race ski uses the same 14-layer construction as the Magico.2 so it will have the same feel. Obviously, it's much smaller and geared towards racing. At your size, you definitely want the 70 flex. I think I would go with the 169 to get a bit closer to your natural ski length, but the 162 is doable if you really wanted to optimize for uphill.
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11/22/2022
Dr. Bob Arnot
(downright abused product)
Most fabulous ski race ski yet. Just spent a week skinning up the relatively flat Vail pass this week from Copper Mountain. Skiis like a Nordic classic race ski with long beautiful glides. Back in Stowe this weekend, also found it a superb down hill ski with early tip engagement and fantastic high angles for dynamic GS turns. Genious. You'll never want to ski anything else!
Comment on this review:
8/30/2022
HI! I'm a decent skier trying to find the best setup for my first skimo races.
I'm 1m85cm tall and weight 80kg (6'1", 176 lbs), should I buy the 169cm version of this ski or the 162?
Thanks a lot!
I'm 1m85cm tall and weight 80kg (6'1", 176 lbs), should I buy the 169cm version of this ski or the 162?
Thanks a lot!
8/30/2022
Hey Mattia, if you intend to just be using the skis for purely racing and training the 162cm should be just fine. If you wanted to use the skis for more objective-oriented pursuits then the 169cm might be a bit more beneficial with the extra length.
Thanks
Thanks
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3/20/2022
Hi skimo co. I am going to put together a race set up for next season. I am 99% sure this is the ski I want because I love my magicos so much. I am 5’11” 155 lbs. would you recommend the 60 or 70 flex?
3/22/2022
Hi Aidan, thanks for reaching out. The 60 flex would definitely be suited for someone with your height and weight. The 70 is better for larger or very hard-charging racers.
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2/9/2022
Do these tails have the thinner attivo tail clip attachment or none at all? I always dread the skin getting iced out and falling off without a tail clip to keep it snug. Thanks
2/9/2022
Hi Nick, you can make a skin to fit in the tail notch, but no race skins would come with that. Racers will have two pair of skins and often add some glue to the tails.
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This is a great ski. A phenomenal race ski that handles basically anything that you throw at it. The newer version has some small tweaks and both versions ski very well. I have a slight personal preference to the older version but both are very good. One of the best race skis on the market.
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