I'm going to through my two cents in..............
 
I agree with TOS, if possible buy a jr. two event ski (that is what most  
will have) there is no need to get one for SL and GS yet, and they don't make  
them for that age. The J5/6 ski racer is to be on one ski a two event ski, sized 
 by weight usually.  Something that has a shape similar to 108/65/91  
tip/waist/tail (in that range), and yes the boot is important, you want a boot  that 
the child can flex, and is not too big around the ankle.  junior race  
programs get very competitive, with of course the parent living through their  
children.  But a race/training ski is important, as is having a free ski to  enjoy 
when to training/racing.  Plus if you are on a race team you can get  deals 
that are very good, not unlike those that you get if you use a ski pro  form. 
(And from the article in Ski Magazine, we all know that the retailer is  the one 
whom get shafted the most on the cost of skis, but that is another topic  for 
another time.)  
 
The merlin ski that you all have been talking about is an entry level jr  
ski, ie first time skier ski, etc.
 
AND K2 is out of the race program for the year they are revamping it.   The 
companies that have the best showing in JR racing are Fischer, Rossignol,  
Salomon, Head, Elan, Volkl, Dynastar (in no order).
 

And would this not be AMERICA if all the emphasis is put on winning,  forget 
just for fun......

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