What should you look for when buying skis and equipment?

Question

For an intermediate level skiier?

Answer 1

First, buy boots. Skis are relatively interchangeable, and depending on how much you use them, you might be better off renting.

The best place to buy boots is a fitting specialist. Do some research about the store - in particular, make sure they offer custom orthotics.

For sizing, you want to go small - a bootfitter can always blow out a shell, but if it's too big, you're in trouble. As a rough idea, without the liner and with your toes barely touching the front, you should be able to fit 2 fingers (and only 2) between your calf the the shell.

Try a number of different pairs, and compare flex (forward lean), stance, and comfort. When you've found one (or more) pairs that seem right, wear them in the store for a minimum of 20 minutes (the longer the better), and make sure no discomfort develops.

There are a number of different options available now, including semi-soft freeride boots. Everyone has their preferences - I use race boots that most people would hate. When you're trying them on, be aware of the differences, and see which ones you like.

Finally, when you've found a pair that are comfortable, get custom orthotics to replace the stock footbed. They're $100-150, but they're worth every penny.

If you do decide to get skis, go to a mountain on a manufacturer demo day, or find a shop with demo skis. Out west, most shops have a wide selection, and will deduct the price of the demo from your purchase if you buy skis with them. There are a TON of different skis out there now, most designed to do one thing well - powder skis, race skis, terrain park skis. Usually, freeride or all mountain skis will be the best compromise. Try different brands to get a feel for them - the "feel" of the ski will usually be pretty consistent within a brand's line. I ski on Atomic because of their feel in the race course - Fischer, Head, Rossignol, Dynastar, K2 - all of them are high quality. Most shops will let you change skis during the day for no additional cost. Take out a pair of skis designed for the same purpose from as many manufacturers as you can in the same day (skiing at least an hour on each). That'll give you an idea of which brand suits you. Then sample different types of skis until you find what you like, then try different lengths of that ski.

Good luck, and have fun.

Answer 2

Comfort, comfort, comfort. Get the most comfortable pair of boots you can find! If your feet hurt, you won't have much fun. For skis and bindings, it has more to do with size/weight than anything. smaller skis are better for beginners because they are easier to control. The better you are, the longer and stiffer your skis will be. But, get the best pair of boots you can find. You'll thank me later when you are having fun and everyone in your group is complaining about their feet hurting. A good website for discount equiptment is geardirect.com. Have fun!

Answer 3

For best results go to a ski store. It would be even better if the store has great reviews or has been recommended to you. Ask one of the ski techs to help you fit boots and look for the right bindings and skis.

Answer 4

A bootfitter. Buy your equipment from a ski shop with a bootfitter. I ski shop will be able to mount your bindings properly too.

A perfect fit makes a world of difference.