pavelski wrote:Yes buy on on need or else you "follow the crowd" on the latest looks !!!!
I always "measure" my new skis and check at end of every year the camber and flex range of my skis! ! Most of my skis stay with me 4-6 years since I wax them every ski day and tune them every ski day by hand!
I also check my clothing at end of year! I noticed my 5 year old Spyder Spring gloves are all worn at finger tips! Leather just worn !!! Too much Spring skiing!
I sit down and make a list of material I missed during year !
My advise,,,,select quality material and get classic designs,,,,not latest looks which die after 2 years !
Boots,,,never never change once they fit you
Skis,,,,why change once you have the best! Just add to inventory !
Jackets,,,,,well if great deals come etc,,,,,,,,
This is closest to my own views, Pavel.
I now have a range of skis to suit varying conditions, size from 165 to 200, and including carvers and straights. Straights are the fastest, carvers are the easiest, Stiff, long covers give me best grip on ice. I also am happy to hire, this is a good way to learn ~ I don't get test skis as much as I used to.
Jackets ~ I buy normally in Austria.
Boots, I agree, if they fit, don't change. We celebrate 26 years of happiness next winter.
Gloves ~ the word got around, and I now have lots of Christmas present gloves. All of my gloves wear on the thumb of the right glove.
I keep a packing list, and delete items that I last took, but did not wear. Merino has changed my packing weight completely. On my last trip to Austria, my gear checked in at 11.5 kgm, including ski boots and painting gear.
Fashion is for chavs, not for skiers.