5 essential questions you should answer before selecting skis

So many skiers are puzzled at the choice in skis. To confuse skiers even more every ski company has different terminology in classifying skier types. Marketing ads and technical booklets provide even more confusion by providing little "objective" clear information of a ski's targetted skier and "expected" skier competencies!
I have just finished reading a ski companies technical booklet for shop salespersons and according to this booklet all skis are great for all skiers!

Let's clear the air!

First some background information for potential buyers!
There are no more poor quality ski companies!
All skis have product warranties which last in most cases 1 year. It all depends on how your retailer will "support" your request for new skis if there is a problem!

There is a major world wide price difference on various skis. With this wonderful communication medium, the internet you can "shop around"!

The profit margin on skis is relatively small compared to; jackets, gloves, glasses etc... but if you are smart consumer you can find great skis at a reasonable price!
The problem is what I consider "reasonable" may not be reasonable since you have different values in regards to skiing!

The problem in selecting a great ski for you is the same as finding a great "life-time partner", you have to be honest with yourself first and know your priorities!

Here are some basic questions YOU should answer before stepping into any store.

1. How much money do I ( have) or want to invest in getting those "dream" skis!
The value of a product is relative to you! You can only decide how much "free money " you have.
Here is a few benchmarks in US dollars!
-Racing skis: Real racing skis you can not get since they are not bought in ski shops, however there are "specialty shops and sites" that do sell "real" racing skis. One secret site is the "Masters" site!!! Check it out!

- De-tuned racing: $500-700

- Expert level ( riders,Xtreme, cruisers etc....you name type) $500-$700

- Entry level skis : $ 300-400!


2. The most difficult questions!
How a do I ski and where do I ski ( most of the time)!

Be honest with yourself! Please do not answer , "well I ski the moguls, or I ski the double diamonds" The key question you have to ask yourself is, "How do you ski the moguls and how do you ski the diamonds".

It might be great for your ego to have the latest, brightest, and most technical ski, but can you handle it! After the last Olympics, I had a chance to try a REAL World Cup GS ski on the actual race course! It made me afraid! I have a few white hairs now because of this experience! The skis were too much for me and I am "wise" enough to accept this fact!

List where you were last year! What did you like!

If you have any doubt, try all sorts of skis in all sorts of conditions!

3. Another "hard" question coming up!!!!
How committed am I to skiing?
Is it a social activity for you?
Is it a weekend activity to do with friends?
Is it a personal challenge?

This crucial in order to focus on your skiing needs!
If it is a social activity, think of renting!
If it is weekend activity think of getting second hand or last year's stock!

Now if you are in skiing for you! It is a life-style, life long activity,,,,then you really have to "get to know" the personalities of all skis!

A side bar discussion here , if you do not mind!

Skis , even within the same company, have varied personalities! You have to find a ski that "mates" with your ability level, ski terrain you typically use and skiing behavior you have!
That is the secret to getting great skis FOR YOU!

4.Easy question now!
Think of a typical skiing day,,, and ask yourself how do I ski in terms of;
speed
type of turns
type of slope
type fellow skiers I am with
If in doubt just read some ski articles that have evaluated "new" skis. At the very beginning of all articles they provide the parameters used to rate skis. Use these parameters to "identify" your priorities!

5.Now for the very hardest question of all!!!!
It is the very hardest question because it requires you to be very honest with yourself and requires you to look in the mirror and answer the question, "Where do I see, as far as skiing is concerned, myself in three years?"

If you are happy where you are now, then do not spend lots of money of "hot" skis!

If you see yourself up one or two levels, by all means get a ski that will "require you" to work at skiing better!

As you can see, the difficulty in choosing a ski is in know your real needs not what friends, instructors, ski companies tell you !!!