At what age should we buy son ski boots/skis.?

He is 10 yrs now and dad is reluctant to buy anything yet , even though our son skis regularly. He is still growing and every year he would need a new pair. . . particularly the boots. Maybe the ski might last for 3 years (length wise?)
Any parental thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks

tropicana wrote:He is 10 yrs now and dad is reluctant to buy anything yet , even though our son skis regularly. He is still growing and every year he would need a new pair. . . particularly the boots. Maybe the ski might last for 3 years (length wise?)
Any parental thoughts are much appreciated. Thanks

I would also like some feedback on this question. My 13 year old wants her own boots and skiis (she is currently the same size as me!) but I am reluctant to buy boots that she will grow out of. Anyone have any idea when is a good age to start?
We ski at least 3 weeks per year

thanks

Carol

yes same here , son ski 2-3 x per year. . .maybe buying some cheap cut good 2nd hand ones will be ok for the time being ??

My personal view on this is not to buy boots until feet have stoppped growing.
One reason is money, so if the nag factor from the child is high and the expense is OK then viewing new boots as a present with limited life expectency will get plenty of thanks.
Also childrens feet can change amazingly rapidly. Have had this with Rugby boots for my son where in a growing spurt a new pair in September are too tight by Christmas, nightmare with expensive ski boots bought before Christmas and too small by easter.
We have spoken for the first time about his own ski boots with my son this year, his feet (size 14 now !!) look like they have peaked and if this is the case then we will be looking for his own for next year.
As an alternative how about meeting the normal teenage need for nice stuff by buying lots of accesories? Quite often its about feeling good and enjoying the kit rather than any practical benefit of their own skis/boots that's important.

OldAndy wrote:My personal view on this is not to buy boots until feet have stoppped growing.
One reason is money, so if the nag factor from the child is high and the expense is OK then viewing new boots as a present with limited life expectency will get plenty of thanks.
Also childrens feet can change amazingly rapidly. Have had this with Rugby boots for my son where in a growing spurt a new pair in September are too tight by Christmas, nightmare with expensive ski boots bought before Christmas and too small by easter.
We have spoken for the first time about his own ski boots with my son this year, his feet (size 14 now !!) look like they have peaked and if this is the case then we will be looking for his own for next year.
As an alternative how about meeting the normal teenage need for nice stuff by buying lots of accesories? Quite often its about feeling good and enjoying the kit rather than any practical benefit of their own skis/boots that's important.

i agree with everything the old fella says :wink:

Ditto on the boots, wait till the feet stop growing and settle into adulthood.
As for skis, personally i don't see the need to buy ever...renting is cheap, easy and avoids you carrying them to and from resort.

Having said that if i were regularly driving to resorts (esp scotland) i may consider my own but not right now.

Snapzzz wrote:Ditto on the boots, wait till the feet stop growing and settle into adulthood.
As for skis, personally i don't see the need to buy ever...renting is cheap, easy and avoids you carrying them to and from resort.

Having said that if i were regularly driving to resorts (esp scotland) i may consider my own but not right now.

I'd never go back to rental skis

Ebay? If you know the size it can work out just as cheap as hiring boots. If they don't fit and when they grow out of them you can sell them on again & all you'll be down is the postage.

Skis are abit more complicated - you'll have to get them serviced & fitted to the boots and set up properly. If you know what you are doing this can be a DIY option.

For an adult it's a different matter hire skis can be a mixed bag - in terms of wear & service standard. Hiring saves lugging skis with you and you get to try different types of skis but if you get a tatty pair of ski's that don't suite you it can spoil you week. Early in the season at the better shops you'll be fine - but at the end of the season in a small hire shop you may struggle if you have specific requirements.