Latest posts for the topic "Help in the hire shop."

Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:40:45 GMT

Guys,

This coming season will be my third week skiing (adh@xmas) and probably fourth too if i get my way sometime in feb. And the time has come to try and look like i know what i am talking about....even if i don't!

I am getting to the point now where i want to try and understand the equipment more and get what is right for me and what i expect to be doing without just being given a set of skis in the hire shop and assuming that they are all good.

So can anyone point me in the direction of some good advice?

Currently, as you are probably aware, the TO's rate their hire skis Bronze, silver and gold and as far as i can tell this generally just means how old the kit is. so going for gold will give you this/last seasons kit where as the bronze can be 4/5 years old.
Last year, my wife had the bronze as she was still very much on the nursery slopes and i had the silver as i was on reds and clocking up the miles.
This year i fully intend to be on the blacks, learning to carve and maybe in feb try a little off piste if i feel i am ready.

With last years kit i just took what they gave me and they were great, I think they were Rossignol Zenith Z1's but i cannot be sure, except for when i cut corners and found myself in ungroomed snow. When that happened it felt like i was in thick toffee and i found it very hard to keep control. I am assuming that these skis were just too thin?

Anyway this is where i come unstuck. I do not know what manufactures make which skis and what these skis do.

Is there any idiots guide for choosing skis?

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:04:15 GMT

In France/Switzerland/Austria etc most if not all the hire stock will be new, albeit in some cases last season's model. The bronze, silver, gold depicts on quality of the ski not it's age.
The shop should be able to match a ski to what you want to use it for, (though they might say you need gold!)
Most shops now advertise what hire skis they have so do some research in advance.
Just beware in Andorra/Bulgaria hire gear is often a year old as it where the stock from France etc sometimes ends up.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:26:50 GMT

In my experience rental skis in main resorts will generally be good bits of kit as Andy says.
Couple of points;
Try to go to the shop when it is not too busy.
Ask for someone who you can comunicate with (no idea how much of a linguist you are!) and be prepared to wait a bit for them to become free if necessary.
Be clear and honest about what you want - say you want to be more adventurous etc. - and how you ski.
Ask what they recommend for the snow conditions THIS WEEK, ie. NOW !! Such a difference if it hard packed/icy to lots of fresh snow bubbling around.
Be prepared to go back and swap the skis, try something different, longer, shorter etc. Doesn't cost much to swap your rental skis around.
:thumbup:

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:43:42 GMT

AndyHull - Thanks, my first ski holiday was Andorra so maybe thats where i picked up on the age thing. I will certainly try to find out which store the TO uses and research their stock before hand.

Oldandy - Thanks, i suppose thats what i need to do , ask questions and swap if they do not meet my expectations.

Can i ask you both and others jong the thread : If you were hiring do you ask for a specific model? Do you guys know what you want before you get their?

Thanks

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:23:07 GMT

I don't ask for a specific model just what have they got that will suit me this week.
Last year I was given Salomon Xwing Tornado at Christmas. Super on the perfect snow at the start of the week but I found them difficult after a big dump of wet heavy snow.
At Easter, different shop, different resort was given dynastar Sultan 85 - stonking ski in spring snow both on hard pack and in the slush and a little new snow as well.
My approach has only let me down once and I just went back on the second day and chatted to a different guy in the shop for a swap.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:43:25 GMT

I'll use a hire shop if I want to test new skis before buying. I'll make a list of probables' and take it with me, sometimes, the Tech has not got the skis' in, but has been able to provide a ski that has been a surprise and put another ski on my list!

Read the ski tests, understand the type of ski you want, and be prepared to try elsewhere.

My worst experience, "These are very nice ladies ski, very easy turning"
Shown something soft and short.:roll:
The list I'd handed over was:
Stockli Stormriders
Movement Flame
Dynastar Legend 4800

I left.

I went elsewhere, tested and purchased my Stockli Stormriders, which have been a wonderful ski.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:49:01 GMT

Buy ........

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:27:40 GMT

If you really knew me Ian you would be surprised I haven't already bought! I am quite impulsive.
But in all honesty I can't justify buying. When I look how much hiring costs and the convenience of it I just can't see e point of buying right now.
I see all the peeps at the airport struggling with huge bags and I don't want any part of that.
Maybe if I start driving and going 3+ times a year I would do it but for one or two trips, well it's not for me ....... Just yet

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:16:04 GMT

Strongly agree with AndyH, you generally get young skis in Austria and Switzerland, although, I did not experience that in France.
Good point by youngAndy, just be prepared to swap skis if you are not happy. Like Bandit, but for different reasons, I experiment with different skis, and will often use 2/3 pairs in a week,tho sometimes staying with one pair.
I have a regular resort, so I keep about four pairs of my own skis there. I appreciate this is not the norm, but it is surprising how many skiers I see year after year in our village!
I agree Snapszzz that ski carriage cost and effort is a consideration. Hire costs vary hugely. Last season there was some hasty price re-adjustment in certain resorts, as their cartel had been discovered. (It was amazing how the widely varying price/discounts always ended up at the same bottom line price.)
For your situation, where you are still discovering skiing, but have already fallen in love, then experimentation with ski technique, speed, equipment ~ it all goes together.
None of us cease to learn, well I don't anyway. Over time, I modify different aspects of technique. I achieved my fastest piste speed on my 41st year of skiing, (season before last). I own and hire skis.
Keep an open mind.
Ski well.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 21:21:48 GMT

Once you've mastered the mountain Snapzz, you really should buy some skis that will take you everywhere. Sounds to me like you want an all mountain ski, which I have a pair of. Theres so many to choose from, so maybe this season you want to try a few out: Atomic Blackeye for one, I ski on Scott Neo's but you'll struggle to find them in rental shops in Europe. Perfect for me, I love them.
Plus now I've got them, I don't have to pay out rent which going 2 times a season minimum is good value. Plus I know how they ski, they know how I ski, if you get me? I can maintain them and there really is no issue in carrying a ski bag from the car/bus/taxi to check in, and then picking them up and putting them on the transfer bus the other end.
They're yours when you've got them, and you get attached to them. I really do think you'd be well advised to buy your own, but you might want to try a few first, and then find some in stock from last season - usually only graphic changes each season - and save maybe GBP200 plus!
I'd suggest you start with a trip to Ski Bartlett, they know what they're talking about.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 07:27:11 GMT

Tony_H wrote:Once you've mastered the mountain Snapzz, you really should buy some skis that will take you everywhere.
I'd suggest you start with a trip to Ski Bartlett, they know what they're talking about.

With the greatest respect to all, and for lots of differing reasons, the folks participating in this thread are never likely to "master the mountain" Tony. What we engage in, is a sanitised recreational pastime, with participation at various fitness and skill levels.

Ski Bartlett is one of many knowledgeable independent retailers out there, some will sell you the ski you want, others will sell you the ski they want, which is just business.

Snapzz needs to do plenty of reading and decide on which skis he wants to use, either rental or purchase, it's the same.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 18:29:57 GMT

bandit wrote:

Tony_H wrote:Once you've mastered the mountain Snapzz, you really should buy some skis that will take you everywhere.
I'd suggest you start with a trip to Ski Bartlett, they know what they're talking about.

With the greatest respect to all, and for lots of differing reasons, the folks participating in this thread are never likely to "master the mountain" Tony. What we engage in, is a sanitised recreational pastime, with participation at various fitness and skill levels.

It was only a turn of phrase, Bandit. You know what I meant, and I would imagine most people, Snapzz included knew what I meant by that, but if I need to explain......I was talking about when someone is comfortable skiing any colour piste and is venturing off piste. I know you're a very serious skier, and a lot of people on here are recreational/holiday skiers, but I think we all know what I was talking about. Lets not be too fussy, eh?

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 20:26:45 GMT

Lordy, I made a mistake. Not 41st year of skiing, 41st year in Niederau. Have skied longer than that. Anyway, I still have not mastered the Marbachjoch, although one poster on this thread has, in the past they indicated nothing to learn from this place.
I don't see that there has to be a divide between hiring and owning. Common sense indicates that they are not incompatable. Snapps is questioning when to start.
Tony's point about "not having to pay for rent" is one half of the equation. Ski carriage cost and effort is on the other side. Normally costwise, this will land in favour of owning, unless you fly Ryanair! (Duck, here comes Wickers).
I agree with Tony about looking out for last years stock. I bought a pair in Worgl last season for less than a third of the original price.
I don't get attached to skis.
Good job my OH hasn't read that, since I defended keeping my 210 Firebirds for 26 years,and my K2s are getting a bit long in the tooth!

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 09:20:24 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:Lordy, I made a mistake. Not 41st year of skiing, 41st year in Niederau. Have skied longer than that. Anyway, I still have not mastered the Marbachjoch, although one poster on this thread has, in the past they indicated nothing to learn from this place.
I don't see that there has to be a divide between hiring and owning. Common sense indicates that they are not incompatable. Snapps is questioning when to start.
Tony's point about "not having to pay for rent" is one half of the equation. Ski carriage cost and effort is on the other side. Normally costwise, this will land in favour of owning, unless you fly "The Irish Lot" (Duck, here comes Wickers).
I agree with Tony about looking out for last years stock. I bought a pair in Worgl last season for less than a third of the original price.
I don't get attached to skis.
Good job my OH hasn't read that, since I defended keeping my 210 Firebirds for 26 years,and my K2s are getting a bit long in the tooth!

Sorry Dave but just in case Adders missed it, I have censored the extremely offensive words :wink:

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 10:17:36 GMT

Thanks guys for all your comments, its a big help.

I have been spending some time online reading the reviews and 'expert' opinions on various skis but i don't suppose thats any substitute for actually strapping them on and getting a feel for them yourself.

Tony: Its funny that you mention the Blackeyes and Neos as i had been reading about both of those just recently as I have pretty much decided that an all mountain ski is going to suit me best. I think my best plan of attack is going to be to draw up a list of those i think my be suitable and see if i can hire those models.
On the subject of the Neo's, what length do you have? I read that it is best to go long on these. I normally ski a 160 or 165 and wonder if the 176 would be required? Not sure if i would look a bit daft as I'm about 173 tall.

I have already contacted the TO we are traveling with so intend to watch their web sight to see what stock they will be offering.

Thanks again

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 10:37:04 GMT

Have you booked your skis with a TO if so why ?? My Suggestion would be is to shop around in resort and hire from who ever has the skis of your choice.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 13:11:54 GMT

Snapzzz, if looking to buy skis, most good shops will allow you to "hire" whatever you are looking to purchase in order to try them out. They will usually offset this hire cost if you decide to purchase.

Another thing I have seen recently is for a shop to have a station on the mountain. You can then pay a fee and try several different skis during the day. If there are some you like, I would then try them out for a bit longer before finally deciding.

Personally I still rent, but will look round the resort shops before deciding where to use. I nearly always change skis during the week as well, especially if the snow conditions or weather change.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 16:28:26 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:If you really knew me Ian you would be surprised I haven't already bought! I am quite impulsive.
But in all honesty I can't justify buying. When I look how much hiring costs and the convenience of it I just can't see e point of buying right now.
I see all the peeps at the airport struggling with huge bags and I don't want any part of that.
Maybe if I start driving and going 3+ times a year I would do it but for one or two trips, well it's not for me ....... Just yet

I think you would easily justify buying once you have brought ........

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Sun, 4 Sep 2011 14:40:28 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:Have you booked your skis with a TO if so why ?? My Suggestion would be is to shop around in resort and hire from who ever has the skis of your choice.

It came as part of the package Ian.
It was GBP2180 for the holiday (2 adults and one child)
Or
It was GBP2380 for the holiday + Lift passes and Ski hire........No brainer really?

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 03:56:50 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:Thanks guys for all your comments, its a big help.

I have been spending some time online reading the reviews and 'expert' opinions on various skis but i don't suppose thats any substitute for actually strapping them on and getting a feel for them yourself.

Tony: Its funny that you mention the Blackeyes and Neos as i had been reading about both of those just recently as I have pretty much decided that an all mountain ski is going to suit me best. I think my best plan of attack is going to be to draw up a list of those i think my be suitable and see if i can hire those models.
On the subject of the Neo's, what length do you have? I read that it is best to go long on these. I normally ski a 160 or 165 and wonder if the 176 would be required? Not sure if i would look a bit daft as I'm about 173 tall.

I have already contacted the TO we are traveling with so intend to watch their web sight to see what stock they will be offering.

Thanks again

I am 5 foot 8ish and ski on 166 Neo's. I love them. 176 would definitely be too long for me.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 07:22:25 GMT

5'11" skiing off 166's

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 20:34:29 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:5'11" skiing off 166's

Im roughly the height and usually go for around 165. I heard the neo's ski shorter than their length (twin tips?) hence the query.

Is this the case with twin tips? Go longer?

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 21:50:36 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:5'11" skiing off 166's

Im roughly the height and usually go for around 165. I heard the neo's ski shorter than their length (twin tips?) hence the query.

Is this the case with twin tips? Go longer?

Yes, go longer with full twins. I'm not sure the Neo's are full though? My last pair of full twins, Scott Punishers, were 172. I'm 164 tall. Currently using 165/160/158 lengths, none of which are full twintips.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 22:57:30 GMT

Snapzzz wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:5'11" skiing off 166's

Im roughly the height and usually go for around 165. I heard the neo's ski shorter than their length (twin tips?) hence the query.

Is this the case with twin tips? Go longer?

Up to you, but the next length is 10cm longer and I had some Scott Patrol 178's and it was like canoe's on my feet.

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:01:10 GMT

My experience has been the shops that the TO's use tend to be very busy and I have felt that I don't get the proper advice or service. They just slap some boots on you, stand some skis next to you to see how tall you are and shout "Next!"

The last few years I've been pre-booking through Ski Set (http://www.skiset.co.uk/j2ski/). They use smaller, independent shops where you get a much better service from usually local skiers rather than British teenagers working the season.

Cheers

Steve

Re:Help in the hire shop.

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 18:44:31 GMT

stevesmoothie wrote:My experience has been the shops that the TO's use tend to be very busy and I have felt that I don't get the proper advice or service. They just slap some boots on you, stand some skis next to you to see how tall you are and shout "Next!"

The last few years I've been pre-booking through Ski Set (http://www.skiset.co.uk/j2ski/). They use smaller, independent shops where you get a much better service from usually local skiers rather than British teenagers working the season.

Cheers

Steve

Yes, i have to agree even in my limited experience. Last year they just chucked some skis at me before my mouth could open an tell them the size i wanted!