Latest posts for the topic "Buy vs. Hire"

Buy vs. Hire

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:59:53 GMT

It's our second season skiing, and we're driving this time. I'm expecting we do another trip this season, and as the kids are into it this is an ongoing thing. That's the good news! :)

At Megeve ski hire is Euro100 per week, at Decathlon I can buy a set of boots GBP100 and skis for GBP150.

Buy or hire?

Cheers.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:06:49 GMT

Buy the boots and hire the skis unless you intend on going alot.
Dont forget that you get charged for taking you own skis if using airline.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:41:17 GMT

Don't buy the skis!

Don't buy the boots at Decathlon unless their fitter has been trained and you've had personal recommendation. If it's a supermarket, how will you know if they fit? There are plenty of boot fitting tales on here and elsewhere.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:47:43 GMT

Buy but not from Decathlon

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:21:02 GMT

I can't speak specifically for skiing as I snowboard but in my experience (As said above) your boots are the most important aspect of your set up. It makes your day more comfortable as you have boots which are fitted and heat moulded to your feet. The rentals tend to be seasons old and offer little padding. I noticed a difference immediately when I purchased my first pair, instead of the pain setting in after three hours It now takes 5-6

Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:27:10 GMT

tin pot wrote:It's our second season skiing, and we're driving this time. I'm expecting we do another trip this season, and as the kids are into it this is an ongoing thing. That's the good news! :)

At Megeve ski hire is Euro100 per week, at Decathlon I can buy a set of boots GBP100 and skis for GBP150.

Buy or hire?

Cheers.

You need to be very careful about WHAT you're buying there, and not just buying on price.
Defo get your own boots, but get the right ones and not the cheapest ones.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:42:17 GMT

It's a cost saving in my eyes, as long as the boots are as good as rentals. Unless the gear is truly godawful, I can upgrade in a year or two...no?

If hiring costs me GBP2-300 this season, and I wait until next year to buy something more pricey I'm just losing.

Decathlon Surrey Quays seem to be ok in forum posts, though I expect not as good as at Snow+Rock at three times the price.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:04:09 GMT

I think that ski gear is like everything else, there is cheep "rubbish" and great value purchases - the skill comes from knowing the difference.
tin pot - going purely on money is a gamble that may, or may not, pay off. You can get lucky and pick a pair of off the shelf boots that give you lots of comfortable ski time, or you can get something that is no better than rental and with the disadvantage that you can't pop back to the shop and swap them out.
Mate of mine became passionate about skiing. Followed this exact scenario of hire vs buy on cost alone.
His boots were adequate, but his skis !! Old fashioned skinny skis when all rentals were carvers, way too short for him, floppy as anything (big guy) ....
I bribed him to try decent skis for the day by saying I would pay - if not a great improvement!
He left his old skis in the resort, didn't even bother taking them home.
My first boots were "inexpensive", and yes, comfier than rentals at first, but when I then tried some decent boots with the help of a decent fitter the difference was staggering.
The difficulty is knowing what a good boot feels like before you have the experience to "know" what a good boot feels like. It's a real catch 22.
My boots bought in resort, end of season, brilliant price in 1997! (See http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/11177.page for a look on the snow dance video).
I did need new boots - a split in the plastic of my old ones told me this :mrgreen:
And I tried on several in different shops - the Tecnica I bought "just worked" but this is something that I cannot explain.
You may get something that "just works" for you from Decathlon (no idea who/what this retailler is) but you will vastly increase your chances of buying you new "best friends" by going somewhere with a good choice and knowledgable assistance.

Good luck either way and enjoy the skiing.
:thumbup:

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:33:06 GMT

I agree...buy a good set of boots, properly fitted, and they'll do you for years.
Don't bother with the skis. They're not dear to rent, and you can get the latest models.
A friend of mine takes his own skis every year. They're now about seven years old, the shape is old hat, and they don't perform anything like the newer rental ones. He pays through the eyes for flight carriage, struggles to cart them through the airport along with the rest of his kit, and on top of that has to get them serviced every year. And if he breaks them, he'll have to cough up for new or rented anyway. I just can't see the sense in it myself. Unless you're skiing ten times a year, and travel by car there's little point. Good boots though...that's the key. Get the boots right and your whole world chages for the better....

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:41:34 GMT

randyrat wrote:I agree...buy a good set of boots, properly fitted, and they'll do you for years.
Don't bother with the skis. They're not dear to rent, and you can get the latest models.
A friend of mine takes his own skis every year. They're now about seven years old, the shape is old hat, and they don't perform anything like the newer rental ones. He pays through the eyes for flight carriage, struggles to cart them through the airport along with the rest of his kit, and on top of that has to get them serviced every year. And if he breaks them, he'll have to cough up for new or rented anyway. I just can't see the sense in it myself. Unless you're skiing ten times a year, and travel by car there's little point. Good boots though...that's the key. Get the boots right and your whole world chages for the better....

Totally disagree. I bought my current skis 2 years ago. I have reached an ability level where they will be perfect for me for the rest of my life possibly. I paid half price for them, GBP300, so no rental costs ever again, so they pay for themselves in 3 weeks skiing, ie for me one season.
I pay GBP35 this season for ski carriage, but can take a load more gear in the ski bag.
I dont struggle to carry them, I have a sensible padded ski bag with good padded shoulder straps, although I wish I had a wheelie bag!
The shape isnt old hat on mine, in fact more skis are going to the snout shape tips that Scott have.
Servicing can be done yourself for almost no cost at all if you're confident enough to do it. Otherwise its GBP20 when you take them in, which I tend to do at the end of a week away whilst still in resort.
I really dont see anything telling me I should have rented and not bought, as in addition I know my skis inside out and how they handle on varying conditions.

But yes, its the boots that need to be right first and foremost.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:50:35 GMT

Well, for a single weeks skiing, having your own means GBP35 carriage, GBP20 service, whatever percentage of the purchase cost (Say GBP300 divided over five years, so GBP60 a year). Thats GBP105 by my calculator. I can rent the best brand new pair for GBP70 for the week. And if they break, or I don't like them, or I want to try a different type, or I want them rewaxed, I take them back to the shop. OK, if you're going for three weeks at a trot, the sums sway in favour of having your own skis, but are you really saying you are going to keep your skis for the rest of your skiing life?

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:53:38 GMT

randyrat wrote:Well, for a single weeks skiing, having your own means GBP35 carriage, GBP20 service, whatever percentage of the purchase cost (Say GBP300 divided over five years, so GBP60 a year). Thats GBP105 by my calculator. I can rent the best brand new pair for GBP70 for the week. And if they break, or I don't like them, or I want to try a different type, or I want them rewaxed, I take them back to the shop. OK, if you're going for three weeks at a trot, the sums sway in favour of having your own skis, but are you really saying you are going to keep your skis for the rest of your skiing life?

No, probably not, but they'll do for the next 5 seasons I reckon. And skiing min twice sometimes 3 times a season then its a no brainer for me. You can have a relationship with your own skis as well, you know?

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:56:00 GMT

Pretty much agree with everything that has been said, boots are a must first and foremost, ski's it depends on wether you will be travelling by car on pretty much every trip and which resorts you intend to visit as rental prices vary so much, also getting 2 sets skis into 1 bag makes a big difference on ski carriage, and you do get to know your ski's, yes maintenance can make a difference, if you plan to make several trips every season but DIY as TH says is very easy and more often than not a better job, I think the term is horses for courses it is definately not a straightforward decision

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:02:14 GMT

I'ts just a personal preference ...
My advice to early years skiers is simply not to be sold on "owning" too soon.
I've owned loads of skis, and dragged them around the airports and enjoyed tuning them up.
Now .....
Can't be bpthered - going to a decent shop, having a chat, asking what they advise for the present conditions and maybe trying a couple of skis out is very appealing and suits me today.
Mind you - I am a sucker for some pretty kit :oops:
So who knows next year?

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:07:18 GMT

Agree about not buying skis if youre a new or inexperienced skier, as you'll probably end up with skis that you wont be able to use in a couple of years.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:10:06 GMT

I personally have not hired skis since 1993 and have always enjoyed owning my own, I only ski two times per year and either fly with BA which still does not charge ski carriage or drive, It really is up
to the individual what they want to do, if you get the ski bug and are going to ski for the fore seeable future then cost wise buy your own if you are the occasional skier then it may not be worth your while.
But there is nothing better than putting on your own planks and by the way service your own skis
you not only have a bit of fun you save a bit of money and you will notice the difference.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:25:24 GMT

I totally agree with Ian. I have two boards which allows me to cover all types of weather conditions (Powder or park). The best thing about your own gear is you learn exactly how to ride it and ride it well. You will become a much more confident skier/snowboarder if you use the same gear each time you step on the slope as you know how far you can push your gear. Plus its set up exactly how you like it, I have never rented as was lucky enough to loan a friends board when starting out so I can't comment on the quality of rental gear.

As for servicing, it's not difficult and is actually enjoyable. Plus you can spend as long as you like on it making it (again) exactly how you want it. I'm all for owning your own gear but it's not cheap by any stretch.

As Tony H said you also have the option to load your board/ski bag with loads of gear.

Tony you need a wheelie bag mate they are life savers when you're trying to rush through a busy airport.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:57:32 GMT

I agree too really...unfortunately as I only get to go for one week a year (boo hoo) it doesn't make sense for me personally. After several years I finally cracked and bought a good pair of boots which are worth their weight in gold though...and I would recommend this to anyone with more than a passing interest. Compared to hire boots it's like wearing carpet slippers....

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:59:21 GMT

In an ideal world and if you can afford it get your boots from a show with an experienced fitter.

If not there is an alterative to hiring boots - Ebay - you can often pick up a pair of boots that fit as well as rental boots for less than the cost of rental. If they don't fit - sell them on & usually all you are down is the cost of the listing. Bought half a dozen pairs on behalf of family/friends and all but has been in better nick and fitted as well as hire boots. As my teenage daughters grew out of them they went back on ebay

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:08:14 GMT

Andy I did the same before I purchased my first pair of new boots. Got some of ebay for about GBP30 then left the hair dryer in them for 10 mins and stuck them on my feet to try and remould them to my foot shape. Sort of worked and they were pretty comfy, sold them on for GBP35 so cant complain

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:52:00 GMT

Thanks for the responses guys, the poll results are remarkably even - and sober for an Internet forum!

Unless I'm missing something, cheap boots and skis will save me money this season. I'm not ready to spend more on boots yet, and I'm yet to see a downside in the responses so far...

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:54:34 GMT

I bought my own boots quite early on but they were doing a half price offer on good quality boots that couldn't be bettered. Otherwise I would probably have stayed renting. I have never regretted buying my boots as they are sooo comfy.

I recently had them looked at again by a specialist with a view to maybe buying a new pair, if they were considered past their best but was pleasantly surprised to be told they are still absolutely fine, fit well and will see out a few more seasons yet. So no extra lay out for me and the chance of a sale passed by the retailer who was refreshingly honest with me and checked my boots for free. That was Snowfit in Norwich by the way, highly recommended.

I have since bought a pair of skis as I rented the same pair last year in Val Thorens and got on so well with them that I decided to splash out on my own pair rather than risk getting other rentals that were less suited to me. Bought at the end of last season and so with a huge discount, now can't wait to try them out.

We tend to drive now, as we cannot stand the cattle market that the flying game has become. We don't like being ripped off for carriage on baggage, boots and skis by the airlines and so we load up the car with all the home comforts and go for it. We usually go at least twice during a season, so buying our own Boots and Skis should be cost effective for us. But I totally understand the other comments on here and it is a personal preference.

Please, please let there be snow for the 17th Dec.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:21:19 GMT

tin pot wrote:Thanks for the responses guys, the poll results are remarkably even - and sober for an Internet forum!

Unless I'm missing something, cheap boots and skis will save me money this season. I'm not ready to spend more on boots yet, and I'm yet to see a downside in the responses so far...

Seriously, spend what you plan to on skis and boots at Decathlon and get some much better quality boots. My boots are Salomon with custom linings, and they also do custom shells now so they really do fit your own personal foot. Expect to pay about GBP230 and it will be far better than having a cheap pair of boots and some cheap skis, then rent what you want when you're out there and maybe in seasons to come you'll end up buying your own skis.

Re BA ski carriage, can I remind people that ski carriage is NOT free. What they allow you is 1 bag free up to 23kg which can be a ski bag packed up to weight. However if you take a full size case and then an extra ski bag it will cost you GBP56 to prebook online or more if you pay at check in.

Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:38:41 GMT

tin pot wrote:It's our second season skiing, and we're driving this time. I'm expecting we do another trip this season, and as the kids are into it this is an ongoing thing. That's the good news! :)

At Megeve ski hire is Euro100 per week, at Decathlon I can buy a set of boots GBP100 and skis for GBP150.

Buy or hire?

Cheers.

You could try these guys, a set of skis, boots and poles suitable for second week skiers for 70Euro, 60GBP (xe.com) in Rochebrune, Megeve.
http://www.best-price-ski-rental.com/
Good for other j2skiers too.
Personally I bought my first set of boots after 4 weeks of skiing and at the beginning of my first full season.
They were amazing and I improved enormously because I just felt so much more comfortable.
Kept them for 2 seasons, then upgraded to a better pair of boots. Kept them for 5 seasons until they were absoulutely knackered.
Eventually I took a deep breath, swallowed hard, and bought a very good pair of boots and had them foamed.
It was expensive, very expensive, but I now have boots that I can ski in all day, all week, all season and never get uncomfortable.
Whether this level of expense is "worth it" is an impossible question to answer but the pain of purchase has long been forgotton whilst the pleasure of ownership continues.
Skis are best rented in my view.

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:06:49 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

tin pot wrote:Thanks for the responses guys, the poll results are remarkably even - and sober for an Internet forum!

Unless I'm missing something, cheap boots and skis will save me money this season. I'm not ready to spend more on boots yet, and I'm yet to see a downside in the responses so far...

Seriously, spend what you plan to on skis and boots at Decathlon and get some much better quality boots. My boots are Salomon with custom linings, and they also do custom shells now so they really do fit your own personal foot. Expect to pay about GBP230 and it will be far better than having a cheap pair of boots and some cheap skis, then rent what you want when you're out there and maybe in seasons to come you'll end up buying your own skis.

Re BA ski carriage, can I remind people that ski carriage is NOT free. What they allow you is 1 bag free up to 23kg which can be a ski bag packed up to weight. However if you take a full size case and then an extra ski bag it will cost you GBP56 to prebook online or more if you pay at check in.

How many bags do you take on your hols, for three of us travelling one large case and a double ski bag which carries two pairs of skis, poles and boots. They did try and charge me last year for booking in boots separately so I just put them in the ski bag, so I may have stretched the truth a little but they are still free for us. 8)

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:59:47 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

Tony_H wrote:

tin pot wrote:Thanks for the responses guys, the poll results are remarkably even - and sober for an Internet forum!

Unless I'm missing something, cheap boots and skis will save me money this season. I'm not ready to spend more on boots yet, and I'm yet to see a downside in the responses so far...

Seriously, spend what you plan to on skis and boots at Decathlon and get some much better quality boots. My boots are Salomon with custom linings, and they also do custom shells now so they really do fit your own personal foot. Expect to pay about GBP230 and it will be far better than having a cheap pair of boots and some cheap skis, then rent what you want when you're out there and maybe in seasons to come you'll end up buying your own skis.

Re BA ski carriage, can I remind people that ski carriage is NOT free. What they allow you is 1 bag free up to 23kg which can be a ski bag packed up to weight. However if you take a full size case and then an extra ski bag it will cost you GBP56 to prebook online or more if you pay at check in.

How many bags do you take on your hols, for three of us travelling one large case and a double ski bag which carries two pairs of skis, poles and boots. They did try and charge me last year for booking in boots separately so I just put them in the ski bag, so I may have stretched the truth a little but they are still free for us. 8)

1 suitcase and 1 ski bag each

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:46:43 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

Tony_H wrote:

tin pot wrote:Thanks for the responses guys, the poll results are remarkably even - and sober for an Internet forum!

Unless I'm missing something, cheap boots and skis will save me money this season. I'm not ready to spend more on boots yet, and I'm yet to see a downside in the responses so far...

Seriously, spend what you plan to on skis and boots at Decathlon and get some much better quality boots. My boots are Salomon with custom linings, and they also do custom shells now so they really do fit your own personal foot. Expect to pay about GBP230 and it will be far better than having a cheap pair of boots and some cheap skis, then rent what you want when you're out there and maybe in seasons to come you'll end up buying your own skis.

Re BA ski carriage, can I remind people that ski carriage is NOT free. What they allow you is 1 bag free up to 23kg which can be a ski bag packed up to weight. However if you take a full size case and then an extra ski bag it will cost you GBP56 to prebook online or more if you pay at check in.

How many bags do you take on your hols, for three of us travelling one large case and a double ski bag which carries two pairs of skis, poles and boots. They did try and charge me last year for booking in boots separately so I just put them in the ski bag, so I may have stretched the truth a little but they are still free for us. 8)

1 bag. Boots in Boot Bag as hand luggage :D

Re:Buy vs. Hire

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:51:10 GMT

I'm driving, and if I flew I wouldn't care about luggage costs.

The only reason I'm worried about the cost of equipment is because I'm buying a car tomorrow to drive there. Next year or the year after I'll invest in proper gear.