Latest posts for the topic "ski advice needed please"

ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:13:58 GMT

Right then now that Ive caught the "ski addict bug" I'm looking to save money on rental gear on the many future ski holidays so Im buying boots which I'll buy new as they need fitting etc etc.
As regard to ski's I am looking to pick something up of ebay but havent got a clue what I should be looking for. Can anybody give me some advice on what I need to be looking for. Thanks

George

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:48:36 GMT

Geo, you have really got the bug!!! The most important thing you can spend your money on right now, is a good fitting pair of boots, ones will support you as you improve. Not beginners boots, just the ones that fit!

It's way too soon for you to be buying skis right now for several reasons:

You are improving, so what suits you now, will be too soft and floppy in a couple of winters. Novice skis are noodles!

You know little about what to buy and the marketplace is littered with resales of the wrong kit. Ebay is a happy hunting ground for folks advertising skinny skis circa 1985....and getting sales because folk believe what is written!.

If you rent for a couple more winters, take a rental that offers a chance to change equipment, you will start to learn about the sort of skier you are going to be. Some peeps like slalom style tight turning skis....some like GS style....et al. Who knows, you may find you like the Park riding switch, and some twins will be your forte!

You can spend your planning time ) reading up on ski types, typical lengths for different aspects of alpine skiing, and read test reviews in places like Fall Line Magazine.

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:56:20 GMT

I know you are really keen to go out and spend your hard earned money but bandit is absolutely correct, Boots first wait for two or three more weeks of lessons then invest in skis, perhaps even spend some
time at your local snowdome or dry slope, just pull in the reins a tad and enjoy your skiing 8)

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:08:26 GMT

Thanks lads,Bandit that really is sound advice you have offered and I will take it. The plan was always to get boots if we got the bug so as you wisely suggest one step at a time is the way to go.out of curiosity do the specialist ski shops have much in the way of end of season sales or do prices remain pretty stable year round. In other words is their a good time to buy ?

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:40:12 GMT

Keep looking on the websites from now 8)

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:42:50 GMT

geo wrote:Thanks lads,Bandit that really is sound advice you have offered and I will take it.

Just so you know geo ...........our Bandit is a laydee!!

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:47:09 GMT

Eljay wrote:

geo wrote:Thanks lads,Bandit that really is sound advice you have offered and I will take it.

Just so you know geo ...........our Bandit is a laydee!!

Thank you Eljay :oops: I'm really considering asking Admin Dave to change my login to Princess or maybe Florence (cue Magic Roundabout theme tune) )

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:49:32 GMT

Eljay wrote:

geo wrote:Thanks lads,Bandit that really is sound advice you have offered and I will take it.

Just so you know geo ...........our Bandit is a laydee!!

Is she :oops: :oops:

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:04:19 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

Eljay wrote:

geo wrote:Thanks lads,Bandit that really is sound advice you have offered and I will take it.

Just so you know geo ...........our Bandit is a laydee!!

Is she :oops: :oops:

Now Wickers, if you're still not sure, what does your statement say about you :lol:

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:17:37 GMT

..............and TonyH thought there was less wibble!!

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:30:43 GMT

Eljay wrote:..............and TonyH thought there was less wibble!!

So true, and as no-one has answered Geo's question about when to buy boots, I shall offer my 2p's worth and hopefully redeem myself :D

Geo wrote:
The plan was always to get boots if we got the bug so as you wisely suggest one step at a time is the way to go.out of curiosity do the specialist ski shops have much in the way of end of season sales or do prices remain pretty stable year round. In other words is their a good time to buy

I would suggest, as a starting point that you go and get measured in a couple of different ski shops. If they come to the same result, you stand a good chance of getting the right size.

It's tempting to want to score a bargain in the summer sales (April onwards), however the risk is that you will be sold a boot that is the wrong shape for your foot, or too big. Both will hold your skiing development back, and you will need to spend more money once the liners pack down and the boot becomes a welly.

Do some research on the boots for your standard, head towards the intermediate level boots. Have a look at the catalogues from the big retailers like S&R and EB's for ideas. You are in no hurry to buy boots, so you can afford to take your time and source the correct boot for your foot shape. Go and talk to a real bootfitter, not a shop salesman, see what they suggest for your feet. Don't be seduced by knobs, bells and whistles ) it's the fit that counts.

Many skiers (me included) got it wrong 1st time round at this stage :roll: You have the chance to spend once and wisely :D

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:36:37 GMT

Hands up. I got it wrong first time by buying boots that were
a) a good price
b) bought in a rush
c) a nice colour

Turns out they were well over a size too big as when the linings packed out I could move my feet about a lot. In addiiton, the tongues split after only a few weeks of use.

I paid 149 euros for them in 2006, an excellent price or so I thought, but the best thing I did was spend over GBP200 replacing them with boots that were fitted with custom linings. And that were 1.5 mondo points smaller. Best thing I ever did.
Oh, and taking advice on how to wear them and finding these tips really useful. Such as:

* skiing first thing in the morning with boots almost undone, first clip only
* leaving the 2nd clip virtually undone all day for comfort and flexibility (and before Ise jumps in as usual, I know this does not technically affect the "flex" of the boot)
* keeping them done up all night in a warm place

Some of these might seem obvious but well worth remembering.

Re:ski advice needed please

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:33:17 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

Eljay wrote:

geo wrote:Thanks lads,Bandit that really is sound advice you have offered and I will take it.

Just so you know geo ...........our Bandit is a laydee!!

Is she :oops: :oops:

:oops: : :oops:Bandit my apologies. Still sound advice though !!