 Poster: A snowHead
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Hello! I've only just started to learn to ski and have hired boots a couple of times. I don't really want to buy brand new boots at this stage and wondered if anyone has ever bought boots off ebay without trying them on. Is it a ridiculous idea?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Ridiculous - no.
But I wouldn't recommend it.
You might get lucky and find some that are a great fit straight away, but the better chance says that you might not. I'd wait for the sales and go to a shop if I were you, which is about now really. 
Welcome to snowHeads
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Thanks for the welcome! 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I've successfully bought two pairs of boots on ebay in the past. Although I had to buy five different pairs to get the two good ones - and then sell the three which didn't fit. By careful purchasing and putting a little effort into the resale I actually made money over the deals.
Can you get some comfortable boots for almost nothing on ebay? Yes you can if you put the effort in.
Could I be bothered to do it again? No, I just went to a shop for my last pair - so much easier.
Also, buying on ebay and trying at home you need to know exactly what you're looking for, which possibly may not be the case if you're still learning.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Hi Kerb... that's what I'm thinking. The prices look good, but I'm not entirely sure what sort of boots I need, I don't know enough about skiing yet. I would like my own boots and helmet because the cost of hiring stuff is ramping the whole thing up, every time I go. Not only that, obviously but it is a consideration. I think I have a whole stack of reading and investigating ahead. 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Zayna99 Mrs MA & I both bought ski touring boots from German eBay. Both were 'Buy now' from sports shops and both could be returned for refund if no good. We just bought the same size as our normal ski boots. Both worked out fine in the end - though Mrs MA's first pair were sent back & changed for a bigger size. We both saved a packet .
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Zayna99,
I take it that you hire skis. In my experience the boots only make up approx. 20euro of the ski pack. With this in mind and considering that you are just beginning perhaps you could wait until you are more experienced before you buy. Boots suitable for intermediate level skiers will be useful for much longer than those designed for beginners. When you do eventually buy you will get plenty of advice on here from people who really know their stuff.
Ski and boot hire is really not that expensive if you book online prior to travel.
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Thank you all for your kind replies.
This:
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| Boots suitable for intermediate level skiers will be useful for much longer than those designed for beginners. |
... is what I need to learn and understand. I would like to try to get to Scotland one more time before the snow finishes, and to the Chill Factore a few times over the Summer. I will visit some shops and get some advice also. I really haven't a clue what the differences are between the different types and brands of ski boots so I will do some more homework (and some more practice) before I buy.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Zayna99, my first boots I bought in Courchevel in the end of season, and in hindsight I didn't get a great fitter but it was good enough to last my for 13 yrs before I started to feel they are REALLY too big. I bought them in the sale and were happy with them for a long time, using them both on holiday and on dry ski slope / snow dome trips.
I recently went and got mine fitted at Snowtrax (our local dry ski slope shop). I was very happy with the service, time taken, checks done, questions asked etc and feel confident that I have a pair that I will hopefully have for as long if not longer. I paid more this time £203 vs £98 last time but then it was a long time ago!
By putting yourself in the hands of a good fitter those questions about differences etc will be answered.
Best of luck
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Zayna99, glad you are sorted.
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