 Poster: A snowHead
|
Q: How much does the kit you have at your disposal affect YOUR overall experience on the slopes?
Was thinking about this while booking the next holiday and wondered how  s view the kit they choose from a rental shop in terms of if it helps, hinders or just generally alters the experience positively or negatively, especially as we move up the price/quality tier?
Do you feel you notice the difference between rental kit levels and does it improve your personal experience?
Do you just like the finer things in life so insist on paying the most and getting the best kit regardless of any benefits it brings?
Or have you transcended the rental stage and think there’s nothing like having your own gear due to skill or just general tartiness?
It also got me questioning about whether owning gear – such as ski boots for example – is a natural progression for a lot of normal holiday skiers - maybe even a necessity - or whether it's just 'nice to have'?
I’m a relative newcomer to skiing (3wks on dual planks) so I rent and although I’ve opted for mid-level gear on the last occasion, I’m pretty sure it’s more about honing technique at this stage and being taught correctly, than worrying about ski and boot flex, I’m a ‘holiday’ skier who does it once or twice a year. However, when I snowboarded regularly (abroad and in a fridge on a weekly basis) I had boots, board and bindings that travelled with me that worked for my style of riding and they were good quality at the time.
These days, since I’ve switched to skiing – and we have the kids with us, which pushes the price up – renting seems the natural choice due to cost and convenience.
Be interesting to hear people’s take on the kit situation and if your POV has changed over the year for one reason or another…
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 3-02-25 17:23; edited 3 times in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
I also used to just snowboard - but following kids I now do both.
SKI BOOTS have a massive ability to impact your enjoyment either negatively (eg if they are uncomfortable) or positively (if they behave as you want them to - forgiving for a beginner, stable for a speed freak, shock absorbing for a park rat etc). As soon as you decide you like skiing and will go again then its worth considering getting your own boots - that way you'll eliminate the risk of your boots ruining your holiday. They're not cheap so people have to weigh up cost versus benefit which may be a function of how often you'll go (or how well rentals tend to fit you) etc.
SKIS - Its often a question of the trade-off between price, performance, convenience and figuring out what matters to you. If your skiing everyday then there is no sense to rent and if you ski once a year then spending £1200 on a shiny new set might be overkill. On the convenience side of things - having your own skis allows you to rock up at a resort and ski straight away - and/or ski all day on your last day right up to your transfer arrives. Rentals mean flights and transport are a breeze (not that taking skis is that taxing). As far as which rentals to go for, beginners just need the basic package and the more you progress the more you'll notice the benefit of the better packages - but the top package is often just the mid package with the ability to chop ad change during the week...
Personally I bought some decent ski boots but picked up skis on ebay. The kids have ebay skis and boots which were barely used and better than rentals - the eldest will hand his kit down to the youngest. It all fits in a snowboard bag and there is no extra charge on British Airways if you keep within the hold luggage weight limit. My wife keeps renting everything as she keeps on saying she's not that into skiing - but after enjoying each trip (save for uncomfortable boots) she then says its prob worth getting boots next time...
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
Boots wise I see the difference of owning in two ways: One is fit. You only have to do it once for 20 weeks or so skiing. And therefore you can afford to take more time over it. If you are renting there is limited time and scope. So I would imagine many are skiing in sub-optimal fit boots. Second is comfort. Not a lot to be said, everyone knows spending many hours in ski boots if the fit isn't good or if you have difficult feet can lead to lots of issues.
Ski wise, it's less clear cut. "Punter" skiers certainly don't 'need' near top of the range for sure. And if you are pootler even less so. That's not meant to be insulting. Another big factor is how you travel and if you are happy to diy service. Skis are not easy to travel with and they do need looking after. A lot of the time it just makes economic and practical sense to hire. The question of how much to pay and whether it's beneficial to pay (whether buying or renting) I think just comes down to how you view your skiing and what type of skiing you do. I do think a lot of the time people overplay it. A good skier will manage quite happily on something half decent.
I am not a fan of really old kit - partly for safety reasons, partly for performance reasons.
Another thing is that I would personally rather skimp elsewhere than on kit. Skiing is the primary focus of a ski trip for me so I would rather spend money to make that aspect of the trip better. Rather than say having a bit of a luxury in the accommodation or eating nice lunches/dinners.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Having your own skis and boots means you can night ski (if available) the evening before leaving and also on departure day usually the slopes are quiet if Friday night and Saturday day. It's worth it just for those extra quiet runs. Not sure this is relevant for the OP with kids to entertain etc
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
Having your own ski boots rapidly becomes essential if you are serious about skiing.
Skis - depending on the skill level there can be benefit of having the same consistent skis every trip or indeed if you have specialist interests. But people doing the odd week I wouldn't sweat it too much over rental. Lots of benefits to not lugging a ski bag after all if flying
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
| Specialman wrote: |
Q: How much does the kit you have at your disposal affect your overall experience on the slopes?
Was thinking about this while booking the next holiday and wondered how I – and others – look at the kit they choose from a rental shop and if it helps, hinders or just generally alters the experience positively or negatively, especially as you move up the price/quality tier?
Do you feel you notice the difference between rental kit levels and does it improve your personal experience? |
I think skis and boots are two very different answers.
For boots, once you know you like it enough to go again, I'd always say "buy". Rental boots are seldom comfortable (some get lucky, but not many in my experience) nor do they give you good control. The inevitable consequence of multiple different shaped feet compressing the lining means that they are never going to fit that well around the foot and, to compensate and get more control, people end up doing the buckles too tight which causes discomfort. A properly fitted pair of boots gives you comfort and control. And, yes, I can most definitely feel the difference; the airline failed to deliver my boots for a long weekend trip last season and I had to rent boots. Took quite some getting used to as they didn't drive the skis in the same way as mine.
For skis, when you're initially learning, it makes little sense to buy. You're going to outgrow them fairly quickly and won't really notice much difference between models.
Later on, it depends in my opinion. Full disclosure, I own two pairs of skis and I take both pairs with me every time in a double Snowtube. The advantage of renting is easier travel but hassle getting what you want in resort. The advantage of owning is that you have exactly the skis you want, you know them intimately (and can customise the tune to suit) and this helps you develop since the skis are now a fixed aspect so, when you're training, you know that the difference is you, not the equipment. The downside is slightly trickier travel (although it's not really that much) and the need to get them serviced (or to service them yourself).
I've got pickier as I've got older and I tune the skis slightly differently so, even if I rented the same model, a pair of rental skis wouldn't feel the same.
| Specialman wrote: |
Do you just like the finer things in life so insist on paying the most and getting the best kit regardless of any benefits it brings?
Or have you transcended the rental stage and think there’s nothing like having your own gear due to skill or just general tartiness? |
I love my boots because they have a race liner and a moulded shell so they give excellent control and feel but are also all day comfortable. I don't think boots look particularly different so the 'tartiness' isn't a thing.
My skis are setup the way I want (all mountain skis but with a race tune so they carve on hard pistes) and, yes, they also look great so bit of both I admit 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ski boots - once you're definitely into the sport for the long term, imho buy boots. If you have any issues such as painful arches or insteps when skiing, and you can afford to, go for professionally fitted custom liners. I did 16 seasons ago with Strolz boots prepared and made in a St Anton store. This is available in the UK too. The boots still fit like a glove, never any pain or discomfort. Some minor and cheap repairs carried out by their UK agent just once 18 months ago.
Skis - I sold mine 20 years ago when we had kids. It was one huge extra hassle at airports. But I'm now contemplating buying again, partly as rental costs have really crept up over the years. £19 for 6 days in 1996, easy to spend £100 to £250 now depending on the resort and selection you make. Admittedly the skis/bindings now are far better. In two minds.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think for most comfort should be a more important focus than performance.
My experience (snowboards not skis though) is that people massively overestimate how much they will "feel" the difference with gear. My board (162cm) is currently being repaired and the only board I could get my hands on was a 168cm which is a relatively huge difference. To be honest I've forgotten I'm even riding something bigger than normal, it's not been a big deal at all.
I had a friend who was very anal about setting his board up a particular way with exact measurements and angles. Was adamant that it had to be exact or else his riding massively suffered. One night some friends moved everything around for a joke (perhaps a little stupid if he had fell and got hurt), he went the whole day without noticing.
At the other end of things last week someone staying here basically moved around everything every night because something was never quite right. Didn't seem to help - they were still pretty rubbish by the end of the week with all the modifications 
Had good skiers who's nice touring gear didn't make the flight out here and they've been on some old rental gear that hasn't seen a service in years and they didn't really miss a trick. You could tell they were good skiers even on the low performance stuff. Of course powder more forgiving than an icy piste when it comes to dull edges!
Of course the above assumes some reasonably normal gear. If you go from short soft noodly beginner skis to some super stiff pro downhill racing skis you will certainly notice it.
But I'd agree with the above that boots are probably something that does make a difference. If only for comfort of having something that fits your foot.
Personally I'd lovd to rent, as it would be fun testing out some new stuff, and/or I could pick something perfect for the conditions each day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
I’ve seen a few stories on here about people who accidentally put the wrong skis on and went half a day without noticing…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I think it's also very important to have your own boots and skis as that way you can ensure that the colour match appropriately.
I had to get my bindings on special order, them being off-catalogue, to match my boots, new skis (and sticks, not shown).
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
I'm in the process of setting up my own personal rental shop it seems!
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
@Specialman,
Boots - the first bit of kit you should buy.
If you can, go to a resort open before Christmas week, on night of arrival buy off a reputable boot fitter (once you know where you are going, ask for recommendations from snowheads who live there). If there are any problems regarding the fit whilst skiing, go back to the fitter apres ski and get them tweeked. Repeat until happy. Why go so early in the season? You'll have the full range of boots to choose from - they'll have just stocked up.
Skis - I'd recommend buying a pair of ex-rentals with bindings as a first pair. Again being in resort pre-Christmas means you'll get the best choice. Why ex-rentals? Cost, plus just wait 'til the first time you go over a rock with your own skis! Buy poles at the same time. Fixed length rather than usual rental adjustable length ones. Buying at the same time as skis/bindings gives you haggling room.
Once you feel it's time to buy brand new skis attend a snowheads ski test & find out what is good for you. Use your old ex-rentals as sacrifice skis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@swskier, but your bindings only match their skis on what? 3 pairs? Bit of a shocker that.
You need to up your game.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
@swskier, only 9? I skied with an otherwise sane-seeming dude last week with 60!
Returning to the question, having good gear means you can focus on enjoying yourself instead of how cold you are, or how your edges aren't holding, or how your boots hurt. Its an expensive sport but there's a right way to do everything and half-assed isn't it. This I know; I started in jeans and garden gloves!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
@Specialman, boots definitely, having my own reduced a world of pain from hire boots - big calfs and small feet meant either horrible pinching or my foot floating, both not ideal.
On picking a rental 'level', I'm a pure pootler but I tend to go for the more expensive level so I feel like I can ask for what I want/like. I've noticed that unless I overstate my level, I get given very short, very wobbly skis (yes I can ask for something different but that's a more comfortable conversation if I've paid for better!). So yeah, I think the difference between rental levels can be noticeable (certainly in Austria anyway, where the top piste tier will usually include stockli and the like).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
| swskier wrote: |
| I'm in the process of setting up my own personal rental shop it seems! |
That definitely appears to be the case ! I'm assuming that you're not travelling with them all though ... or do you have a ski valet who manages that for you ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| swskier wrote: |
I'm in the process of setting up my own personal rental shop it seems!
|
It does come in handy when you have visitors. (that's assuming you live near the mountain)
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
Remember it's always worth paying extra for any kit with the word "Pro" added on.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
|
Immeasurably happier not to be wearing boots that have been on countless other feet. Ick.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| swskier wrote: |
I'm in the process of setting up my own personal rental shop it seems!
|
Like my garage for bikes, and in particular, wheels!
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@under a new name, i'll try harder!
@Scooter in Seattle, i'm missing 1 pair from the quiver, something around 100mm with an alpine binding, for those "inbound powder days". Ideally I also need a 2nd pair of SLs too.
@Blackblade, I only travel the short distance between my apartment and lift, depending on what's needed that day!
@abc, they're not using my precious gear, they can rent!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| boarder2020 wrote: |
| ... My experience (snowboards not skis though) is that people massively overestimate how much they will "feel" the difference with gear. My board (162cm) is currently being repaired and the only board I could get my hands on was a 168cm which is a relatively huge difference. To be honest I've forgotten I'm even riding something bigger than normal, it's not been a big deal at all. ... |
<shrug> It depends on the boards and the rider. My 1.44m and the 1.48m Burton Hometown Hero boards are targeted at identical rider weight ranges, but they behave differently. They make them that way for a reason.
If you look at a few manufacturers, you might notice that some models are produced in more sizes than others.
If you look at the target market/ intended use of the boards, you will likely be able to work out why that is.
Better riders/skiers tend to be more not less fussy, in my experience.
I've never switched board (or stance...) and been unable to tell the difference. Working out which is better can be more of a challenge.
Some boards need to be ridden differently from others; they respond well to being set up and ridden the way the designers intended.
---
On the OP, I think it's all personal choice and easy enough to work out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Quote: |
Better riders/skiers tend to be more not less fussy, in my experience.
|
My experience is that it's a bell shaped curve. Beginners don't know/couldn't care less. The guys that are good will happily rip on anything (and in some cases have no idea about equipment!). The intermediates get obsessed with tinkering with different set ups as they think it is what's holding them back and the solution to all their problems. I saw that with my own eyes last week when the weakest member of the group (but still intermediate) tinkered every evening.
I suspect I set a board up differently every time as just do it on feel. I couldn't tell you binding angles, stance length, setback etc. I also suspect my solid and splitboard are rather different and can go from one to the other without issue. I really don't have any confidence in saying I could blindly tell two different boards/binding set ups apart (assuming they were somewhat similar). I've swapped boards with friends for a run and never thought wow this set up is *so* different, and that's when I'm actually concentrating on noticing the difference. Doesn't really make for good reviews/magazine articles though "meh all kind of the same, if your decent you will be decent on most things".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I tend to agree with @boarder2020. That's twice in a week!
My son did quite a lot of boarding. He went through 3 sets of boots and boards which I sourced second hand. I don't board and have no idea about kit or set up - I couldn't even tell you if he is goofy or not. He seemed to be fine with it and last time he was boarding we were off piste on Mont Vallon and my mate was telling me how good he looked.
My missus did hire some skis when her edge came away on our owned skis and did notice pretty quickly they were lighweight and flappy. But the last couple of owned skis she's had we've bought based on price (decent reductions) and online reviews. And she's been perfectly happy. Similar story with kids. Son got some Enforcers without trying beforehand and he loves them.
Ski boots on the other hand - getting it right very important - but from a fit/comfort as much as performance pov. And never ever talk about flex
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
Some really interesting comments here.
I'm personally not in the market to buy stuff for this Easter's trip - I just can't justify the outgoings for what is one or two weeks per year - although if I was to buy, the advice about boots makes that the first port of call. Been listening to the SkiPodcast gear specials with Al Morgan and that definitely shed a bit of light on what a good fitted boot can do. It also encouraged me to read more about boots in general and how, like shoes, there's no 'one boot fits all' solution, especially when it comes to calf space, instep height etc. I wonder how many people who rent think they're in a well fitting boat, even if it's the most expensive option, but in fact they're nowhere near what a boot fitter would recommend? I suspect a lot of people...
One thing I've noticed reading comments about rental kit on SHs and other forums is not all rental levels are created equally... one shop's 'red' level might be different to another's, so that *could* have a bearing on just how much enjoyment someone gets from their gear during what is a short yet valuable time on the slopes.Dp those of you who are experienced know the kit you're renting and are able to make a decision on if it's suitable, and would you exchange until you got something you're confident in?
| Kenzie wrote: |
| .....If you can, go to a resort open before Christmas week, on night of arrival buy off a reputable boot fitter .... |
Love that idea but I suspect for a lot of holiday skiers and boarders, probably not on the cards for multiple reasons. I'd certainly not be able to factor in buying a pair of boots..... can full well imagine resort pricing of boots, even ex rentals, would be eye watering
|
|
|
|
|
|
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
|
| Specialman wrote: |
| can full well imagine resort pricing of boots, even ex rentals, would be eye watering |
Nope, not in Val d'Isere at least. Boots are usually RRP, same as most of the other kit. The idea that stuff in resort is more expensive than the high street in a fallacy (in my experience). There is lots of expensive kit yes, but it's top end stuff and would be expensive anywhere.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
i got boots very early, towrds the end of our first week when it was clear my knees were up to this and it would be repeted many times as holidays. i think they were Salomen/ Rossignol basics, new but at end of season so very good price in a sale.
They lasted for ages and i loved the consistency of them,
Hired skis always, as got better paid more for skis, but that was never a great idea, as more expensive meant more stiff and i was too small and light to make them work. One week in Les Arca i found a flyer for ski hire cheap, found the shack ! and they gave me a pair of Salomen giant slalom skis right out of the packet ! they were very nice for a change.
Eventually bought a pair 2;d hand off ebay, again slalom (i was always on piste) they were much stiffer but were short, ne after monring of trying to get used ti them they took off like rockets and i loved them to death
Few years lter the very nice @admin was running his Xmas freebie lotto, and i won a brand spanking new pair of Kneissl reds (thank you gin Kneissl). again, after about a day and half on these i worked them out and they were divine, especially slush - just turn them on their sides and ride! They still look fab !
So i found that having the same skis does allow you to learn to "feel" them nd the snow in different conditions, nd i wonder if it is that consistent feedback (albeit differnt conditions) which allows one to get better.
Changed boots eventually too, they were lovely as well. so nice to have consitent fit and comfort and warmth!
i hqvent been able to ski for 7 ish years now because of health. its such a shame to see them standing up and unused 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
| Quote: |
*** Not generally, in my experience
|
I'd agree it's unusual. But the best skier I know (podium in a few FWT 2* comps) is an example of someone that has zero clue about equipment.
I know plenty of intermediates who know more about equipment than those more advanced. I think a lot of the advanced guys know what works for them and are not really too interested in keeping up to date. They probably have a shortlist of a few pairs that they would buy if necessary. Although a lot of them are skiing some older stuff with the "if it's not broke" idea.
Of course that's just my limited sample, a lot of snowboarders, and pretty much 100% from outside Europe so I certainly wouldn't claim definitive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
@boarder2020, yeah, you may have a point. A chum who's a pisteur up the Grands Montets and won the Derby des Montets (at least once) just skis on what he's given. Or what's a bargain.
Mrs U, who has skied quite a lot just skis Völkl.*
* not strictly true, she also has Elans and Movements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
| Dr John wrote: |
| Specialman wrote: |
| can full well imagine resort pricing of boots, even ex rentals, would be eye watering |
Nope, not in Val d'Isere at least. Boots are usually RRP, same as most of the other kit. The idea that stuff in resort is more expensive than the high street in a fallacy (in my experience). There is lots of expensive kit yes, but it's top end stuff and would be expensive anywhere. |
I think I'm still bitter a decade later at having to pay €150 for a pair of boarding pants in resort when I forgot mine
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
@Specialman, just back from running errands an while I was out I popped into Mountain Pro for a drool over their ski kit porn. Quick price check: Elevenate Bec de Rosses XI Jacket €800 in the shop, or €850 direct from their website. The matching pants were same €800 in shop and online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
As I said, eye-watering.....
@sev112, did you had them fitted or did you just find they worked as they were?
When we went to Sestriere at Christmas both myself and the missus had to rip the tags of our boots, completely brand new and have to say, the fit was great in terms of the liner felt fresh (and smelled it, obvs) and wasn't crushed or thin. Think they were Nordica, have no idea what 'level' they were but can only assume they were a bit more towards the budget end but nerveless, just having them fit well did inspire some confidence. Should have taken note of the specs TBH, could have been a good idea when it comes to seeing if rentals kit could be matched somewhat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| Specialman wrote: |
| As I said, eye-watering..... |
No, not really, not when you're doing seasons, off-piste, touring, boot-packing etc. Good durable technical kit is required, and the per-day cost of my kit I would suggest is lower than a holiday skier with mid-range kit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Most important piece of kit is pants. Hate a wedgie.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Hurdy, anti-wedgie pants:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
| Dr John wrote: |
| Specialman wrote: |
| As I said, eye-watering..... |
No, not really, not when you're doing seasons, off-piste, touring, boot-packing etc. Good durable technical kit is required, and the per-day cost of my kit I would suggest is lower than a holiday skier with mid-range kit. |
€1600 euros for jacket and trousers is eye watering. It's also completely unnecessary. You can get plenty good enough kit to do all the above for a fraction of that cost.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funny for boarders commenting on a thread specifically about skis!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
