 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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(Post prefaced by noting that I'm no expert on all this.... but as nobody more expert has yet replied.....)
I'd suggest you rent skis again. Most modern skis are "carvers" in that they are shaped (as opposed to the old long straight ones) but some are much carvier than others.
Not sure what you mean by "crunchy" snow. If it's genuine ice, don't edge, keep skis flat and slide across till you find something more friendly. If it's just hard you need good sharp edges and - obviously - good technique. Best learnt by taking a few lessons - which could be tailored to the conditions, and what you want to do (as could the skis you hire, which you could change during the week).
If going on a real tight budget my own approach might be to try to borrow a pair from a friend - but you are certainly very light. Depending on the skis you might do better on something a bit shorter.
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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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youngeratheart, How many weeks ski-ing in total? That might give more accurate ski level.
I'm very much in agreement with pamw. Most modern piste skis should now be considered as carvers, it was only years ago that almost straight planks existed. Why not use the main ski shop sites, they usually have guides that will point you at the type of ski you are after? If you do decide to buy second hand, then i'd stick to piste skis avoid speciality skis until you really understand how\what you intend to ski. Why not start planning for next year, and with another trip under your belt, buy a set then?
You can get 2nd hand bargains but they do need to suit your level. Ask advice in resort, from the instructor if you are taking lessons. I once saw a guy come to lessons, and he'd purchased skis off the internet. They were off-piste, very wide beasts and he could 'talk the talk'. He'd also over estimated his ski level massively. We discovered he only had 2 prior weeks ski-ing. After 2 hours of problems, the instructor (not so diplomatically) told him to change them and he also went into 2 groups lower. The point here being, be realistic in your abilities.
When I started ski-ing over 30 years ago i was stuck in the 'cannot afford to buy' trap. After 3 years hiring, I eventually had to skip a year and bought skis and boots. They lasted 4 seasons\ weeks and it was only because I got a real bargain that i replaced them.
If budget is a real issue then i suggest that hiring is your best option at least for this season.
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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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| Quote: |
| options; rent or buy second hand, but what to look for? |
Boots.
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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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Yep. start with well fited boots..hiring skis is a pain ( not as much as boots tho, IMV ) and the exchange rate will make its mark but get boots first then consider skis.
Nothing wrong with second hand....IF.. you get a decent pair..and for that, you need to know what to look for...
Do you have good boots..?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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comprex, JT,
Your right I bought boots last year Salomon Flex 100jr, course 100, That sounds technical, not really I copied it off the boot. I bought them for 25 quid last year and skiied in sweden. Love them, very comfortable. I dont know if they were previously thermal fitted but it didn't matter in this case. The only slight problem was that there are alot of long draglifts in Duved and the balls of my feet went numbish, since this was fine as soon as I got skiing it didnt worry me.
I have about 5 weeks experience, In the first week I did ski school with Evolution 2 (absolutly fantastic) after 2 days the group of 5 was down to 2, So fast progress specially since the holiday group I was with were all very competant and dragged me all round Tigne and Val D'isere on day three, lots of red runs and a huge mogle field called the solais bumps!!!!! Also skiied dry slope in southampton quite alot (much prefer snow).
My brother has helped me improve since then and I am well aware that there is much work to do on my technique. I am a bit too brave sometimes but far from reckless.
I think I learned on straight planks they were ok if my memory serves me well. We were only tought snow plough for stopping and turns were step turns then parallel. Seemed like fast track learning but I liked it.
Please pardon any spelling errors!
pam w, Thank for reply and just to say read the sticky on Kit for the tight fisted, yep by nessesity, thats me. 
Thankou all keep it coming......
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youngeratheart, there are often skis for sale on Snowheads - and you could then check out a range of opinions. be safer than trying to buy on ebay or similar, where there's a lot of dross as well as some good buys. It would be interesting to know what others think about length. It depends a bit on how stiff the ski is - in some skis I would have thought 150cms would be enough for your light weight.
If you've only had one week of tuition I would say that would be a top priority for your March budget. Where are you going?
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pam w,
I am going to Les Gets as recommended on another forum i think you also know. Yes I am one of the mad brits going catered chalet. at the Novelin. I took your advice on dates though so mid march it is to avoid all the school hols. Its a really cosy little chalet only sleeps 8-11.
I too would like to borrow. Do you think if I offer a sevice after thats reasonable? I'm thinking not someones precious but maybe there out grown or old ones. Perhaps I'll post a 'wanted'. 
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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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youngeratheart, how if we talked about ski -criteria- rather than specific models?
For you, for example, I would consider something that fit the criteria:
- 15-18m turn radius (this will be a longer published radius than a lot of skis in the lengths below)
- no wider than 72mm waist
- junior race flex or intermediate adult womens flex
- between 150 and 158 cm
- favoring vibration damping instead of light weight
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comprex,
Now your talking. I think I get all but the last criteria, n' comprend pas! well it may as well be anouther language!
can you explain in ley terms.
What exactly determines the length? You give quite a a range 150-158
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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.
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comprex,
Aah its becoming clear.
Thankyou, can I contact you if I find some that are close to the criteria. Any advice on haw to determine if a ski is knackered? My brother said if you press the skis together face to face the contact points at either end should not change. Does that make sense? I think I unserstood what he meant. And obviosly no chunks out of the edges.
I dont mind if they are old as long as they are in good nick.
Thankyou for your patience 
Ps what does imo mean?
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You know it makes sense.
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youngeratheart,
comprex has given you enough to go on...
Maybe find a ski that you like the look/sound of, get model details and lenght and list the bindings if mounted and then post back here to see if this is the type of ski you should consider.....possibly.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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comprex, JT,
You guys are brilliant. Does it feel good? being a Guru. I think I'm getting hooked on this forum stuff. Poor you, I've got 10 weeks to find them!!!!!!!!!!!
Really thankyou. 
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FAQ
I am skiing on a budget in march. I like to ski the reds and tackle the odd bit of black so long as its not to narrow. eek memories of last year stuck between two cliffs unable to turn quickly enough!!!! I have not intentionally been off piste yet.
