 Poster: A snowHead
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I'm a relative novice having only started skiing last year, but feel I've made good progress in that time. I've spent a stupid amount of time in the fridge and had lots of lessons. I had private lessons on my holiday last year and will be taking more this year. In terms of level I would say I'm a mainly blue run skier and comfortable on some reds. I'm starting to get the feel for carving, short turns and the effects of shifting my weight on the skis.
This year (weather permitting), I hope get in a week in Aviemore and will be in The Alps for a week in March. Someone on this forum mentioned that Decathlon are doing Salomon Enduros + bindings for £199 and it has got me thinking that it might make sense to get my own equipment.
Would I better waiting and going on some more trips? How long do people wait before getting their own gear?
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Sun 18-11-12 15:23; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I'd never buy my own Ski's, technology changes, conditions change, where we Ski changes,and they are a pain to transport.
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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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I think, for you, you'd be better off renting skis in resort, especially if you pay a little extra for the premium ones. You can also go back into the shop and try different skis through the week to see what you like.
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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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Dropping 100 quid on some off eBay might be a better bet than renting in Scotland, if the rubbish I was given at Nevis is representative...
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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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| Standee wrote: |
| I'd never buy my own Ski's, technology changes, conditions change, where we Ski changes,and they are a pain to transport. |
I wouldn't disagree, but I'd chuck a different spin on it!
Ski's are like a car.. If you feel comfortable, you'll be more relaxed, know the limits and know how to work them. Which is kind of what you need whilst still perfecting your technique. What you don't need is ever changing ski's and having to worry about how they handle.
My advise - Rent some, find a model you like and feel absolutely comfortable with, then buy them  but be prepared to pay the carriage cost!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Does the quality of rental skis tend to vary quite a lot from resort to resort? Last year I was given a pair of huge fat things that weren't very responsive, but I was green so I accepted what I was given. Is it generally worth paying extra for the intermediate/advanced hire skis 
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| justatheory wrote: |
| Is it generally worth paying extra for the intermediate/advanced hire skis. |
My view is yes. The price isn't supposed to necessarily equate with 'beginner, intermediate, expert' it's supposed to correspond to 'crap, reasonable, decent' - although I'm sure this argument has come up on sH before.
Pay the money, explain your level. Talk yourself up a bit, rather than down.
If you're unhappy with what you've got, take them back and ask for an exchange.
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justatheory, ask for slalom skis.
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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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I think if you go more than once a year, it's worth having your own. Otherwise I'd rent. However demo as much as you can and don't waste too much money or be taken in by marketing spin.
They do pay for themselves over a few holidays, but you have to take into account ski carriage and servicing (unless you do it yourself).
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'crap, reasonable, decent' 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I meant the skis not the skier, in case that wasn't clear.
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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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One week of skiing isn't really sufficient to really know what you want to get out of skiing or what sort of skis will deliver what you want. Personally I would delay buying skis until I had some idea what I wanted.
Ski carriage only really applies if you travel by air and some coaches. It has been 5 years since I have paid it.
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justatheory, just buy them, life's too short! 
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You know it makes sense.
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Red ones are best, and the more the better
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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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I read this as "Should I buy More Skis?"
The answer is yes.
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Poster: A snowHead
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If you are skiing in Scotland regularly then it might make sense on a cost basis. Especially if you get a really cheap pair of skis. You can learn to take care of them yourself, which might help in ensuring that the binding settings are always checked and that you know what it costs to wax and sharpen your edges of skis.
So saving on ski carriage, waxing and edging costs. and hassle of lugging skis around vs hassle of waiting in long queues in resorts to get hire skis makes it a fine balance. As a learner going primarily for a week abroad each year by plane with a tour operator, I would hire and take my boots only.
If you want to ski on a local hill when the snow falls to practice turns, or head off for some good weather in Scotland, then buy a cheap pair as they will get knackered on rocks and bad snow coverage.
You can then learn how difficult it is to break skis, and consider whether insurance for covering this eventuality is worth paying for (especially if you get a bargain on ebay)
If you buy a second hand pair of skis, make sure you get the bindings checked out by an expert before you ski on them! You want to be sure that they work properly, and are not rusted damaged etc.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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If you are going to buy a decent 2nd pair and maintain the skis yourself - yes, if not - no. Simple.
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