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What to look for in a set of skis? Used ski buying guide? Tips?

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Superwormy

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So every year I probably go skiing 3 or 4 times. Not a lot, and I've only been maybe 8 times total. I'm tired of renting skis at $50/day.

What should I look for in a pair of skis/boots?

Is it worth it to look at used skis? Anything to watch out for?

Good brands to look for? Bad brands to watch out for?

How much should I be expecting to spend? I don't want to spend a ton, I'm not that avid a skier.


If it makes any difference:
- Downhill skiing, mostly in Vermont and Mass.
- Not good enough to do moguls, but I can do the blue slopes well
- I'm 5'6", 135lbs
 
buy your own boots for the fit
for ski, i dont think brand matters. just get the right geometry (length, width, curvature, etc etc) for your skiing conditions and body
 
Originally posted by: Superwormy
Um... how do I know width, curvature, etc.?
Click to expand...

My rule of thumb is:

Convert your height to CM. If you prefer trick skiing (lots of jumps) and just general maneuverability, get the ski length just below your height. If you prefer speed and slightly more stability get the size just above your height. The longer the ski, the faster but less maneuverable. You can also go to the extreme with snow blades which are extremely short but fun. I prefer to go for the skis at or slightly below my height as i'm 6'0" and i've been skiing for 9 or 10 years.

Width is once again a question of speed versus control.

I prefer parabolic (or shaped) skis. Good combination of control and speed. I could be wrong but I think most skis nowadays are parabolics. There are also skis where both the front and the back are raised for trick skiing (flips, spins, skiing backwards) but odds are you won't be doing any of that.
 
Originally posted by: Connoisseur
Originally posted by: Superwormy
Um... how do I know width, curvature, etc.?
Click to expand...

My rule of thumb is:

Convert your height to CM. If you prefer trick skiing (lots of jumps) and just general maneuverability, get the ski length just below your height. If you prefer speed and slightly more stability get the size just above your height. The longer the ski, the faster but less maneuverable. You can also go to the extreme with snow blades which are extremely short but fun. I prefer to go for the skis at or slightly below my height as i'm 6'0" and i've been skiing for 9 or 10 years.

Width is once again a question of speed versus control. Wider skiis afford more control. Really you just wanna make sure the skiis are wide enough to cover the width of your boots.

I prefer parabolic (or shaped) skis. Good combination of control and speed. I could be wrong but I think most skis nowadays are parabolics. There are also skis where both the front and the back are raised for trick skiing (flips, spins, skiing backwards) but odds are you won't be doing any of that.
Click to expand...

 
Used is fine, Craig's List and ebay have super deals available.

Buying used skis is pretty simple. You need to do your homework. Use the web to do research on the brand and model you're considering. That will tell you if the ski and binding are modern and appropriate for your size and skill level. It'll also give you ballpark figures on the price. Once you've figured out if the skis you're looking at are the right model and size for you, check condition. Cosmetic damage to the top of the ski is common and doesn't impact performance or durability. But make sure that the bases are solid, that the skis are not damaged and that the bindings function properly.

For boots shop by fit, fit, fit and fit. Ignore brand. Check that the model is appropriate for your level, you don't want to be in an expert racing boot if you're a slow cruiser and vice versa. Otherwise, get the most comfortable boot available. Do NOT just try on a boot, think it's okay and buy it. Try it on and walk around the shop for an hour. Something that feels okay at first can be torture 30 minutes later.

Once you have the skis and the boots take them to a shop to have the bindings serviced, checked and adjusted to your boot size. You might be able to get that done free by the shop if you buy either the boots or the skis new rather than used.
 
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