What should I look for when buying skis?

Question

I know absolutely nothing about buying skis...what the numbers mean, what brands are good, etc. I am a 14 year old girl, 5' 4" and slim. I ski blue squares and am just starting black diamonds. I will be skiing at least 5 times this year. Lots of skis I saw online say things like "great for all kinds of terrain!" but i only go on the groomed, chair-lift-accesible slopes. I never go to explore the mountain or anything like that. I am only interested in recreational skiing, and i want my skis to last for as long as possible. Oh, and I also need to buy bindings and boots. My feet are probably done growing, but nto definitely. What kinds of skis/boots/bindings should I look for? Any tips are appreciated!!

P.S.- I can't spend too much money, so no super-expensive brands.

Answer 1

I have to answer this question for my students all of the time. The ski for you should be a medium to soft flex ski, about 4" shorter than you, also an all mountain ski will give you responsiveness and positive feedback to your feet.  Check with some of the rental and retail ski shops near you, they may have last year rentals for sale with bindings for about $100-$200.   Your boots are the critical issue for skiing and improving your skills.The boots must fit properly, with a medium flex, in a woman's boot. No rear entry boots please, the lack of precision is a problem.  Footbeds, canting, maybe other adjustments to the boot, ramp angle, toe box, etc.  The bindings are the least of your package.  After all of this, the package should last about 30 days of slope use with no problems. If you do this in one season, you'll want to get a higher performance ski as you improve your skills.  Keep the skiis tuned, waxed and sharp, buckle your boots for storage in the off season.

  A plastic boot that is left unbuckled over a warm summer will try to take its' original shape which is a flat sheet.  Fixing that is a real problem.

      Do enjoy the sport, make new friends, this is a social sport more than a snow sport.  Good turns.  Jim.

Answer 2

for what you are looking for almost anything is going to work for you

if you are only going 5 times i would suggest either renting

or renting for the year

or buying from a play it again store or something like that

or you could get my set up

300$ k2 silencers

100$ marker binking

300$ soloman boots ( you want to spend alot on a nice pair of boots or youll regret it and besides if your done growing you can use them for a long time

have fun skiing

Answer 3

you should go to a ski shop and talk to the knowlegdable staff.  They will give you an idea of what you need.  Tell them your price range and they will be able to help you out.  They may even be able to find you some good used equipment.

Answer 4

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