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Buying Guides : Ski Hardware
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Choosing Skis and Boots
It must be very difficult, if not impossible, for most customers to assess the difference between all the skis because unless you can take them out in the right conditions in which they can be tested how can you judge one against the other? It’s just not possible so this is an area where tester reviews are well worth a read. There’s absolutely no point in buying a pair of skis if they are not going to perform in the way you require.
Matching your inspirations
So when you decide to buy your own skis talk to a sales advisor and be honest. Tell her/him of your standard now and indicate the type of skiing to which you would like to aspire. For example, however great it looks, how many of us really want to spend our days in the moguls – perhaps the answer from the young end of the market is “yes me”- no problem for those with the skill and rubber legs! Many people want to just cruise effortlessly down the piste and there are some who are always looking for that bit on the side (powder snow that is)! Whilst it’s not to say that you can’t use the same ski all over the mountain, it sure makes it easier if you buy the ski that matches your inspirations. It’s impractical for any ski shop to stock every brand, what matters is that there is a ski that represents good value for money, that will do the job and having followed the advice above a ski technician will sell you the correct one and adjust the binding to your boots and the settings to your weight and ski style.
Ski Boots
Nothing matters more than well-fitting boots and if budgets don’t permit expenditure on both skis and boots this year spend the money on boots. Furthermore always buy boots in the UK, because it is very unlikely that the service in resorts will ever match the care and attention that a store like George Fisher is able to provide. It can take between 1 and 2 hours to buy a pair of ski boots so it’s unwise to arrive at the shop at the end of the day. Please also remember that it is in your best interests to chose a really quiet time when ideally there are no other customers in the ski room so you not only receive the very best of attention but also that the customised Superfeet footbed (insole) machine is unoccupied – you may need one making.
Ignore the boot reviews?
Unlike the advice above regarding skis, do not take the ski boot reviews too much to heart, they are more likely to confuse. You should always buy boots, and this also applies to walking boots, from a retailer that you trust and put your feet in their hands! You may think you know what you want, but it is the fitter that knows which boot is correct for you after having measured and assessed your feet.
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