Ready to Re-equip What You Need For the Upoming Ski Season
Dust off those Dynastars. It's (almost) time to hit the slopes. But before you
hit the hills, take time to assess your sticks. If you're still skinning on your
old salomons from the 1970s it's time to invest in some-thing new.
Equipment today is much different from even a decade ago, making the sport
easier and more comfortable than ever. Here's a primer on what to look for
before taking the plunge.
Skis and bindings
The two biggest considerations when you're make or female and an
aggressive skier or beginner (so somwhere in between).
Women's ski's are generally lighter and more flexible, with
bindings mounted slightly more toward the front to accommodate a different
skiing position,
"Women sit back more," which shifts their center of
gravity toward the rear of their skis. "Men tend to bend their knees."
Shaped skis, Wider at the tip and tail and narrower in the
middle, became popular about a decade ago.
They've taken over the market since then, making "straight" skis
obsolete.
In recent years, wide skis have gotten even wider
expanding from about 66 centimeters at the waist (or middle) to 76 centimeters.
"It expands the performance envelope,"
Shaped skies are much easier to control than the straight skis
of years past, which makes learning to ski easier for beginners.
Intermediate and advanced skiers can command more control on
steep hills.
Length is another factor to consider, with longer skis at
attracting the most aggressive skiers.
A rule of thumb: Cautious skiers should opt for skis that are
chin height: average aggressive skiers offen favor nose height: and the fastest
hardest skiers should look for skis that reach the top of the head.
Bindings come premounted on most skis now, which improves a
skier's movement on the snow. Expect to pay: $400 and up.
Boots
Boots are the most important piece of your ski package, I
recommend putting half of your equipment budget into boots, which start at about
$200.
More expensive boots have moldable liners, which, when heated
are formed to fit the skiers feet.
Most people rent (and sometimes buy) boots that are too big.
A proper-fitting boot won't leave your feet in agony at the end
of the day.
Boots that are too big cause wearers to fasten the buckles too
tight, which can cause your toes to go numb.
When you flex your knee, your heel shouldn't move inside the
boot.
I recommend footbeds to everyone, molded inserts that fit into
boots for additional arch and heel support.
Poles
Because shaped skis turn so much easier, some skiers and
abandoning poles altogether.
Though not much has changed with poles over the years, I like
the Hrie trigger-grip poles that come with straps that attach to your gloves.
Socks
Skiers don't put enough thought into their socks, Most ski socks
are seamless and made of wool and have padding in the front. The worst socks to
wear, cotton tube socks, which bunch up inside the boots and retain moisture.
Rent versus buy
If you're going to ski five or more times in a season, I
recommend buying equipment. A complete package of new equipment starts at about
$500 (and most stores also sell used equipment, for $250 and up).
Renting generally runs $20 to $40 per day ant area resorts.
If you're not ready to buy, consider renting at local ski stores
before you leave town. Rates are generally comparable (and sometimes less).
The benefit is that you're ready to go when you get to the
mountain - no standing in rental lines, filling out forms, Staff may be more
knowledgeable in ters of fit, as well.
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