Calling skiers

[Mace1647545504]

Ok I know so little about skiing it's not funny, but my youngest loves the sport. So last week while taking him supplies at college he informed my that for a combo birthday/Xmas gift (2 days apart) he wants skis and boots. I guess the boots are part of the ski?? Anyway he wants something that will last a LONG time...a very good set.

So before I go to aspen whatever the store is or somewhere else (suggestions accepted and needed) I thought I'd ask the knowledge base here what should I get and where should I go.

He was saying yous should spend money on the boots and not so much on the skis.

HELP!!!!!!!

Thanks

mace

[macpyro2]

How tall is your son? Shoe size?

 

Still have my K2's for sale.

 

K2's

[El Karacho1647545492]

#1 thing with boots is to TRY THEM ON. You've gotta go shopping with the boy or you run the risk of getting him a really nice pair of boots that absolutely crush his feet. Ask me how I know.

 

As far as skis, those are all about preference. I used to have a nice pair of Rossignol skis that were a bit too flexible for my taste. I sold them on CL and bought a nice pair of K2s that were a lot stiffer and it really made me enjoy skiing that much more. Is he more into moguls, terrain park, giant slalom, powder, or all-mountain? That's another big thing in figuring out what to get him. you don't want to get a giant slalom skier a pair of twin-tip park skis.

 

Last thing to consider is bindings. I don't know a whole lot about bindings, other than I always have them set to only release with lots of pressure. never had an issue with it since i'm a big guy, but again, the type of skiing he wants to do will have a big influence on the type of bindings you get.

 

generally speaking, I prefer swap meets for ski equipment. unless you're looking to drop some serious cash (probably $1k or more) you're not going to buy new, with the exception of boots maybe. it's easy to find well-cared-for skis/bindings at swap meets, which stores occasionally host. when looking for skis at swap meets, make sure there are no big pits in the skis, top or bottom. if the core is exposed moisture gets in, rots it, and skis are no good. look out for heavily worn edges. surface rust is no big deal but make sure the edges are even and not being eaten by rust or aren't heavily worn/dented/etc. As far as sizing goes, check online. I use a longer-than-recommended ski because it's stiffer so the additional length allows more flex. With swap meet skis you also want to make sure the bindings on them are suitable for the boot your son will be using; you want to avoid re-drilling as much as possible.

 

Long-lasting doesn't have to be expensive. My dad has a run-of-the-mill pair of K2s that are older than I am (27). He finally caved and bought new skis but still has those old ones and occasionally uses them just for the challenge. Any pair of skis will last a LONG time as long as they are well cared for, not abused, and tuned every season.

[Mace1647545504]

He's about 6'1 with a size 12.

 

El..thank you for all the info

 

mace

[Gergwheel1647545492]

Aspen has a sale in October of all the last year models. Not sure on the dates but if you stop in there i'm sure they would have the details. Also +1 to what Alex said, he HAS to try them on first!!

[1Quik7]

Boots are easy, go to Aspen and pay a little extra to have the liner custom fit. Store bought boots ride like a Ford Escort, custom liners ride like a Ferrari....the difference is night and day, best money I've ever spent.

 

I have a pair of skis I'm selling with bindings, they're essentially "new". They were a gift and I only went down the hill a couple times on them and hung 'em up. If he's anything like me and wants something completely different that no one else has, then these are it, 2013 Amplid Syntax 172's(Austrian company) that are drilled dead center, I don't remember the exact bindings right now, they're not top of the line but not cheapies either. They are a park ski, super light and setup as such. I'm selling for $300 if you're interested.

 

But just go to Aspen with your son, they are pretty helpful.

[El Karacho1647545492]

Boots are easy, go to Aspen and pay a little extra to have the liner custom fit. Store bought boots ride like a Ford Escort, custom liners ride like a Ferrari....the difference is night and day, best money I've ever spent.

 

I have a pair of skis I'm selling with bindings, they're essentially "new". They were a gift and I only went down the hill a couple times on them and hung 'em up. If he's anything like me and wants something completely different that no one else has, then these are it, 2013 Amplid Syntax 172's(Austrian company) that are drilled dead center, I don't remember the exact bindings right now, they're not top of the line but not cheapies either. They are a park ski, super light and setup as such. I'm selling for $300 if you're interested.

 

But just go to Aspen with your son, they are pretty helpful.

 

If I weighed less, I'd buy those in a heartbeat.

 

Mace, for your son's size, if he wants something that's great in the park but sufficient for all-mountain, these skis are probably perfect fit and priced ridiculously.