how to buy

Ski good... BOOT BETTER.

[Richard Cranium]

Yeah, almost forgot..

The ski boot is just as important as good skis & bindings.

Get one that is comfortable, when trying them on, never get in a hurry.. Find one that feels right and walk around in them for 15-20 minutes, some salespeople might get impatient, the ones who know will understand.

My personal favorite ski shop is Peter Glen of Vermont, they have good prices and are very helpful..

[super gerbil]

Originally posted by Richard Cranium
SuperG, what's your skiing level, beginner, intermediate ??

I am a conservative skiier, never go over 110 mph , well on purpose anyway.

I suggest some bottom of the line K2's, made in USA.
http://www.k2skis.com/skis/escape/2500.asp
Get some mid-grade bindings, all modern bindings release in 3 directions or more.
1. Sideways
2. Front Out
3. Rear Up

You calculate the settings upon a couple of factors, the ski shop will do this for you.

First day beginners must have very loose binding settings.
A simple fall at Zero speed will allow release if the foot is twisted.

Ski length is overrated, mainly get a short ski, this depends upon the area you ski too, powder snow is tough and takes much skill as does east coast ice..

I like "shaped" skis, these are much wider at the top and rear than the middle, it's like having "Power Steering". You simply lean, take the weight off the inside foot and you turn, not hard at all.

The K2 2500 is what I use now, great ski.. However if you jump 10' in the air and land on uneven terrain, these may not be sturdy enough for the more aggressive skiing conditons.

They are good for plenty of speed too, mine have honestly seen around 100 mph on smooth conditons, after slowing to almost nothing, we were radared at 55 mph at Steamboat Springs Co

intermediate probably and thanks

[Mike]

Listen to doc..He's very wise.. About everything. When trying on ski boots, just like he said... TAKE YOUR TIME. You'll regret when you are skiing in boots that hurt your feet or are too big. On another note don't forget to get good socks. Another important thing in life.