how to buy

[super gerbil]

I think i am going to buy some skis. what should i look for in good skis

[lost-and-found]

come on people, I know there are many of you skiers here. What size should the skis be. Should they be measured so they reach to the rider's neck or forehead? What shape? Should they be completely rectangular shape throughout, or should they be thinner in the back, or just thinner in the middle? come on now, don't tell me that no one skis over here.

[Mike]

Where do you live super gerbil? I suggest going to a ski shop (Not one of those big chains.. ) and asking them. I haven't had a new pair of skis for a long time so I may not be much help.

Next Saturday I am going to a "ski swap" to check out if they have anything for me.
It's all about comfort. If you live near a ski resort that is open or opening soon go and ask if they have any demo skis...

Instinct will tell you to buy the biggest skis and the shiniest skis, but when you go out and ski and they aren't comfortable, or too short/long you'll know that you messed up.
What price range are you looking for? Just like everyting else in life, price matters... If you buy a cheap pair of skis/bindings bad things WILL and CAN happen.
(For example, I have snapped my ski bindings before...) hehe

Post some more info on what you are looking for.

[Epidemic]

I personally look for the bindings which will release in the most directions. I usually set them light enough so they wont fall off unless I take a spill. But when I take a spill I want them to release before my foot releases from my knee at mid shin.

I used the look 89 bindings and never had a problem.

As for skies. If you are not a great skiier then I would suggest that you just go to the store and get some middle of the road skies. Nothing too fancy as you probably will not be able to make use of the fancyness unless you are really good. and because you are going to ding the hell out of them probably. So I would suggest just going to the store and have them suggest a decent size for you and you then go and pick the one that is not the lowest in price but just below mid price. IMO of course.

this comes from one who has wrecked many skiis plowing across the rocky terrain in north east end of year skiing.

[Mike]

I suggest for a beginner make sure that your bindings are fairly loose, just like Epidemic said. When I fall I know how to fall and have my bindings fairly tight. Although I have twisted my ankle/knee before.

[Warthog]

I'm sure there's a beginning skiers website out there somewhere.

I may live in VT but I don't have any desire to ski...so don't ask me about it. Good luck in your Quest.

[Mike]

Warthog, Never too late to ski!!

[Sweet]

ski, heck that's the ending of my fathers dad's mother's last name. Just look for a smell of kielbasa and you'll find what ur looking for.......


ROTFLMAO.....
sorry, couldn't resist

[Mike]

huh?

[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