Ski Gear

This question shows up a lot. It's a valid question. Buying ski boots is expensive and daunting. You don't want to mess it up and you want advice from others with more experience. However, there's only one answer to this question: Go See a Bootfitter.

What about "my feet hurt because of ..."? The internet can't really help here. Bootfitting is a trade and a skill that is designed to help you find the perfect boots.

There are almost daily threads about this topic. Each one has the same few comments: "Go see a bootfitter," "I like boot X, but you should really see a bootfitter," "We can't determine without some more info, you should probably see a bootfitter," etc.

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On the /r/skiing FAQ, there's an entire section dedicated to this question. I think it would be beneficial to everyone on this sub to include something similar as a sticky or in the sidebar. Thoughts?

What boots should I buy? The only advice you should take online about boots is to go and see a reputable bootfitter. Listen to them and buy the boots that fit your feet correctly. Not only are well fitting boots much more comfortable, but they also give you better control over your skis, the combination of this makes boots the most important part of your equipment.

Choosing a pair of boots doesn’t work like picking a pair of shoes. If you walk into a store or flick through a website and chose the pair you like the look of, you’re going to have a bad time. Each boot manufacturer has a range of boots with options for different abilities, skiing styles, sizes and foot shapes. There are subtle differences across models and brands in terms of shape, so it is crucial to find a pair of boots that are right for you. Without examining the shape of your feet and lower legs and their mechanics, as well as discussing how you ski and your ability, no one can give you a recommendation that is worth listening to. A bootfitter will do all of that and using their expertise they’ll provide you with a range of boots and help you find the best ones for you. They will also be able to help you with any pre-existing issues and injuries and modify boots if required. It is also recommended that you purchase custom moulded footbeds, along with having your liners heat moulded, they will help to optimise the fit of the boot. You also get the added security of knowing that any bootfitter worth their salt will guarantee their work, and be very willing to rectify any issues you have after you’ve skied in your new boots. Rough framework to what a bootfitter does

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This is my (very basic) suggestion for a "flowchart" guide to all-mountain skis. Including a popular ski as an example for every category. Obviously each category has a bunch more skis and most skis are in-between categories or in a whole separate category.

Suggestion welcome, I didn't put too much time into this and it is far from ideal or even functional. Mostly just want to hear peoples thoughts as to how you would approach this.

Me and my partner will be staying in Japan for half a year and will do lots of skiing. Our current skis aren't super special in any ways (Elan Element LS/Volkl Flair S) so we're just wondering if it's worthwhile bringing them over with us, or to just pick up some skis (or seasonal rentals) in Japan. We will definitely bring our boots though!

Also, is it a really stupid idea to pack both pairs of ski into one ski bag just to save some luggage costs?

I've been looking to get a shell jacket or an insulated one but they are just so expensive.

I (5’ 10” 150#) live in CO mountains and ski 60-80 days/yr. Have rock skis and powder skis, but Blizzard Rustler 10 (original version) has been my daily driver for 4 yrs - love their versatility. Time for a new pair and thinking about M Free 99 in 179. Anyone have comparisons and/or experience with the D MFree 99 and/or new Rustler 10?

Hey y'all - hoping to pick up a decent deal on a skinnier, frontside oriented ski for early season and dry spells/firm snow.

Me: 5'9", 130lbs, solid advanced skier, 25-30 days at Utah resorts (and maybe a trip to JHole) per season, ski the whole mountain (minus tight chutes/mandatory airs... for now). Conditions permitting I'll spend all day off piste but even in a good season probably a third of my days are firm snow so mostly on groomers and a few mogul runs. I ski fast but not crazy fast.

I currently run QST106s as my daily driver, IMO they're good for powder and crud, fine for slush, stable but effortful for ripping corduroy, and not good for scraped hardpack or moguls. Like them a lot but as a lighter dude I wouldn't want something much more demanding or heavy. I also have a pair of old Sick Day 104s as beaters for early season pow days, which are fun in powder but way too noodly on piste.

I'm looking at something that I'll use probably 80% on groomers and 20% moguls, trees, side hits etc. More than a couple inches of fresh and I'll probably break out the QSTs. Ideally it would be easier to engage and hold an edge on hard snow, stable at speed but compatible with a variety of turn shapes (doesn't just want to charge big turns), and a little more nimble in moguls/tight trees.

Based on other recs here I'm currently thinking about Volkl Deacon 80 or 84, Kendo 88, or Brahma 88 as best options. Seems like that's roughly in order of most carving-focused/chargey to most all-mountain/versatile? A local shop guy also suggested the Ranger 90, Ripstick 88, or Declivity 92 based on what they had deals on in stock. What would you do?

What are people’s thoughts/opinions on the Aztech Mountain super nuke jacket? Is it worth the price tag?

Anyone own their products and can give advice? Thanks

I currently own Liberty Origin 96 (171 length) and have loved them, but I think it’s time to add something to the quiver that can handle the really deep stuff (did a trip to Alyeska last year and would’ve loved something wider when cat skiing out there).

I’m based on the east coast, but ski 70% of my days out west. This means that I have the potential to ski a lot of deeper stuff if I am blessed with snowfall on my trips, but don’t have the luxury of heading to the mountain any time it dumps. That said, happy to use my existing skis for east coast and when the snow is variable during a trip out west.

I would consider myself an advanced skier, and will venture into anything short of a super tight couloir. I enjoy skiing trees/moguls more than anything. Don’t spend any time in parks. I do ski pretty aggressively, but don’t need to rip a groomer at top top speed. I’m also a shorter guy (5’5”) but on the stronger side (160 lbs in good shape) so can push hard when needed.

Seems like there are lots of options that could be good for me and hard to discern what I need from a review. Trying to capitalize on some end of season sales - would love any advice!

Hey! So I recently decided to look at some listings for a pair of used Oakley Flight Deck XM. This was on Poshmark and I immediately noticed the $25 price listing and absolutely couldn’t pass it up as these were my dream goggles for it I ever decided to splurge. The seller said that they had only been used twice, and honestly I couldn’t really care about that, as long as they weren’t too beat up. (And just for context, these were bought and shipped from a U.S. based seller)

Now, I only started to get this fishy feeling after they came in, the low price started to intrigue me as to how someone was willing to let these go for so cheap.

One big thing I noticed was that the goggles didn’t have the "Prizm" branding on the bottom right, as seen in this image, which I haven’t seen any without this branding, but there’s a chance that maybe this is an older model that I got? Hopefully someone can confirm. I’m not even sure if fake Oakley ski gear is something that goes around.

If you have any tips as to how I should go about "testing" if these are real or not, I would appreciate it a lot. I usually don’t care too much about being "on brand" unless it comes to safety gear like these.

Thank you!

Here are some pictures of the goggles I got

Looking for broken Vishnu wets 189, if u have broken one of them or has some laying around, pls let me know thank you

Hi all - I’m a recent convert to skiing (from snowboarding) and have done a fair few weeks on skis and would say I’m an advancing intermediate that’s comfortable on all piste situations and learning to ski off piste.

I’m in the market for my first pair of skis (all-mountain) and have been looking at Fischer Ranger 96, Rossignol Sender 94ti, and Bent 90s. Please share any advice on these if you have them/any alternatives I should consider.

Style: keen on something that can charge quite hard and have a lot of fun with, popping off bumps etc. Still developing my technique

I’m 6 foot 1 (187 cm) and 207 lbs (94kg). Thinking I’ll need a 180-187 ski?

I’m between these two options (both from 23-24)when looking at end of season availability.

I’m 164cm, 27F, mostly skiing in the Alps with occasional trips to the Banff.

I’ve been skiing maybe 20 times but I’m quite committed to improving as my fiancé is a ski instructor and owns a ski school. So far I’ve been using old skis.

You can check in my post history for my level.

I would eventually like to move away from groomers and wondering if the 84 width will hinder me. Or if the Santa Ana’s are too aggressive.

Any advice would help. Merci

Anyone have experience with Faction skis and their quality? I’m in the market for new skis, mostly been looking at Atomic Bent 90s and 100s, but saw Faction Prodigys and they looked nice.

I’ve been using a pair of Atomic Punx 5s for the past 5 or so seasons and really liked them, they have a couple years left but looking into getting something similar that’s a bit wider, that will do a little better in powder.

I ski everything, from powder to ice to slush, backcountry to groomers to park, so I need something quite versatile and durable.

Also open to any suggestions, especially from K2 or Volkl.

Curious if folks here prefer soft/light or stiff/heavy skis on steeps? Also, if that changes based on the particular terrain, ie trees, chutes, moguls, icy groomers, etc.

A soft ski seems to be easier to manipulate if you’re fatigued or backseat, but a stiff ski is presumably more stable?

I guess there are also skis that are simultaneously heavy/soft (like some stuff from J Skis) or light/stiff (Head Kore, Elan Ripstick Black).

Asking since my skis are all pretty heavy/stiff (Supershape, Bonafide, Mindbender). They feel great when cruising on shallow/moderate terrain groomed or off piste.

But when it gets steep, there’s a feedback loop of fatigue, which leads to worse technique, which leads to more fatigue, etc.

Seeing various recommendations, but also curious if there are any safe home alternatives. Any cleaners to avoid?

I'm very serious. I finally saw Hot Dog a few months ago.

The ski ballet scene was dumb and gay. Coincidentally, I'm dumb and gay. So of course I wanted to learn how to do it, too!

What kind of skis are best?

I figured twin-tip park/freestyle skis would be good, but do I need skis that are more stiff? Shorter or longer than usual?

Heading out to Canada in September/October and will be staying for the winter season out there.

I need to buy a fair amount of extra gear hence my question… I’ll be in Vancouver in September/October and was wondering if it’s best I hold out on the current end of season sales if Canada is generally cheaper/ will still have some sales on last seasons gear.

The gear in question is a set of bindings, avy gear, goggles and some other bits and pieces.

Cheers

Edit: after Vancouver I’ll be moving to resort, ideally Banff. Just included Vancouver since I assumed it may be cheaper in major cities than resorts as that is the case in Europe.

Looking to purchase my first pair of skis to upgrade from rentals and would love any recs/insight on Rossignol Experience 80 C vs. Rossi Experience 82 Basalt vs. Blizzard Black Pearl 82s. I’m a petite 26 y/o woman (5’3, 130lbs) and would consider myself a sturdy intermediate - I enjoy skiing tough blues and easy / groomed blacks but nothing too crazy. Hoping to gain more confidence on blacks and work on my skill. I’m mostly skiing in Tahoe / Mammoth and looking to do a few travel trips with the Ikon pass.

I skiied on some pretty old Rossignol experience 80s rentals and really loved how effortless turning was / gave me a lot of confidence with how much control I had. I have also skiied on old K2 mindbenders that were rentals but found them tougher to turn with / pretty heavy for me to feel like I had good control. I know either Rossignols are more approachable and for beginners but loved how easy they felt, just worried about growing out of them too fast. I’ve heard blizzard black pearls are great too, but not sure how easy I’d find them to turn etc because never skied on them and they look kind of bulky which daunts me for some reason. Hoping to buy without demo-ing since 2024 skis are going for good prices right now.

Spring/Summer here in the Northeast so I’m missing winter.

Currently have K2 Recon Pro. Absolutely love them however I’m kind of missing my old school Salomon SPK. Recons fit better(snugger) flex is firmer, however the soles of my feet are missing the shock absorbing rubber boat boards. Even having a wonderful set of footbeds, I’m still missing the softer boot board.

I was thinking about buying a replacement set of the “soft” boot boards and trimming them the match the profile of my Recon boot boards.

Not 100% sure where I’m going with this thread, but any thoughts?

I noticed my heel lug plastic is wearing out quite a bit after only one season. Would these be worth it for the next boots I buy?

https://verdonkracing.com/products/metal-din-shims-heel-only

I know the profile on these skis are different but I’m looking at the Meridian 187 or Jeff 108 191 to add to the quiver as something fun and different than my other skis.

Currently I have:

• Moment Wildcat 190 - 118 under foot, powder ski but I did daily them in 2022 when almost every day had some fresh snow
• Nordica Enforcer Free 110 191 - slightly more directional all purpose ski
• Line SFB - early season rock skis from 8 years ago when I weighed less and wasn’t as strong of a skier, they feel very noodly now and aren’t really ever in the mix to be used
• Chipotle Blades - for when I want to be the best skier on the mountain

I’m 6’7” 245, advanced skier who needs a lot of stability in the ski to feel comfortable. Mainly off piste in glades and down steep stuff unless it’s getting thin or hasn’t snowed for weeks in which case I’ll ski on groomers but not really the carving type. Get about 60% of my days in Tahoe/Mammoth and the rest between CO/UT/PNW.

Let me hear your thoughts!