downhill ski equipment

Question
For a 15 year old male aggresive skier. What would you recommend
Salomon 10 equipe 3V for $500
used 4 times or
New
Volkl 5 star for $550
He'll be skiing on H.S. ski team for one or two years.
Mostly Michigan skiing

Answer
Dear Laura --

You picked two of my favorite brands of skis.  If they were both new, I would pick the Solomons.  However, the Volkls are great skis, a little more versatile, and since they are new skis, you will be able to mount the bindings where you need them for your son's boots.  Removing and remounting bindings puts a lot of wear and tear on the flexing part of your ski.  Not a good idea, if you can avoid it.

If the Solomons are already mounted with a binding that can take a wide range of boot sizes, they may be more cost effective.  

Both skis will suit an aggressive young skier.  The Solomons will perform better in icy race conditions.  The Volkls will give better all mountain performance.  Unless your son only likes making small quick turns, or is completely into skiing bumps, he will like either set of skis for their responsiveness to his energetic skiing.

You can see more about each ski at the following websites:
http://www.salomonsports.com
http://www.volkl.com/ski/ss_5star.html

If you have other questions, please let me know.  Best of luck to you and your son.