skiis for our trip

Question
QUESTION: Greetings. I appreciate your time. First, you must know that I am a penny pincher. I love saving money, thus my purpose for posing this question. I own a pair of HEAD skiis that I bought last April. Since, I can't wait to buy my fiancee a pair during April for the discounts, I need your recommendation. We live in Maryland in Ocean City and ski 2-3 times a year in the Northeast. She has just begun carving and is 5'6". I want to buy a package deal that provides at least poles, bindings, and the skiis. Boots would also be nice (size 8 womens). I don't want the cheapest skiis possible, but I would like the best skiis for my money. I'd like to keep the package below $400 ??? and I'd love to have skiis that are quick and easy to carve with. They should also allow her to grow into them and possibly become an advanced skier in. I am able to answer any questions you have to better evaluate my needs. Again, I appreciate your time and recommendation. Thanks, Brian

ANSWER: Hi Brian,

You may be in luck- I have a couple of options for you. Your first and best bet is to find any retailer with last seasons equipment. A local shop here in Park City, Cole Sport, offers last years gear (new or demo's) at about 50% off. You can also find deals on-line through backcountry.com, overstock.com, and even ebay. You need to know what you are looking for though, and you'll have to have them mounted professionally.

You can often find packages at big box retailers, just be cautious of "cosmetic make ups"; skis made with graphics similar to higher end models, but with significantly cheaper construction. There are some brands out there that offer significant value, however. Dynamic is one- a ski made by Atomic and sold largely at big-box sporting good stores. Blizzard is another great ski for the money.

Boots are your issue- you don't buy a boot, you buy the guy or gal this is fitting them- and as you know, a bad fit can ruin your ski trip. You'll have to go try them on. Again, many shops keep last years product discounted, you just have to ask around. Don't skimp here, boots outlast several pair of skis and are worth the time and effort to get a pair of footbeds, and several pair of the same style and brand of sock as the one she wears while getting fitted.

Hope this helps, let me know if you want an opinion on any specific finds you make.

Ron



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Your advice was wonderful. I really appreciate it. Taking your advice on the boots, I went to our local ski nut (the only ski store within 2 hours of where I live) and only found 2 options.

1. HEAD C200 skiis, turmoil? bindings, poles, wax and mount for 299.99 with 20% off =  $240 then $160 for boots
length options- only 156 or 150

2. SAME SKI package but new design for $469.99 with 20% off! The only reason I consider it is because they have a 160 length option.

3. HEAD C200i skiis, the binding looks to have extra flexibility by a raised section where the binding is attached to the ski (sorry for my ignorance) old style so it is only $449.99 with $20% off. Same package as above, but here is the big questions since I'm leaning towards once of these two options. Lengths are 163 or 156. I feel that 156 is too short for her to grow with and to keep up with the guys. 163 too long for her? She is 5'6", again, and 120 lbs.

Please let me know what the best option would be, and what options you have on the HEAD brand.

Brian

Answer
Hi Brian, sorry for the delay, we've been really busy at the resort.

At her height of 5'6",(unless the guys are just hauling straight), a 156 should be able to carve AND keep up- otherwise only a pair of downhill skis will feel secure. The trick, of course, is to keep 'em on edge all the time. I'm skiing a 165 slalom, and it goes fast so long as it remains on edge. Either length would be fine, 165 will give better edge hold, 156 will be better in bumps and more fun to arc.

The "i" in the c200i will make the ski damper, and feel more stable at speed. I am not a big fan of the "i" chip, but I can see why some people would want it.

I like Head skis (a lot), and think they are a great brand. If we are speaking about models within 2 years of each other, you'll be fine with the older version- but know that the warranty department may not cover a "closeout" ski. Not that I expect an issue with them, but it may be a consideration for you.

Hope this helps, have a great season.