choosing skis?

[tex1230]

I know it has been said already, but it needs to be said again:

Boots, boots, and boots.

While you're at it go to a good bootfitter. Spend the money. Get good footbeds. Even if you get the best boots out there, if your feet aren't comfortable it will seriously limit your progress.

[teledave]

While you're at it go to a good bootfitter.

Unless you can personally reccomend one, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there isn't one in the Southeast. At least not that I have found, all of my fit issues I've had addressed in either Denver or SLC.

[Tippster]

There's a great one in Arlington, VA - but that's probably out of your way.

My Dynastar Intuitiv 71 are great for the Mid-Atlantic. Too many folks on the hill to go Mach-Schnell around here, so it's all about the turny.

I am discombobulated by the unexpected niceness in this thread.... mother...?

[teledave]

I am discombobulated by the unexpected niceness in this thread.... mother...?

Either
a) We're not on P-Mag anymore
b) We're all getting old and soft
c) The west coasters aren't up yet

[SKISC]

It has already been said but here it is again. Put the money in the boots until you decide. If you are only going a few days a year you may not need to buy skis. Defitely get the boots. Good ones.

[SKISC]

I don't know of any bootfitters here. Alpine has good footbeds but they still use the stick in the heel to fit the boots.

[Tippster]

It has already been said but here it is again. Put the money in the boots until you decide. If you are only going a few days a year you may not need to buy skis. Defitely get the boots. Good ones.

By the way - "Good" boots are ones that fit your feet, not a specific brand. I wear Langes now but was on Raichles for years... that doesn't make them better than Nordicas - just better for me. Spend some quality time in a shop trying on a variety of boots and leaving them on your feet for 15 minutes at least. That gives the innerboot a chance to mold to your feet, and also time for the pressure points to really make themselves known.

Demoing current skis (NOT rentals!) after you have the right pair of boots is the best way to find out what's a good fit for you, IMHO. Many shops will credit the demo cost to the sale if you choose to buy.

[teledave]

By the way - "Good" boots are ones that fit your feet, not a specific brand. I wear Langes now but was on Raichles for years... that doesn't make them better than Nordicas - just better for me. Spend some quality time in a shop trying on a variety of boots and leaving them on your feet for 15 minutes at least. That gives the innerboot a chance to mold to your feet, and also time for the pressure points to really make themselves known.

Also once you get them wear them around the house for 1-2 hours at a time to really get a feel for them, if they start to hurt most shops will refund or exchange them as long as they haven't been skiied in or walked around outside in. (i.e. no scarring on the soles)

Tip, we're getting soft in our old age.

[tex1230]

I don't know them, but someone on another board mentioned Southern Ski in Columbia, SC as decent bootfitters if that's close to you.

[grrrr]

Either
a) We're not on P-Mag anymore
b) We're all getting old and soft
c) The west coasters aren't up yet

Westcoasters weighing in...

You don't need no stinking skis, jong.
YOU NEED LUGGAGE. Move yer ass out west and quit being a pansy.

There. Feel better?