How do you figure out what type of ski to buy?

My whole family is going to be skiing several times a year and I think it would make sense to buy our own skis. Whenever we go we usually fill out a form and talk to the guys at the rental place and they fit us and we go on our way.





I noticed that skis have gotten better in the past 10+ years, but I don't really understand how they work or what you look for when you shop for them. I also know that you have to buy the boots and the binding.





My dad and I are both intermediate skiers, my brother is a intermediate/advanced and my mom is a novice. What are some good ways to research skis and figure out which ones to get?

How do you figure out what type of ski to buy?
Rentals = $25 (about)





Purchase = $300 (skis) + $300 (bindings) + $500 (boots) + $25 (poles)





divided by (several) -- say 4 times used each year.





About $280 each time you go skiing.





Are you sure it is worth it?





Equipment only really lasts 4-5 years. It isn't worth it to buy unless you plan on skiing a heck of a lot more than "several" times a season.





Well, if you have some extra cash to waste, the best research that can be done is to go to a ski shop and tell them exactly what type of skier you are and how much money you can spend. It's just like buying a car.





Except for your mom, you guys would be ok with a mid-performance "All Mountain" ski...probably. All skis are fairly well made. There are high performance skis, but you end up paying quite a bit more. Your mom would want a beginners package. It would be quite a bit cheaper.





Boots: must fit like a glove, no matter the price (cheaper or more expensive). Don't get rear entry boots...except again, maybe your mom. They are more comfortable, but not made for anything more than a blue groomer. You just don't get the support you need with those.





Before you go down to the ski shop, you may want to go to the library and read a few issues of Skiing magazine, or whatever is available. Try to find an issue that has a ski review in it. The reviews themselves are quite pointless, but you get an idea of market price and graphics and such. The reason I say the reviews are pointless is that each ski is unique to the person riding it.





One more thing: I suggest trying a pair of demo skis to see if you like them first. If you find a shop that rents out equipment, and if they sell the same models they rent, they will often refund the rental cost if you decide to purchase a new pair.
Reply:Buy the boots...good fitting boots designed to run the slopes with the style you ski. Read all the boot reviews and, if you only ski a couple times a year, continue to rent. Go to the websites and read about the skis. Manufacturers are changing designs, styles, specs, etc every year. You can rent the best Volkls, Atomic Metrons, Nordicas %26amp; K2s, and change up every day. Go ski..!!!



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