Sports - Beginners guide to buying equipment

Beginners guide to buying equipment

OCTOBER 2006 — VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10

Ski season’s nearly here and anticipation’s in the air.

October’s a great time to check out the ski shops but with so much choice, buying equipment for the first time can be a daunting task. Whether you’re buying new or looking for a bargain in used gear these tips should help you figure out what you really need.

BOOTS:

If you’re a skier, ski boots are the most important part of your equipment. If you can buy only one thing new, make it the boots.

Try on as many ski boots as possible. Make sure you have a boot that suits your ability—don’t get a boot that’s too stiff for you as it will only hinder your progress.

Try boots on with thin socks. Your feet should not feel numb or in a vice, but the boots should feel snug. A good boot-fitter can stretch and mould your boots to alleviate any pressure points you may have. Try boots on both feet. When you think you’ve found the right pair, keep them on for a while and walk around.

Boot manufacturers now make gender-specific boots. Take advantage of this as women and men have very differently shaped feet and calves. If you have very small or very large feet you may want to order your boots early. Manufacturers only make a limited amount of boots so once a size is sold out you’ll have to wait until next year.

The advice for snowboarders buying boots is much the same. Snowboard boots should feel snug all over, especially around the ankle which will help to prevent unwanted heel movement. Look for boots that are easy to do up, tighten and adjust.

If you have custom insoles it’s a good idea to bring them along and fit them in the boots when you’re trying them on.

SKIS & SNOWBOARDS:

When buying skis and snowboards, lengths should be somewhere between your chin and nose.

Longer skis will go faster, a shorter ski will turn more easily. The dimensions of the tip, tail and waist of the ski will define how tight a radius the ski will turn in—the curvier the ski the easier it will be to turn.

When it comes to snowboards longer boards are generally better in powder. Shorter boards are usually easier to turn, but if they’re too short they’ll nose dive when you get in the soft snow.

There are many types of boards to choose from. Freeride boards are for the rider who wants to ride most of the mountain, likes more stability at speed and a longer turn radius.

Freestyle boards are generally for people who like to play around, ride switch (backwards) and play in the park and half pipe. They’re quick to turn and often shorter than boards you would choose for freeriding.

Most manufacturers make “all mountain boards” that will be okay for most things. If you’re not too worried about high performance for a certain aspect of riding, then these are a good first choice. Choose a board that’s not too stiff so it will be easy to make those first turns.

BINDINGS:

Skis now come with bindings so there’s not too much to decide here. However, once you’ve bought your skis make sure you take your skis and boots to an experienced ski technician who can set the bindings up for you safely. You need to have the bindings DIN setting set to your weight, height and ability level. This is a very important safety factor.

There are bindings for snowboarders to fit almost every budget. More expensive bindings tend to be made from stronger materials with better features and adjustments. Make sure your boots are compatible with your bindings. Freestyle bindings have straps that hold your boots securely in place. Step-in bindings have a mechanism that clips the boot to the binding. Most riders use freestyle bindings since the boots and bindings are often more comfortable.

POLES:

To find ski poles that are right for you, stand in your ski boots and hold the pole upside down. Hold the pole just underneath the basket—if your arm makes a right angle to the body you have the correct length. Ideally your poles should be as light as possible.

Good luck shopping—and please, only wear one pair of socks when you ski!

Site designed and maintained by: PeaksMedia.com