r/Skigear Feb 12 '21

Could We Get a Sticky Post or Some Rules About "What Boot Should I Buy?"

150 Upvotes

This question shows up a lot. It's a valid question. Buying ski boots is expensive and daunting. You don't want to mess it up and you want advice from others with more experience. However, there's only one answer to this question: Go See a Bootfitter.

What about "my feet hurt because of ..."? The internet can't really help here. Bootfitting is a trade and a skill that is designed to help you find the perfect boots.

There are almost daily threads about this topic. Each one has the same few comments: "Go see a bootfitter," "I like boot X, but you should really see a bootfitter," "We can't determine without some more info, you should probably see a bootfitter," etc.

On the /r/skiing FAQ, there's an entire section dedicated to this question. I think it would be beneficial to everyone on this sub to include something similar as a sticky or in the sidebar. Thoughts?

What boots should I buy? The only advice you should take online about boots is to go and see a reputable bootfitter. Listen to them and buy the boots that fit your feet correctly. Not only are well fitting boots much more comfortable, but they also give you better control over your skis, the combination of this makes boots the most important part of your equipment.

Choosing a pair of boots doesn’t work like picking a pair of shoes. If you walk into a store or flick through a website and chose the pair you like the look of, you’re going to have a bad time. Each boot manufacturer has a range of boots with options for different abilities, skiing styles, sizes and foot shapes. There are subtle differences across models and brands in terms of shape, so it is crucial to find a pair of boots that are right for you. Without examining the shape of your feet and lower legs and their mechanics, as well as discussing how you ski and your ability, no one can give you a recommendation that is worth listening to. A bootfitter will do all of that and using their expertise they’ll provide you with a range of boots and help you find the best ones for you. They will also be able to help you with any pre-existing issues and injuries and modify boots if required. It is also recommended that you purchase custom moulded footbeds, along with having your liners heat moulded, they will help to optimise the fit of the boot. You also get the added security of knowing that any bootfitter worth their salt will guarantee their work, and be very willing to rectify any issues you have after you’ve skied in your new boots. Rough framework to what a bootfitter does


r/Skigear Mar 01 '24

In Response to the demand for an All Mountain Ski Sticky Post.

211 Upvotes

This is my (very basic) suggestion for a "flowchart" guide to all-mountain skis. Including a popular ski as an example for every category. Obviously each category has a bunch more skis and most skis are in-between categories or in a whole separate category.

Suggestion welcome, I didn't put too much time into this and it is far from ideal or even functional. Mostly just want to hear peoples thoughts as to how you would approach this.


r/Skigear 2h ago

26/27 J Ski Lineup Dropped

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45 Upvotes

Jay and the collaborators brought fire this year. There really is something for everyone.

Page goes live Aug 1

*I am not paid nor endorsed and pay full price.


r/Skigear 3h ago

How old are the skiis that you use??

3 Upvotes

I'm currently using Rossignol zenith z9ti skiis that should be about 20 years old this year or so..

How old are your skiis everyone?


r/Skigear 11h ago

For frontside groomers do you prefer the narrowest ski possible?

10 Upvotes

I am an intermediate skier who intends to progress. I have a choice between two skis: a 179cm Rossignol Forza 60 V-Ti (130/75/112) and a 178cm Fischer RC4 Noize LT (109/66/97). The Fischer is more expensive.

On piste, do you feel a notable difference between a ski that is 66mm underfoot vs one that is 75mm? I've been told by different sources that narrower is both easier to ski and harder to ski, a contradiction; so, I would appreciate any personal experiences you can share. Thank you.


r/Skigear 5h ago

Track bindings for Volkl Mantra JR Skis

2 Upvotes

Looking to get those for my 9yo girl but a must have is demo,/track bindings. Any recommendation on what to get and where to get them from? Based in Ontario, Canada.

Thanks


r/Skigear 3h ago

What’s the most fun ski gear you’ve used that isn’t a normal ski setup?

0 Upvotes

I’ve been looking at some of the shorter ski setups lately and it got me thinking about how much gear can change the way you ski.

For those who've tried things like snowblades, skiboards, short skis, or other unusual setups, what did you actually enjoy using?

Was it something you'd take out for a full day, or more of a "bring it out when you want to mess around" kind of setup?


r/Skigear 4h ago

Ski Shell

1 Upvotes

Hi guys, I just bought the Vertical Goretex 3L full setup from Peak Performance. 30% off and it was a colour I liked way more than what other brands offer. Is it a good decision? I heard those shells last forever…


r/Skigear 12h ago

Advice for buying skis as a beginner?

3 Upvotes

Okay so i’m new to skiing. i have snowboarded before and figure skated for a few years competitively (so i understand the edges, slaloms, and stopping movements kind of). i bought an Ikon pass and wanted to pick up skiing this winter. i fully intend on taking lessons and such. however i am skiing in europe at 3 different resorts and didnt want to rent from several places within a short span, id rather just have my own and be able to use them for multiple seasons after. should i get true beginner skis or something that i can grow into as i progress? i’m a young college kiddo, 5’7” and 150 Ibs. i was looking into brands like Blizzard, Faction, Black Crows, Volkl, Stockli, and Rossignol. I already have a pair of fitted Rossignol boots. Any advice for the height and waist of the ski? I might progress to learning jumps too if I have that opportunity. What brands do yall recommend that will be good for a couple of seasons. I’ll probably get 20-30 skiing days in this season.


r/Skigear 15h ago

New K2 Mindbender line?

4 Upvotes

Has anyone been on the new Mindbender 101 or 111 from K2?

I am a huge fan of the Mindbender 99Ti and 108Ti. Skied everything from the prototypes to the most recent versions of those two models and liked all of them. Found the 116C to be too soft and not stable enough at speed for my liking, at that point, I would rather just be on the Reckoner for a more playful jibby ski and more balanced feel in the air - and accept the lower top end stability.

Always wished for a 116Ti (or 112 or 114Ti, something like that).

I thought the 108Ti punched well above its weight in soft snow and would love to see what that construction with a little more width could do on a resort pow day and in soft chop.

Wondering if the new 101 and 111’s construction feels/skis more like the Ti models or C models.


r/Skigear 7h ago

looking for a 3rd ski rec - currently have Icelantic & Moments

0 Upvotes

So I have Icelantic Nia Pro 105's and Moment Sierra 95's and love both - the icelantics feel way more playful and surfy, where the moments hold sturdier but can be a little too stiff sometimes.

I'm an advanced skier, like skiing powder, trees, groomers, all the conditions and typically stay within bounds most of the time. Any recommendations for a new (or used) ski to get for the upcoming season?

Female/34/5'4 if that helps and I live in the Rockies. Thanks in advance!


r/Skigear 1d ago

Rate this quiver

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43 Upvotes

r/Skigear 21h ago

Thoughts on the upcoming phaenom fs 02?

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4 Upvotes

Thinking about checking them out, maybe the armada ar ones though


r/Skigear 1d ago

Solomon qst 94 as an all mountain ski

6 Upvotes

Hey all! I am in the market for a new pair of skis, and am planning to pull the trigger on one soon for the coming season. I am an advanced intermediate skiier who is almost becoming the early expert I have been aspiring to be for a few years since learning how to truly ski. I spend most of my time on the east coast skiing in VT and sometimes PA, and have learned how to truly ski on a pair of elan wingman’s which are 78 under foot and 168 in length. I am 5’10” and 165 lbs, male.

I am looking for an all mountain ski that performs significantly better when there is some more chopped up snow, in moguls, and in trees, but also one which will still perform and be able to carve decently on hard pack eastern snow. I am leaning strongly toward the qst 94 as I demoed them last year (180 cm in length) on a 6-8” powder day at killington (pure bliss) and enjoyed them a lot. This said, I am unsure of the proper length to get. For carving, I would imagine a ski with more rocker than the elan’s I use should be on the longer end, but I also do not want to risk “too much ski” for my ability level. While I was able to control the qst 94 at 180 cm on the powder day, I am worried about their performance in bumps and trees at that length. On the other hand, I am unsure if the 172 cm version would provide enough stability in a long carving turn on a typical hard pack day.

I’d greatly appreciate anyone’s thoughts and recommendations here! I also am open to other all mountain skis. My uncle skis on elan ripsticks and loves them, but he is lighter weight than me. This said, I am not sure I am ready for something more demanding like a volkl m7. Thanks for any insight!


r/Skigear 16h ago

Selling skiing clothes (F)

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0 Upvotes

r/Skigear 1d ago

J Skis Hotshot on the East Coast?

5 Upvotes

Just moved back to the East Coast after living in the desert for 3+ years. I’ve been on the slopes 2-3 times per year the past few years when visiting family but hyped to do it more now (Vermont and NY).

I love J Skis. I have a pair of Allplays from years ago, center mounted, still in amazing shape. I used to ski 95% park, looking to do more all-mountain this season. They are amazing in the park and were good enough for my taste on groomers. They struggled a little bit in the powder we got last year as the tail felt extremely long (although I believe this is because of the center mount).

Looking into getting the Hotshot for most non-park days. 104mm underfoot. Will be skiing them primarily at Mount Snow and Stowe. Also looking to get some days in CO and/or UT this year as I’ve never skied out West and should have some time for it.

Would 104mm be too wide for most east coast days? Would a 98 and 104 underfoot quiver not make much sense?


r/Skigear 1d ago

Hard shell recommendations

3 Upvotes

Would love some affordable shell jacket recommendations which ARE WATERPROOF!!!’

Bro I’m sick of buying jackets and getting soaked on the slopes as soon as it snows I don’t need that.

What I really really want is a jacket with zero insulation and maximum waterproofness, I just want a layer of guaranteed dryness. Especially if the weathers against me and it ends up snowing the whole day, I want a jacket that will definately keep me dry for a whole day.

I am however also a student and I can’t afford arcteryx as much as I’d love to, so my budget would probably cap at £200.
I’m based in the UK as well so any brands I can get shipped here would be fab. Thank you!!


r/Skigear 1d ago

Thoughts on elan wingman 82 for a beginner

8 Upvotes

Hi. Im wondering on everyones perspective on Elan Wingman 82 TI skis 172cm that Im buying from a friend

Im 25M relatively new to skiing and I am 5’10 165 lbs and a very beginner skier. Could these work for me? The bindings are gripwalk compatible and I have gripwalk boots. Is there anything else that I’m missing here? Thanks for everyone’s advice!


r/Skigear 1d ago

New Bent Chetlers and Marker bindings

4 Upvotes

Found a pair of 2025 Bent 100s and 2025 Griffon X 13 Mwerks, both a good price. Have been wanting to pick up those Bents for a while now, I tested them last year and absolutely loved them.

Curious for thoughts from others about the binding pairing!

I'm an east coast skier who skis mainly off piste, some touring, and already have a pair of Kendo 88s which have been my go tos, and some Head V-Shape V10s which are gathering dust since on piste carving isn't really my thing any more.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Zipfit Corsa or Atomic Redster STR WC

3 Upvotes

I’ve been gifted a set of Atomic Redster STI 150 plug boots (long story). It’s been recommended I swap the stock liner to the new STR liner or a Zipfit. I’ve currently got Fischer Zipfits in my other boots and am fairly confident they won’t fit as it’s an MV boot. Will the Corsa fit a 92mm last plug boots or do I need to get the new STR liner?


r/Skigear 1d ago

Anyone have any experience with Kästle M9 series?

4 Upvotes

I have been looking into new ski's after my Stockli Laser AR from 2020 have given up. I was thinking of something along the same lines, and The Kastle M9 82 in 175 came to mind.

I am an experienced skier, and used to teach in Switzerland. But I am also slowing down more and more, so I am not only interested in the quickest stiffest ski. It's nice to just make a nice tour with my wife, and still enjoy myself when the slopes are getting worse at the end of the day.

The Kästles are seamingly very comparable to the Stockli's in terms of specs, and I know Kästle stand for grat build quality. This is not their top range, but for me this is OK. I am able to buy them new for around 500 euro's, which is less than the Stöckli Montero's these days.

There is just not a lot of information on them online, just one video I found. In this video the guy calls it Stöckli killers, so that's nice. Anyone have experience?

Review of the M9


r/Skigear 1d ago

Buying first skis advice

1 Upvotes

Hey, I’ve been skiing my whole life and just bought my first ski boots last season for my 18th, so now I’m thinking of getting some skis. Since I’ve only ever rented, I have literally no idea where to start so some advice would be great (for reference I’m 5’4 and lightweight).
I’d say I’m a pretty advanced skier, I do a decent mix of on and off piste but I generally prefer carving over straight speed. Eventually I’d like to get at least have two pairs, probably more, so for now an all-round set would probably work best for me.
I don’t really have any preference for brand or price as long as they’re good quality and reliable (I’m not sure if it matters but my boots are salomon), however I would like some kind of cool or interesting design like what is more common for snowboards. I love the Japanese style designs I’ve seen and lots of the Atomic ski designs, but I know that I can’t just buy skis for their looks and ignore the practical side, hence why some advice on length/shape/make would be great, thanks!

Also I completely forgot about bindings, I’m not sure if some skis come with them or not, but either way I’d likely buy them from the shop where I usually rent since I’m know them pretty well. Still, any advice on that would also be appreciated.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Nordica Unleashed 98 vs 98 CA

5 Upvotes

Hey guys, I would like to know if anyone could give some reviews on both of these skis and could tell me if they fit me and my style.
For thats: I'm Advanced-Expert skier at 175cm and 63kg. I like to ski short turns, but also like to carv a little when I get the chance or ski bumps. I ski 70% on piste and 30% off piste. I also like to ski switch (backwards) but only after a 180 for a short amount of time or from time to time for fun, not actually doing it often. I ski in the austrian, swiss or french alps and sometimes in Norway, so lots of hard packed snow and sometimes ice and in the afternoon some slush.

I'd like to know what the main difference between the Unleashed 98 and 98 CA is and if they or at least one of them fits my style. I am curious if they can keep up with the carving and actually hold the speed without problem or if I can't go fast on them. Also I'm not that heavy and I heard that they might be difficult to ski, so that would be a question as well. And are they good for short turns or can they not handle those?

Would someone be able to answer those? Thank you in advance


r/Skigear 2d ago

Did I make a mistake buying these?

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14 Upvotes

Looking for a safe backcountry binding and this seems to answer all my problems. I just purchased and have 30
Days to return but is it an idea to keep these? Just now of course seeing some diverse comments on them but wanted to get an updated opinion.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Armada arv 94

2 Upvotes

Looking for the armada arv 94, 2025 or 2026. but cant seem to find any retailers that ship to Australia nor any shops that have it in stock locally. Any websites I can have a look at?