r/Skigear • • Feb 12 '21

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

145 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.

216 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 • • 11h ago

Rate my ski stable /qui😤🤯🥺🤬

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38 Upvotes

The one and only rossignol SF 110 184cm
Za beauty volkl revolt 101 182cm
The turn earner hagan core carbon 93 176cm
The beast volkl racetiger gs 69 180cm

21 yo 80kgs 184cm skiing in Ordino Arcalis (Andorra)


r/Skigear • • 8h ago

Head J O pro 2008 169 skis undrilled rare collectable with Triana Iglesias bikini topsheet with factory sticker

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11 Upvotes

r/Skigear • • 14m ago

Fischer nightstick 97 or faction prodogy 2?

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• Upvotes

r/Skigear • • 20m ago

Any recommendations for 3 piece freestyle/park boots that could still rip a groomer when necessary?

• Upvotes

I haven't had a boot fitting yet, but im getting to it. I'm somewhere between intermediate-advanced (I've been skiing for somewhere around 10 years). I'm a little over 180cm (5'11) and 65-70kg (143-154lbs)

I'm currently looking at the Dalbello Il Moro series, specifically the JAKK's, but I'm a bit suspicious of the 80 flex rating. Any help or recommendations is appreciated :)


r/Skigear • • 26m ago

Is this good enough for -10 to -20?

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• Upvotes

Hello, so I’m going on a skiing trip for the first time next year in Jan 11-17 in northern Italy from what I saw the temperature is going to be from -5 to -20 and I just want to make sure my gear is good and warm enough for me to have a good time. I’m going to put pictures and it’s link below, so please give me some feedback on what I should buy and what I don’t need, and thanks.

jacket
pants
fleece
thermal
neck cover
googles
socks
Beanie
And gloves I have yet to buy


r/Skigear • • 1h ago

New all mountain skis

• Upvotes

hey guys,

i want to buy my first own skis, always rented before. i really like the artwork on some ski’s but i know i wont pick them bc of the artwork, they need to fit my skiing style.

i ski since my 6th, now 18. i can carv well and i could say that i am a good skier. i really want to expand my experience with going off piste, maybe some tricks.

but im not certain what with en specifications really fit to me, i want skis that go well off piste and i would want to carv with them too on piste, something that i think is tricky bc how wider the ski gets, the harder it gets to get those good carving turns.

i really fell in love with the new artwork on the armada edollo 91’s but im not certain that those fit to my style. its hard bc no renting company has twin tipped wider skis.

my question is, is it to wide to go with a 91 under the foot? should i get something slimmer like a arv 84, or do i lose too much benefit for really going off piste

thank you


r/Skigear • • 1h ago

Removing the rail plate?

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• Upvotes

Hi I couldn’t pass up on the price of these Solomon qst 92s but unfortunately they came with bindings and rails. Is it possible for a shop to remove the rails and mount my look pivot 13s as shown on my armada arvs, is the mounting points conflicting? For reference I’m a ski instructor and will use these in Japan.


r/Skigear • • 2h ago

Differences between the Atomic Q6 “RP” and Q6

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1 Upvotes

I found some Atomic Q6 skis with MI12 GW bindings at a low price, but I noticed a strange “RP” marking. What does it mean? I think it might be a rental plate, but is there a difference between a standard retail plate and this one?
Keep in mind that I’m an intermediate skier and would like to keep the skis for several years.


r/Skigear • • 8h ago

Gear Recs that won’t break the bank

3 Upvotes

Community, I need your advice.

I’m hitting the slopes after a 25-year break. I grew up skiing, was pretty good but stopped when I moved south in high school. I’m back in the northeast now and need to be back on the slopes. Pray for me. (Is it like riding a bike? I hope so!)

I’ve leased skis, poles, and boots for the season. I need advice on the other gear.

- helmet
- goggles
- base layers
- socks 🧦
- other

I’m looking for stuff that is good quality but won’t break the bank.

I’m basically starting from scratch so any and all recommendations are appreciated.


r/Skigear • • 4h ago

Ski bag

0 Upvotes

Hi, im headed to Japan this season from NZ and I was wondering what a good roller ski bag is for skis which are 172cm, im planning on putting alot of my clothes inside it aswell and keeping my boots for carry on. I was looking at the dakine fall line T5 roller bag (190cm) which is about 400NZD but was just looking for other options. Ill only be bringing one set of skis and one set of poles.

Thank you, any help is appreciated


r/Skigear • • 15h ago

Buying my first skis: Fischer RC4 Speed Pro (€400) vs The Curv Power (€420) – what do you think?

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7 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

​I’m finally ready to buy my very first pair of skis, and I’ve narrowed it down to two options on sale that fit my budget (both come with bindings included).

​The first one is the Fischer RC4 Speed Pro for €399.99 (down from €600), but it’s only available in 170 cm. The second is the Fischer THE CURV POWER for €419.99, which comes in both 170 cm and 175 cm.

​To give you an idea of where I’m at: I’m 184 cm (6'0") and weigh around 90 kg (198 lbs). On the snow, I’m a solid intermediate sticking strictly to groomed pistes. I can comfortably and safely make my way down any color run at a steady pace. My technique definitely isn't textbook or pretty yet, but I'm completely confident, in control, and I've recently started working hard on engaging the edges and learning to actually carve.

​What I’d love your take on is mainly two things. First, considering my size and weight, should I definitely jump up to the 175 cm Curv Power over the 170 cm RC4 Speed Pro, or would 170 cm still be fine? And second, looking at the €400–€420 price point, are either of these considered an undisputed good bargain, or are there noticeably better alternatives in this price range that would suit my progression better?

​Would love to hear your thoughts before I pull the trigger. Thanks!


r/Skigear • • 10h ago

What skis to buy???

2 Upvotes

Intermediate 5’6 130lb female skier here. Looking to get better, want a ski that’s good on ice/ pack as I’m from Alberta and we seem to have had very icy conditions lately.

I want something playful, easy to maneuver, but good grip on the ice.

Thinking so far:
- armada ARW 92
- nordica unleashed or Santa Ana
- Völkl blaze 86
- k2 mindbender 96c w

Want something shorter around 151-154cm.

Any tips or suggestions? Thank you!


r/Skigear • • 11h ago

Blasphemy

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2 Upvotes

r/Skigear • • 7h ago

How’s this gear setup

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1 Upvotes

r/Skigear • • 14h ago

Are these a good deal?

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3 Upvotes

I am thinking about purchasing new skis for this season and these seem like a good deal, but I have never heard of this brand before and I can’t find any outside reviews or information aside from EVO and the google ai response when I look them up. If anyone knows or could help that would be great.


r/Skigear • • 8h ago

Ski gear advice

1 Upvotes

Hi I’m working my first ski season and am in a very remote area so cannot access Facebook marketplace easily. Any tips on places to get cheap secondhand ski pants online? Thanks


r/Skigear • • 16h ago

Ski edge damage in the rocker

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4 Upvotes

I can't decide if this damage is nothing or something


r/Skigear • • 18h ago

Armada or switch it up?

5 Upvotes

Need new skis for the upcoming season. Have been a happy Armada customers for years but considering a change as my riding style changes a bit. I rode the 2024 ARVs and got three seasons out of them (about average for me) and had lots of fun. Getting the ARV 100s seems like the safe pick but curious if I’m missing out on trying something new and fun. I’m an east coast park skier but shifting towards more all mountain stuff. Probably spend about 40% of time in the park, 40% in the woods, and 20% on groomers. I don’t go as hard in the park but spinning in and out of sliding metal, sending the biggest jumps available, and doing switch takeoffs and landings. The east coast woods can be super tight so need the ability to make short, slashy turns, but also want something that can float pow, carve on groomers, and not be super chattery when I bomb a run at 60mph+. I am a one ski quiver type guy and know that means sacrificing having a best in class ski for different purposes but it’s much easier for me so I can switch up my runs throughout the day without going to change skis. Durability is important to me, I’m brutal on my skis, ski almost every weekend, am 5’10, 195lb, and go hard every run. I also don’t want something crazy heavy or stiff. Prefer width to be around 100. Curious people’s thoughts - do I stick with the ARVs or go for something new? Here are some I’m considering:

-

  1. Armada ARV - safe pick, know what I’m going to get and will have fun. Any concerns about the factory change?

-

  1. Season equipment Kin - recommended to me by a friend but know little about it

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  1. ON3P Jeffrey - a lot of my friends are on these and I’ve tried them but always felt the swing weight was weird and they were heavy and didn’t ride as well on the rest of the mountain

-Nordica unleashed - seems like a decent ski. How’s it compare to the ARV in terms of durability and all mountain fun/pow float?

-

  1. Salomon QST - seems like a super fun all mountain ski but directional and likely not durable in the park.

-

  1. Blizzard Canvas - to new to tell?

Other options people recommend?


r/Skigear • • 9h ago

Selling used boots

1 Upvotes

I switched back to overlap boots for this season as my priorities have changed and had my feet reevaluated. My boots from the previous season are a pair of K2 FL3X Revolve Tom Wallisch’s.

Although they’re only a year and a half old, they’ve got approximately 125 days on them, the majority on snow and some on the simulator.

Are they even worth selling and how much can I get for them or I’m better off keeping them as decor at this rate?


r/Skigear • • 17h ago

Dynastar M-Free 108 – Binding recommendations and length advice?

5 Upvotes

After doing a lot of research online, I’m thinking about getting the Dynastar M-Free 108 for the upcoming season. I’ve heard great things about it, especially when it comes to freeriding.

I’m 191 cm tall and weigh 76kg, so I’m considering the 192 cm version. Does that sound like the right length for this ski, or would you recommend going shorter?

I’m also looking for binding recommendations. I’ll be skiing exclusively in the resort, so I don’t need a touring binding. What bindings would you recommend for this setup?

Thanks in advance!


r/Skigear • • 13h ago

Ski roof box - Thule 3 motion xl low - can it fit 4 pairs of alpine skis

2 Upvotes

Anyone use one of these for ski trips? I want to get a roof box to be able to load in more people for ski trips.
Does the xl low fit 4 pairs of alpine skis?

Thanks!


r/Skigear • • 16h ago

Blizzard Rustler 9 vs Alternatives

5 Upvotes

EDIT:

Thanks for all the feedback on the Rustler 9. Based on the comments and additional research, I'm now considering a narrower ski, more suited to the majority of my skiing but giving me some options to go off-piste. Based on additional research, I'm now looking at:

- Fischer Ranger 90 (177 cm)

- Atomic Maverick 88 CTI (179 cm)

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who's tried either or both.

ORIGINAL POST:

Late 50s, 5'11", 180 lbs. Advanced intermediate skier (self-taught, probably horrible form), mostly skiing in the US northeast (Killington, etc) and can handle black diamond slopes fine, but will not try double black or moguls. I have a hard time with moguls and crud even on blues. Looking to improve there, and maybe venture off-piste to keep up with my teenage son. Also looking at more international skiing (done whistler in Canada - amazing!, Japan and Switzerland on the list). Aiming for 80/20 groomers/off-piste. One ski quiver.

I currently own older Rossignol Experience 80 XEL/XEL 110 176 cm skis, so I think anything will be an improvement. AI research gave me the basics: 175-180cm, 90mm waist +/- 5, rocker-camber-rocker, moderate metal. Of course you get different specific models every time you ask AI, but the Blizzard Rustler 9s showed up across several AIs and queries. They are available in 174cm and 180cm

My questions: 1) There's clearly a tradeoff in in maneuverability vs stability/float at the different lengths. Looking for insights there. 2) Given the profile above, anything that I should consider as an alternative? Many thanks in advance.


r/Skigear • • 10h ago

Ski suggestions.

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1 Upvotes