Skis

Hi all, have been reading lots of threads here for a while now, so thought i'd join in. I do have an initial question to all you knowledgeable people.
I've been skiing now for about 8 years and love it, booked for coming season. My question is about skis, always hired skis at the start, then for a bit of fun have used snow blades for the last 3 years, now want to improve and take it a bit more serious (not too serious). I was looking to purchase some some skis in the resort this winter, but do not have too much experience in type to be suitable. Too cut a long story short i was given a set of skis yesterday, but i'm a bit concerned as to their level. I will try to describe them.. They are 'ELAN PHANTOM' 183cm long, 85mm tip, 45mm waist, 85mm tail. My stats are 6 feet tall, 14.4 stone, like to think a confident skier but may need more technic. Any feed back will be greatly appreciated, just to know is it worth carting them down with me this year.

Welcome to J2ski. From the measurements you post, this sounds like a very old ski. It won't help you to improve, so leave them behind, rent a newer ski and take some lessons :D Going onto the Elans, from using snowblades would be well worth filming )

Thanks Bandit, you said what i was thinking, maybe it will be a wrong move, so looks like i will have to get some euros out when i get there, can't wait to get there now.

Hello 2ski. I dont know anything about those skis, but I do know that if they are the true measurements, I would use them on November 5th if I were you.

If you really want to buy, consider the following:

1. Are you going to get your moneys worth, ie ski more than twice a season
2. Can you afford the upkeep: £25 for a service required once a year, or purchase of tools and wax to do them yourself if you are up to it
3. Are you aware of the cost of ski carriage on flights?
4. Do you want to cart them around if its just for 1 week a year?
5. Ok, so you've responded to all the above and still want to buy: look in the UK because the exchange rate is terrible and you will actually get better deals here in the UK this season.

However, first things first: do you own your own boots?
If not, invest in those and rent this season, and think about skis for the next trip. Seriously.

Hi Tony_H

The measurements are correct, and i agree, they will come to some use as wall decoration, i can salvage the bindings (not old) poles and bag, so for free still a reasonable deal. I live in Jersey (C.I) so buying skis locally is impossible, other alternative is via internet, but would prefer to speak to someone direct due to lack of knowledge, taking them with me isn't too much of an issue as we drive all the time, our gear is based in France, we pick it up en-route.
I will probably rent this year, also try some demos just to see what suits me.

2ski wrote:

I can salvage the bindings (not old) poles and bag, so for free still a reasonable deal.

If the bindings came with the skis, they are likely over ten years old. You may not find a shop that will reinstall them on your new skis for indemnity reasons, ah.