If I'm committed to skiing should I buy my own skis?

I've gazed at the lovely colourful skis in shops here and abroad and wondered whether I should own a pair.

Am I missing out on some sort of subtle advantage by continuing to hire skis? Or ** controversially **, does hiring different skis on each trip actually help with one's overall technique?

Other than one trip, I've been very happy with the hire skis on 3 out of 4 occasions (only got caught out in Les Arcs). I opt for the premium skis and use a hire shop recommended by others. I don't have to worry about maintenance or carriage to the resort and get to try the latest models.

The only parallel I can think of (and it isn't really much of parallel) is my other sporting pastime which is mountain biking. I upgraded to a relatively expensive bike a couple of years ago (end of season bike reduced from £1,800 to £1,200 - got heat for that purchase I can tell you!!). The new bike was a little better than the old one (lighter and a bit more nimble) but not that much better.

Some before and after stories would be appreciated.

I have owned my own skis since quite early in my time on snow. I have had 3 pairs, each time upgrading to better and higher ability.
Personally I believe there is something rather nice about owning your own, and you get used to what they can do. Hence why choosing the right ones is so important.

Remember you have to service them (£20-£25 a time if you dont do them yourself) and pay to take them on flights (anything from £25 to £90 depending on who you fly with).

I think its safe to say these days its better value to rent if you go once a season, but if you intend to ski 3 times a season or so, then owning makes more sense.

But you'll need to decide what you want them to do. I chose all mountain skis so I can ski any conditions any terrain, within reason. That way I dont limit myself to piste skiing or not being able to handle powder, but likewise they handle well on piste. A good 50/50 ski would really be ideal for anyone who is above intermediate level and looking to ski all terrain and venture off piste.

Thats my advice. Theres some good deals out there right now, and buying in the UK is better than in resort now with exchange rates, if you can find what you want.

Try sport conrad's website, they're in Germany but have a massive selection and some great deals.

Reasons to own skis;

1 - I want to !!
2 - save money
3 - improve my skiing

I haven't owned skis since the late 1990's and have rented, taking some time, research, questioning etc to get some suitable skis.

1 - If I had a fair chunk of spare cash I would probably buy. But, I enjoy new skis, and skiing on different planks .....

so ...

2 - Skiing 1 or 2 weeks a year - renting is the sensible option. For example this year I had a week on amazing snow on amazing Salomon BBR's and a week of worn conditions on Nordica Fire Arrow. Cost; about £175 in total - plus I bust the Nordicas.

3 - Varying what I am using depending on conditions enhances my skiing experience. For me, I am convinced, that choosing skis based on conditions works rather than having one set that I will, admitedly know well, and skiing on these no matter what the conditions are.

So ......

In conclusion .....

Buying or renting?
Personal choice, swings and roundabouts etc.
Unless skiing several weeks a year or very flush with cash or you just want to own your own.
:D

Buy!!!!!!

Ian Wickham wrote:Buy!!!!!!

unacceptable answer - no supporting information. )

It depends what you want...I wanted bindings I could rely on and a ( very unfashionable ) long ski ,,185/190s as i am 6'3" and 115k and I like a stiffer ski so I bought some Rossi gs world cup 9xt skis ..new but the then last seasons at an EXCELLENT price..Ive not regretted the decision Ive done 10 weeks on them so they've saved me £700 approx in rental (lees the carriage) ..

bedrock barney wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Buy!!!!!!

unacceptable answer - no supporting information. )

When you been on here as long as I have,you tend not to want to continue to answer in depth repeated threads :lol:

Ian Wickham wrote:

bedrock barney wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:Buy!!!!!!

unacceptable answer - no supporting information. )

When you been on here as long as I have,you tend not to want to continue to answer in depth repeated threads :lol:

Fair cop.