ski advice needed please

Ian Wickham wrote:

Eljay wrote:

geo wrote:Thanks lads,Bandit that really is sound advice you have offered and I will take it.

Just so you know geo ...........our Bandit is a laydee!!

Is she :oops: :oops:

Now Wickers, if you're still not sure, what does your statement say about you :lol:

..............and TonyH thought there was less wibble!!

Eljay wrote:..............and TonyH thought there was less wibble!!

So true, and as no-one has answered Geo's question about when to buy boots, I shall offer my 2p's worth and hopefully redeem myself :D

Geo wrote:
The plan was always to get boots if we got the bug so as you wisely suggest one step at a time is the way to go.out of curiosity do the specialist ski shops have much in the way of end of season sales or do prices remain pretty stable year round. In other words is their a good time to buy

I would suggest, as a starting point that you go and get measured in a couple of different ski shops. If they come to the same result, you stand a good chance of getting the right size.

It's tempting to want to score a bargain in the summer sales (April onwards), however the risk is that you will be sold a boot that is the wrong shape for your foot, or too big. Both will hold your skiing development back, and you will need to spend more money once the liners pack down and the boot becomes a welly.

Do some research on the boots for your standard, head towards the intermediate level boots. Have a look at the catalogues from the big retailers like S&R and EB's for ideas. You are in no hurry to buy boots, so you can afford to take your time and source the correct boot for your foot shape. Go and talk to a real bootfitter, not a shop salesman, see what they suggest for your feet. Don't be seduced by knobs, bells and whistles ) it's the fit that counts.

Many skiers (me included) got it wrong 1st time round at this stage :roll: You have the chance to spend once and wisely :D

Hands up. I got it wrong first time by buying boots that were
a) a good price
b) bought in a rush
c) a nice colour

Turns out they were well over a size too big as when the linings packed out I could move my feet about a lot. In addiiton, the tongues split after only a few weeks of use.

I paid 149 euros for them in 2006, an excellent price or so I thought, but the best thing I did was spend over £200 replacing them with boots that were fitted with custom linings. And that were 1.5 mondo points smaller. Best thing I ever did.
Oh, and taking advice on how to wear them and finding these tips really useful. Such as:

* skiing first thing in the morning with boots almost undone, first clip only
* leaving the 2nd clip virtually undone all day for comfort and flexibility (and before Ise jumps in as usual, I know this does not technically affect the "flex" of the boot)
* keeping them done up all night in a warm place

Some of these might seem obvious but well worth remembering.

Ian Wickham wrote:

Eljay wrote:

geo wrote:Thanks lads,Bandit that really is sound advice you have offered and I will take it.

Just so you know geo ...........our Bandit is a laydee!!

Is she :oops: :oops:

:oops: : :oops:Bandit my apologies. Still sound advice though !!