First time buying skiis and boots & I have lots of questions

[obastable]

I've gone to 2 ski shops so far and talked to a boot fitter in one, and the owner of another. I'm getting conflicting advice and feedback, and having never done this before I have no idea who to believe.

Person #1 tried talking me into buying a better ski & a cheaper boot. Their reasoning was that I wouldn't be utilizing the benefits of a higher end boot at my ski level but would notice the performance difference in a higher end ski. They were also adamant that it was a waste of money for me to buy an intermediate ski this year if I would outgrow it by next season. They didn't think there was any risk of outgrowing the boot. They put me in a low end Rossignol (about $140) and a $900 ski that I can't remember the name of right now.

Person #2 emphasized the importance of the boot. They put me in some higher end Fischers & the new Atomic Hawx H80 which were actually the best fit for my foot & very comfortable (around $300). I told them I wasn't buying today but they still went through the proper boot fitting, and repeated (almost like a mantra) that no matter how expensive the ski is it might as well be $10 if the boot doesn't fit right. He recommended I demo the Fischer Vision Exhale and a few other comparable skis (all around $400-$450 range).


Judging by what I've read in these forums so far, I should probably go back to sales person #2. Before I go anywhere, though, I was wondering if anyone here had input for me to consider.

Questions!

1 - Has anyone here tried Hawx yet? Any feedback on them would be appreciated!

2 - As an Intermediate skier looking to improve is it worthwhile to invest in a higher end ski?

3 - How important are ski poles?! I don't anything about them at all!!

 

[alyeskaluv]

Congrats on getting your own gear! Very exciting.

Wow - definitely go back to shop #2! I have never ever heard of this "buy a cheap boot and a high end" ski theory . . . and I call BS! Boots are critical and investing in a good pair is the best place to start.

I have the Atomic Hawx 110s with the heat moldable liner and LOVE them. They are amazing - strong, supportive, and comfortable. The flex feature on the boots that allows the boot to flex with the forefoot as you turn and carve is a nice bonus. I have very narrow feet and heels, so finding boots can be difficult, but the Hawx are really great. I am just starting as a Ski Patrol candidate and everyone on the patrol commented on my "fancy" boots yesterday! I was happy to give them a glowing endorsement and have done so on other threads on this site.

As far as skis, you should probably look at high intermediate/lower advanced skis. You will want to buy something that you can grow into, or else you'll outgrow your skis quickly. I would take the advice of shop #2 and demo demo demo! Sounds like their recommendations are right on, but be sure to also try some skis a little higher on the food chain - a lot of the skis billed for advanced skiiers are just fine for intermediates and can really help you take your skills up a notch. In short, try not to put too much stock in ability classifications between intermediate and advanced skis - you will likely find skis in both categories that you would be happy on for years.

Poles - not much to say here. Unless you are racing and/or hiking in the backcountry and weight is an issue, just go for an affordable pair in the right length! I recently upgraded to a lighter pair with a more comfortable grip, but they really perform exactly the same as my older, slightly heavier poles. You should be able to find a good pair for around $30 - no need to splurge here . . . save it for building a quiver later!

I hope some of this is helpful - choosing your first skis/boots/bindings can be a daunting task and, given the $$$ involved, most everyone you talk to will want your business! The Divas on this site are a great resource, so continue to report back with updates and questions that arise

 

[Jilly]

Deal with shop 2! Boots are the most important piece of equipment. The Atomic Hawx is a great boot and the Fischer ski too. You might want to look at some other lines. What did the shop offer? (Who are dealing with - Mt. Kirby Ski Shop? - good guys!) Stay away from Sportchek and Sportsmart! Poles - buy a pair in the $29.95-39.95 range. That's all you'll need for now!

 

[ski diva]

Another vote for shop #2 here. I have Atomic Hawx 90's -- just got them this season, and I think they're great. Comfortable, a good fit, supportive, responsive. And a good price, too.

AND I have Fischer skis. Mine are a few years old: the Fischer Vision 73's. But I think Fischers are a great ski for hard pack. Very responsive, lively, good on edge, and a great value.

My best advice to you would be to demo. As alyeskaluv says, don't put too much stock in ability classifications between intermediate and advanced skis. Pick out a few and give them a try. That's the best way to find the one that's right for you.

 

[obastable]

shop offer? (Who are dealing with - Mt. Kirby Ski Shop? - good guys!) Stay away from Sportchek and Sportsmart!

That's exactly who shop #2 is! It certainly helps to get the extra vote of confidence on them. I still plan on checking a few other ski shops out (not sports shops!) before I make any final decisions, though I really felt comfortable with the guy at Mt. Kirby Skis & Boards. Gotta meet a few more and then go with my gut feeling (which is currently Mt. Kirby).

 

[Jilly]

Talk to Parnell's at the Elbow too. Or were they shop 1?? Not my favourite place, but I do have a friend that deals there.

 

[volklgirl]

I'm calling shenanigans on shop #1! What utter BS. Sounds like they were trying to get rid on their on-hand stock.

Go see shop #2 for sure.