Help me figure out what to buy!

[itri]

Bear with me, this might get a little long/complicated, but I'll try to keep it as simple as I can!

In a nutshell, I'm in the process of going through mediation for a divorce. I'm a stay-at-home mom, so I'm completely dependent on my soon-to-be-ex's (STBX) income. We have agreed that I will continue staying home with DS until he's in school, so I will receive an income from STBX for about 3 more years. I'll be doing ok financially, but will probably have to cut some corners and not be able to splurge.

Therefore, I really, really want to get some new skis and boots before the divorce is final and I lose access to the joint checking account! I know it sounds terrible, but the truth is that STBX is feeling pretty guilty and I have a little leeway to spend some money, although I already bought myself a new road bike in November, so I can't push it too much. Ideally, I would wait until the fall when the big sales are (sniagrab and ski-rex), but I don't think I can wait that long and still have the financial ability to buy new stuff.

My current skis (K2 Freedom) and boots (Salomon Performa) have been great, but they're about 8 years old and were purchased when I was a beginner. My boots are really not fitting well since I've lost about 40 pounds, and are probably a little more urgently in need of replacement, but I really WANT new skis! :p

I want a good all-mountain ski. Until this year, I mostly stuck to groomers, but my skiing has really improved this year and I'm really getting into bumps and powder now. I probably actually prefer bumps over groomers now.

I stopped by my local shop (Ski&Golf, for the Coloradans) and talked to a guy about skis last week. He gave me several recommendations. Ski prices will go down a little bit more (he said $25-50) by the end of the month as golf gear takes over the majority of the store, but other than that they won't go down until the fall.

Here are the skis he recommended:
1) K2 Lotta Luv $699 w/binding (and on sale this week $50 off)
2) Rossignol B78 W $579 w/binding
3) Rossignol B1 W $299 w/o binding
4) Fisher Vision 73 $399 w/binding
5) Salomon Siam8 $429 w/binding

Demo-ing is not an option, since I don't even know if I'll be able to get back up to ski again this year, but they have GREAT customer service and if I don't like the ski for any reason, they'll work with me to get me in a ski I DO like. I really want the Lotta Luvs but just don't know if I can rationalize paying that much, especially when I need boots, too.

As for boots, I know the most important thing is how they fit me, so I guess I just need to go try different boots on, but I would love to hear any recommendations from the divas on what boots you love. I'm guessing I'll be spending at least $300-400 for boots.

If you stuck with me this far , thanks! Let me have it with any thoughts you have!!

 

[persee]

If you really want the Lottas I'd poke around on the internet. I KNOW I've seen them for under $500 at a few places. I know you can get them cheaper. Then take that money you saved and be prepared to spend it (and more) on the appropriate boots. I just spent a bit more than I was prepared to on boots, but if they work out as good as I hope it will be worth it.

 

[sbskier]

If you really want the Lottas I'd poke around on the internet. I KNOW I've seen them for under $500 at a few places. I know you can get them cheaper.

I agree, it sounds like we may have seen them on the same site.

 

[Robyn]

Check out Outdoor Divas as well, they've got some great sales going on right now. I saw the Phat Luvs for under $550 there yesterday. I'd call rather than check their website which is somewhat unreliable for current markdowns.

 

[Swamp Dog]

well, I can't offer advice on skis since I'm really just learning about them myself. But I do know about buying bikes. Did you try out your bike before you bought it? Did you try several different models and sizes before you made your decision? I bet you see where this is going! Demoing really is the best way to buy skis and bikes. But....sometimes ya just can't do that, I know all about that.

I bought my first road bike in 1999. In 2001 I finally gave up on adjustments after realizing it was just too big, and bought another one. Could've saved myself about $1500 if I had done a better job the first time. I've done the same thing with 2 tri bikes as well. Yes, I'm a slow learner!

so BTW, what bike did you get? I just got a Specialized Ruby, all carbon fiber. I've never ridden a bike quite as nice!

 

[Kiragirl]

just had a thought, can you get a (really expensive) gift card for yourself at a ski shop to purchase something later if you can't decide right now?

hee hee, evil mind

 

[itri]

well, I can't offer advice on skis since I'm really just learning about them myself. But I do know about buying bikes. Did you try out your bike before you bought it? Did you try several different models and sizes before you made your decision? I bet you see where this is going! Demoing really is the best way to buy skis and bikes. But....sometimes ya just can't do that, I know all about that.

I bought my first road bike in 1999. In 2001 I finally gave up on adjustments after realizing it was just too big, and bought another one. Could've saved myself about $1500 if I had done a better job the first time. I've done the same thing with 2 tri bikes as well. Yes, I'm a slow learner!

so BTW, what bike did you get? I just got a Specialized Ruby, all carbon fiber. I've never ridden a bike quite as nice!

Yeah, I know what you mean. That's one reason I'd really like to get them at the shop vs. online, because the shop will take care of me if they're just not cutting it. And unfortunately, it's so much easier to ride a bike around a parking lot or even down the trail next to the store a little than to get up to the mountains to demo skis. Especially when you're a single mom to a toddler!

Ooh, I'm jealous of your Ruby. I got the Dolce Comp. I testrode and loved the Ruby, but that DEFINITELY wasn't in the budget! STBX had a minor conniption when he found out how much I spent on the Dolce.

just had a thought, can you get a (really expensive) gift card for yourself at a ski shop to purchase something later if you can't decide right now?

hee hee, evil mind

Hmm...that's not a terrible idea! I like how you think!

It wouldn't be a super huge rush (as in it could probably wait a month or two, we haven't filed yet and it will be at least 90 days from then before things are final), but the K2s are only $50 off till Sunday.

 

[Kiragirl]

90 days? try a year. been thru it, so glad I got rid of that big boring backstabbing baggage. I'm having MUCH more fun now.

 

[itri]

Yeah, it's pretty quick here in Colorado. The law requires 90 days from filing to finalization, beyond that it's up to the county how fast it happens. According to the lawyer I talked to, Denver county moves pretty quickly, sometimes as fast as the 91st or 92nd day!

 

[Kiragirl]

cool, you'll be a swingin' single for next ski season!

 

[itri]

So I went into ski&golf on Saturday, all ready to pull the trigger and I chickened out.

BUT, all is not lost, and it might have actually been good that I chickened out...because today I get an email from them announcing the golf grand opening, with a 50% off coupon!!!! It says that it's good for 50% off any single item in the store, excluding electronics and clubs. I think that probably applies to skis, right??? That would bring those Lotta Luvs down to a WAY more reasonable price...

My only concern is if the coupon is only for golf gear, but it doesn't specify golf gear, it says any item in the store! Keeping fingers crossed....the coupon is good till April 6, so I have a week and a half to get over there and check it out!