How often do you update your equipment?

[ski diva]

For those of you without multiple pairs of skis (like me), how often do you update your equipment? I've generally gone 3 seasons for skis, but I've already gone 2-1/2 on my current pair and I'm going to try to stretch it out longer. What about you?

 

[Jilly]

Usually one item/year. Last year was skis and poles, this year suit, next year boots. Then the cycle repeats itself. Boots may happen before that, or at least at the end of season sales.

 

[SnowHot]

For those of you without multiple pairs of skis

You're leaving me out and I'm not happy about it!:mad:

Okay really............
I have many sets of skis but its time to change my jacket.
I didn't realize how long I'd had my current primary ski coat, until my sister made a scrap book for one of my nephews friends who skis with us all the time.
I was wondering why the elastic in the waist wasn't "slimming" any more.

 

[dburdenbates]

I get new equipment much more often than hubby would like. ;) And as soon as I get something new, hubby wants me to sell the older gear as soon as possible. Like Jilly, it's probably only one major expense per year. I think this will be a boot year. :D

 

[Marigee]

I got new boots 2 years ago and new skis last year. I'd like to get a second pair of skis this year - but I saw a great Marmot jacket marked way down last week and I found a pair of Marker Petite pants (on sale as well) so I think I might hold off on the skis. If I find a great sale in the spring, then maybe I might buy. I try not to spend too much on equipment/clothing each year - like most, one major purchase is about it.

Actually, I think the money this year will be spent on oldest son. He will be getting boots and skis for Christmas.

 

[ISki]

Very rarely. I hang on to stuff until broken beyond repair or lost. I do a lot of research and window shopping up front, before purchase, and once I buy, I'm done for a looooong time.

 

[Lola]

Like Lil, I get new gear when Phil says I need new gear.

 

[Snowbird]

I usually go four years or so. I think next year is the year for skis, the year after for boots!

 

[liquidfeet]

I am always so jealous when I hear of you people with multiple skis. I've owned only ONE pair so far, and they are going to be doing service on the mountain for a third year this winter. Same for boots. Maybe one day I'll have a quiver....

I seem to be headed towards spending far more money this upcoming season on special programs - a second season ticket and a once-a-week race camp will just about do me in. Add to that lots of gas and lodging and the food that is required for fuel for all those weekends and that's one major vacation budget spread out over four months. Nothing left over for skis/boots, etc.

However, what a vacation ... it lasts all winter! I think I counted 18 weekends skiing last season.

 

[ski diva]

Interesting to see how things have changed -- when I started this thread back in October, 2006, I had one pair of skis. Now I have three.

Still, an interesting question. Anyone care to add a comment?

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Hmmmm.....this thread should run parallel to the "quiver picture thread" I think we've been sorta/kinda a bad influence on one another! Think?

I generally only get a season-plus (pushing 2) on a pair of boots, based on a 40 day season. Confirmed here early last season that the brand has a pack-out issue. However, since it's the closest thing I have ever had to an out-of-box fit - really, incredibly good - I just hunt for deals and generally (or hopefully, if trend continues) pick up the next pair at 50% retail. Have been doing this for last 7 seasons with great luck. Ditto DH. We stockpile our brand and model of boots, ready for the inevitable pack-out -- which seems to happen allatonceononeday - bam, too big. Shim 'em, deal w/em, replace 'em.

 

[SnowHot]

Hmmmm.....this thread should run parallel to the "quiver picture thread" I think we've been sorta/kinda a bad influence on one another! Think?

Bad influence!!!! Bite your tongue!!!!!:p

I was thinking this thread needs a poll added to it.
Anyone want to have fun with some poll options?

 

[playoutside]

All I can say is I am not typical compared to this group! I never knew anyone who had multiple pairs of skis, except when they included the old beat-to-heck retired skis in the quiver. I know some of my stuff is due for a refresh so here goes...

Jacket - is prob 10 yrs old, only realized how old when I saw everyone in these new slim, micro fabrics. My jacket seems so big and bulky now. It's still in great shape and has all the features I like, but its looking pretty dated. May get replaced this season if I see a good sale.

Boots - 5 or 6 yrs old. This is the year for replacement. I dread replacing boots, before I got these boots, I purchased a pair worn just twice and tossed because they were completely a bad fit and too big to mess with!! Such a waste!! At least now I have a store I trust and an owner who will spend as long as it takes this cinderella to find the boot that fits!

Skis - bought 05 and expected to keep 5-6 yrs, but reading what you Divas buy and seeing some deals you post, I will probably get another pair sooner.

Poles - they were brand new this past season. Guess I'll prob keep these for 15 years!

You all are definitely a bad influence! But it sure is fun to live vicariously through your purchases!!

 

[SkiNurse]

Well being single and no longer fincancially responsible for my daughter, I update whenever I feel the need!

 

[abc]

"update"? What the heck does THAT mean?

I CAN update as often as my wallet allows. On the other hand, I'm not an equipment freak. I'm simply not very sensitive to different skis. So, I expect I'll hang on to my current set of two for a while until I find something really knock my socks off! Thankfully, I'm totally immune to marketing hypes.

Boots. I shop till I drop and find a good fitting pair. I'll simply ski it until it dies. My last pair went for about 10 years until the plastics were cracking left and right, literally! I know the liner will pack out at some point. But I might give custom liners a try before changing shells. At $2-300 a pop, it's still cheaper to get new liners than a new pair of boots. The main advantage is not having to waste time trying and fitting new shell. The breaking in process took an entire season on this one. Not looking forward to doing it again any time soon.

Jackets and such, I buy them when my current one dies or no longer serve the purpose. BTW, I never thought of ski jacket as "gear". I wear them in the winter even when NOT skiing. So, it's partly a fashion item. Therefore, I can AND DO have more than one jacket for skiing.

 

[SnowHot]

(1)All I can say is I am not typical compared to this group! ................. I know some of my stuff is due for a refresh so here goes...



Skis - bought 05 and expected to keep 5-6 yrs, but reading (2)what you Divas buy and seeing some deals you post, I will probably get another pair sooner.



You all are definitely(3) a bad influence! But it sure is fun to live vicariously through your purchases!!

(1) Tease!
(2) Bwwwwwaaaaahhhhhhh! Resistance is Futile!
(3) Bad Influence? You have nooooooooo idea how good it is, until you're a bad influence too!


In the words of Jessica Rabbit...........I'm not bad, I was just drawn that way

 

[Kiragirl]

I just bought new skis (K2 BL)

I got new boots last fall (Salomon Rush 8)

I got a new jacket in Dec. and love it (Obermeyer)

I love my gloves (got em on sale at Stratton Labor day of 06)

* I need new pants *

My friend says I should get new poles, but I like my old poles -- they are Gripon (sp?) with a good ice tip, but one of the straps broke off years ago. I never even put my hands in the straps which I know a lot of people say is wrong because of the support they offer, but, the handles have pretty large solid bottom supports, and I'm sometimes concerned about if you wipe out and your wrist gets twisted or broken because you're caught in the strap (?). (run-on sentence much?)

 

[Kiragirl]

I never thought of ski jacket as "gear". I wear them in the winter even when NOT skiing. So, it's partly a fashion item. Therefore, I can AND DO have more than one jacket for skiing.

I used to wear my ski jacket all the time, too, but have lots of other jackets and am hyper about getting my ski jacket dirty so I only wear it skiing now, AND, when traveling to the ski house from work, I put a plastic bag over my jacket.

 

[ISki]

...but have lots of other jackets and am hyper about getting my ski jacket dirty so I only wear it skiing now, AND, when traveling to the ski house from work, I put a plastic bag over my jacket.

Same here, including the bag! I even bring another jacket along in the car to use when going out to dinner or anywhere else after skiing.

 

[abc]

am hyper about getting my ski jacket dirty

I guess I'm missing something here...

Ski jackets are usually water resistant at the minimum. Basically, NOTHING stick to it too well! So whatever "dirt" you managed to got on them, you can easily wipe it off with water. That's the best reason (for me) to wear my ski jackets EVERYWHERE!

Granted, I don't work in a machine shop (wouldn't need to wear a jacket indoors though), or road repair...