It's a bit of both! I'm a student so price is a big factor for me. I also live in a coastal/rural area (not near any mountains or ski shops) so skiing isnt too popular where i live and most second hand gear will be older models and straight skis. I may just have to wait for next season to buy my skis (there's a pop up ski shop, a couple hrs away from me that opens once a year selling last seasons swiss imported ex rental/demo skis.)Agreed with the above about older skis. Is the fact that you're mostly looking at significantly older ski models a price issue, or an availability issue because you want to buy locally?
And no, no worries at all! I think you're right, It may just be a better option to rent for now, especially since we're right in the middle of ski season at the momentI just re read what I wrote and realise I may have come across as very rude - not my intention! I 100% understand being on a budget and wanting to ski, but I was meaning to frame it in the context that renting skis may make more financial sense than buying at this point especially when trying to buy from the southern hemisphere during ski season and only needing the skis for a week per season. Rental shops should also maintain their skis so you remove the cost of maintenance and minor repairs.
I thought that for skis with tip/ tail rocker, the skis should be head height because they ski short?Another advantage of renting is that you could try out skis of different lengths. Say up to about your nose. Definitely better to have skis that are at least at your chin.
It's not quite that simple. You're correct that if there is a lot of rocker, then going longer makes sense. But a longer ski is somewhat harder to maneuver for an intermediate. The skis that I own range from 148cm to 160cm. They are quite different in terms of width and shape, as well as materials.I thought that for skis with tip/ tail rocker, the skis should be head height because they ski short?