How to Buy Ski Gear
Purchasing the right ski or snowboarding gear is imperative. The wrong gear can impede your ability to ride, turn, balance and see, and might result in an accident. There are numerous factors to consider when selecting ski gear. Your skill level is one of the most important factors. Height and weight is also key. The type of activity and the condition of the snow are also critical factors.
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Instructions
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Select the Right Skis
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Pick out the perfect ski length. Weight and height are important factors when selecting the right length ski. People who are taller and heavier should have longer skis. Manufacturers typically put weight and height recommendations on the ski. When you are standing up, a long ski should meet the top of your head. A shorter, or carving ski, should meet the chin area. The length of the skis are measured in centimeters and usually measure between 175 centimeters to 210 centimeters. Carving skis, on the other hand, are typically 20 centimeters shorter than traditional skis.
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Get skis for the type of skiing you will be doing. There are different types of skis for different types of skiing. Alpine skis are typically for basic downhill skiing in a ski resort setting but are not good for telemark skiing. Telemark skiing, also known as "free heel skiing," makes sharp and quick turns and requires a ski that doesn't bind the boot at the heel so movements can be more fluid. Cross-country skis are much longer in length than other kinds of skis, and also require a ski that doesn't bind the heel of the boot.
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Estimate your ski level, or skill level (e.g., beginner, intermediate and advanced). Skis also have ski levels attached to them. The website ABC-of-Skiing recommends that you purchase a level ski slightly higher than the level you are currently at.
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Pick a gender-specific ski. Women are typically lighter than men and have a lower center of gravity, therefore they should purchase skies that are designed for women.
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Look at the snow conditions. If you will be skiing in smooth powdered snow at the ski resorts or down mountains for speed, go with longer skis that will help keep you centered and help you smooth out moguls. Back-country skiing is easiest with back-country skis.
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Pick out the appropriate-shaped ski for the type of skiing you will be doing. For example, skiers who make more turns can take advantage of shorter skis, called carving skis, with a greater sidecut in them.
Select the Right Snowboard
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Snowboards run between 100 centimeters and 180 centimeters and are often named after their height. For example, a board that measures 156 centimeters may be called a 56 Snowbomber. A snowboard, when standing up on its tail, should meet somewhere between your chin and nose. These boards are best for intermediate to advanced riders. A longer board that exceeds your head when standing on its tail is best for boarding on mountain terrain and deep powder conditions.
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Look for the right flex. Snowboarders heavy for their height can purchase a board that is recommended for their height, but it should have a stiffer flex. Lighter snowboarders should purchase a board with a softer flex.
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Pick a board for the type of snowboarding. There are many types of boards including Mountain/Freeride, Alpine/Carver and Freestyle/Technical. Mountain/Freeride boards are for snowboarders who intend to enjoy the natural undulations of the mountain and perform tricks and big-air jumps from a lift off. Alpine/Carver boards are best for those that plan to make sharp turns while riding down the slopes. The Freestyle/Technical boards brings together features of both the Mountain/Freeride and Carver boards. Both ends of the Freestyle/Technical are turned up allow you to lead with either foot. The board is not as agile as freestyle boards or stable as carving boards, but is suitable for beginning snowboarders.
Select the Correct Ski and Snowboard Accessories
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Select ski or snow goggles that protect the eyes from the elements and fit properly. The goggles should be flexible but fit snugly around the your hat or helmet, or any prescription glasses. When the goggles are over the eyes, they should be secure and fit evenly all the way around the eyes. There should be no snug points or gaps where air can flow through the goggle other than through the goggle's air vents. Also goggles with double-lenses are best because they will not fog up and will create a thermal barrier. The color of the lenses is another consideration. Clear is best for skiing in extremely stormy weather or night, yellow-tinted lenses are best for overcast conditions and stormy weather. Citrus orange is best for bright days.
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Pick out a boot based on comfort and ski level. Beginners and non-aggressive skiers should select a forward flexing boot. These boots will be more forgiving of mistakes and not transmit all mistakes to the skis. A more advanced or aggressive skier should select a stiffer boot that is more sensitive to movement. When trying on the boot, the liner should be removed. The foot is then placed inside and moved to the very front of the boot. Between the heel of the foot and the heel of the boot there should be at least one inch of space remaining for non-aggressive and beginning skiers, and even less space for more advanced and aggressive skiers. If a boot is too large, the liner will not take a mold of the foot, which will leave too much room for the foot to move around.
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Purchase a ski suit that is comfortable and resistant to the weather conditions. The neckline of the shirt should have an upright collar to prevent air from getting through. The jacket should be waterproof and resistant to the wind. A jacket should have insulation, but when you are skiing or snowboarding, a heavily insulted coat can cause sweating. Ski pants should be comfortable and the elastic around the ankles should help prevent snow from getting in the boot. They should also be water and wind resistant. You can wear a pair of thermal pants underneath ski pants if it is a particularly cold day.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit ski image by Jürgen Zellmann from Fotolia.com
