Wanting to learn more about equipment

[FannyBazaar]

I have my own skis and boots but know very little about maintaining them and how to know if they are right for me. I got new boots this year but am never really sure when I should be adjusting them or how tight they should be. My skis I've had for a while and are probably due for an upgrade but I don't think I'll be getting another pair due to not skiing as frequently and the cost of taking them. Just had then serviced in resort before coming home but probably should have had them done sooner.

Where's a good place to learn about equipment?

Have you tried looking at the manufacturer's website for any info? We also have a dry ski slope and an indoor snowdome local to us, so take any equipment there for checking / service / waxing and stuff. (AKA cop-out!!)Do you have anything like that near you? or even a decent snowsport retailer?
my niece (ski instructor) uses this, but I don't know if it's too techie for the likes of us

Thanks Mrs Shrek, that site had some helpful links. The skis are getting on in years so not sure I'll find anything on the manufacturers site. I did look up a bit on the boots but would really prefer some independent information as I do wonder what features are a bit gimmicky and what are good. I would like to know more so I don't feel I'm always being sold more waxing, servicing and upgrades than I actually need. I might try some magazines to see what they say.

Old ski boots attracting quite a few watchers on eBay. I am surprised but will be pleased to pass them on.

Last year I got new boots from a ski shop, they were fitted and when the assistant in the shop was happy with the fit he then heated them and I put them on again. They were the comfiest boots I have ever had and my feet were cosy the whole time.

If you're intermediate you'll only need a full service on your skis every 4 weeks or so, unless you have a very icy week. No edge, no grip!

Wax when you get home, you can do this yourself. Get a block, melt with an iron, drip on, smooth out with a flat piece of plastic. Store, scrape just before you go away. Try to store the skis vertically with the bindings popped open.

"Which ski" is very subjective and depends on your ability and the conditions/terrain upon which you ski. Skipressworld (?) Do an excellent test to define which is right for you.

Boots: don't walk around in them. Put them on just before you POP your skis on. With all buckles undone, kick your heel to the back. Tighten the power-strap. Tighten the 2nd and 3rd set of buckles (assuming your boots have 4, 1 is toes). Two and three should be very tight, 3 the lightest although do not aim for pain. Your foot should now not move. Re-tighten power-strap, tighten 4th set. Do not do this set too tight or you'll cut off the blood supply to your foot. Toe buckles should not exert any pressure whatsoever on your foot, in fact you should be able to flick this open. Tight and you'll numb for feet, freeze them and will have a lot of pain. Adjust and tweak as necessary. Day 1 settings are different to day 3. If you find your boots are "perfect", jot down with clip you're using on each buckle - not necessarily the same for each foot - it'll save you a ton of bother next holiday.

Thanks for that. I haven't skiied a full week on my own skis for years before this season (rentals or board and skis) and don't think I've managed 4 weeks worth but they definitely seemed to benefit from a service. I'll have a go at waxing myself. Not sure they'll get another go this season.

Great info on the boots. My feet have grown since having DS so my old boots were way too small, I had been wearing them with my toes curled up without realising it and skiing badly. I used to struggle with rental boots being too tight on my calves and very uncomfortable so am often confused between having them tight and too tight. That is a really helpful explanation. My boots have a bit that can be pumped up on the foot and ankle for extra grip too.

Yes, calf fitting is a problem for most women, the irony of this is - the majority of the pro skiiers I know have muscly legs - such is the nature of the beast.

In which case keep buckles 2 and 3 tight, because these are the 'bony' bits you won't be compressing flesh iyswim. Purists (and male ski instructors with slim calves) will tell you to crank up buckle set 4 and have the powerstrap so tight your skin turns purple. Their reasoning is that you need the boot tighter to flex it properly to turn effectively on steeps.

Yes, that's true, but if your feet and calves are numb or in pain you can't turn anyway, so it is a bit of a trade-off. But then as soon as your boots stop giving your gyp then you'll ski better and be aware yourself that they can go tighter.

Positive reinforcement y'see - just like with toddlers! ;)

And yes, they will try and sell you all sorts of services. I also find that the staff in shops are very, very, VERY sexist and (in Europe at least) explain the technical specifications to my husband. Who is in fact 'one of them' (a boarder). [Hmm]