Tips to Save Money When Buying Downhill Skis And Ski Boots

For all those ski enthusiasts, winter is the time to pack your bags, pick up your skis and head for the mountains. If you are the kind who loves to pit your skill against the snow, here are a few tips for you when it comes to buying what you need to ski. We’ll show you how to spend your money on ski equipment so you get more for what you spend.
The first thing to consider is to shop at the appropriate time and place. The best place to get a good bargain is at the local sporting goods store. A common misconception is that during the Christmas week or Boxing Day there is a good discount to pick up a bargain on a new pair of skis or boots similar to the big discounts on other items like clothes and electronics. This is not true, as this time of month is the beginning of the skiing season and hence the prices are at their maximum. Some local stores might not have a comprehensive range of skis or the services of the experienced boot fitters on staff. Then, it would be better to shop at the ski shops that specialize in ski gear and accessories in the winter as they have a good range of products along with trained boot fitters who can help in finding ski boots that are a good fit.
The best time to shop is in spring or typically mid-February, which is the closing time of the ski season. At this point of time, ski shops begin dropping their prices and you would be able to find skis or boots that you’d set your heart on since the start of the season at much better prices. The only thing to look for is whether the shops you go to have the skis or boots that you want in stock.
After shopping for the boots of your choice, you have to make sure you care for them. Generally, ski boots are very durable but to ensure a prolonged life they require some care. Usually, people have custom-fitted boots which are comfortable and are expensive. These shoes should not be worn to walk through the parking lots after the snow melts as the rough surfaces lead to the wearing out of the plastic soles and eventually to a point when they will no longer fit into the shoe bindings properly. There are boots available with removable pads on the toe and heel that are replaceable as they wear out. These boots are highly recommended. The point here is that replacing a pair of worn, heel pads can save a lot of money rather than having to buy new ski boots.
After buying the skis, you need to get a lock for them and you need to get one that fits at the time you buy the skis. If you don’t buy a lock, it could lead to a lot of frustration and problems in case your skis are stolen. New skis very often are a target for thieves and they tend to look for new ones without locks. After spending a lot of money for branded skis investing a little extra on a ski lock makes good sense indeed!
For more helpful information on downhill skiing and getting in shape for the ski season visit http://www.downhill-skiing.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jill_Kane

Ski Boots & Bindings - Crucial For Good Skiing

Ski boots & bindings are probably the most important parts of your ski gear. You may think the skis are important as their design determines how fast you go or how effectively you can turn but the boots and bindings are essentially how you communicate with the skis. Your weight and balance control how the skis perform. By shifting your weight you are altering the force on the skis and this is communicated through the boots and binding. This article will discuss some of the considerations when selecting the best ski boots & bindings.
Ski BootsSki boots are not like any ordinary shoe. The chances are you will be wearing them for most of the day in cold and wet conditions. It is important that you fit into then comfortably but not so that you a loose. It goes without saying that you should measure the length of your foot. You should also measure the width. Some people have wider feet than others and they need boots that will cater for this.
Ideally the boot should fit snugly around the foot and calf
The flex of the boots is also important. The flex is the resistance that a boot has to being bent forwards or backwards. Flex determines the amount of control that you have over the skis and the responsiveness of the skis. For instance, ski boots with less flex are more responsive but less forgiving. Thus an experienced skier will have a boot with the minimum amount of flex, however a beginner will want more flex. You also want more flex in a boot if you ski on mogul runs or powder snow. Less flex is better for hard snow or tight turns.
Ski Bindings
Bindings are the connection between your boots and the skis. They are designed to give you control of the skis without feeling the forces exerted on the skis. They are also designed to release the boot if you fall or the ski gets stuck thus prevent feet and leg injuries.
The two considerations of bindings are the performance and the safety they give you.
Some skis are sold without bindings so it is up to you to select the right type of binding for the ski. This can add extra complexity to the buying process. It is more common now for skis to come with integrated bindings. This is probably the best option for a beginner as you don't have to worry whether the bindings will be compatible with the ski in performance terms.
As far as safety goes, you want to get bindings that will fit your release settings. The release setting is the point at which the binding will release the foot. It is determined by your weight, ability and even age. If a binding does not fit into this criteria then it is not for you. Release settings are rated by a DIN number. Your DIN number should be in the medium range of the binding so that it can be adjusted if variables change.
For skiing and snowboarding tips and reviews of equipment and gear then visit http://www.snowboardnskiing.com. The site gives advice on finding discount ski equipment and types of snow skiing. Adrian Whittle writes on skiing and snowboarding.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle

Ski Boots Buying Tips

Ski boots & bindings are probably the most important parts of your ski gear. You may think the skis are important as their design determines how fast you go or how effectively you can turn but the boots and bindings are essentially how you communicate with the skis. Your weight and balance control how the skis perform. By shifting your weight you are altering the force on the skis and this is communicated through the boots and binding. This article will discuss some of the considerations when selecting the best ski boots & bindings.
Ski BootsSki boots are not like any ordinary shoe. The chances are you will be wearing them for most of the day in cold and wet conditions. It is important that you fit into then comfortably but not so that you a loose. It goes without saying that you should measure the length of your foot. You should also measure the width. Some people have wider feet than others and they need boots that will cater for this.
Ideally the boot should fit snugly around the foot and calf
The flex of the boots is also important. The flex is the resistance that a boot has to being bent forwards or backwards. Flex determines the amount of control that you have over the skis and the responsiveness of the skis. For instance, ski boots with less flex are more responsive but less forgiving. Thus an experienced skier will have a boot with the minimum amount of flex, however a beginner will want more flex. You also want more flex in a boot if you ski on mogul runs or powder snow. Less flex is better for hard snow or tight turns.
Ski Bindings
Bindings are the connection between your boots and the skis. They are designed to give you control of the skis without feeling the forces exerted on the skis. They are also designed to release the boot if you fall or the ski gets stuck thus prevent feet and leg injuries.
The two considerations of bindings are the performance and the safety they give you.
Some skis are sold without bindings so it is up to you to select the right type of binding for the ski. This can add extra complexity to the buying process. It is more common now for skis to come with integrated bindings. This is probably the best option for a beginner as you don't have to worry whether the bindings will be compatible with the ski in performance terms.
As far as safety goes, you want to get bindings that will fit your release settings. The release setting is the point at which the binding will release the foot. It is determined by your weight, ability and even age. If a binding does not fit into this criteria then it is not for you. Release settings are rated by a DIN number. Your DIN number should be in the medium range of the binding so that it can be adjusted if variables change.
For skiing and snowboarding tips and reviews of equipment and gear then visit http://www.snowboardnskiing.com. The site gives advice on finding discount ski equipment and types of snow skiing. Adrian Whittle writes on skiing and snowboarding.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrian_Whittle