r/Skigear Feb 12 '21

Could We Get a Sticky Post or Some Rules About "What Boot Should I Buy?"

130 Upvotes

This question shows up a lot. It's a valid question. Buying ski boots is expensive and daunting. You don't want to mess it up and you want advice from others with more experience. However, there's only one answer to this question: Go See a Bootfitter.

What about "my feet hurt because of ..."? The internet can't really help here. Bootfitting is a trade and a skill that is designed to help you find the perfect boots.

There are almost daily threads about this topic. Each one has the same few comments: "Go see a bootfitter," "I like boot X, but you should really see a bootfitter," "We can't determine without some more info, you should probably see a bootfitter," etc.

On the /r/skiing FAQ, there's an entire section dedicated to this question. I think it would be beneficial to everyone on this sub to include something similar as a sticky or in the sidebar. Thoughts?

What boots should I buy? The only advice you should take online about boots is to go and see a reputable bootfitter. Listen to them and buy the boots that fit your feet correctly. Not only are well fitting boots much more comfortable, but they also give you better control over your skis, the combination of this makes boots the most important part of your equipment.

Choosing a pair of boots doesn’t work like picking a pair of shoes. If you walk into a store or flick through a website and chose the pair you like the look of, you’re going to have a bad time. Each boot manufacturer has a range of boots with options for different abilities, skiing styles, sizes and foot shapes. There are subtle differences across models and brands in terms of shape, so it is crucial to find a pair of boots that are right for you. Without examining the shape of your feet and lower legs and their mechanics, as well as discussing how you ski and your ability, no one can give you a recommendation that is worth listening to. A bootfitter will do all of that and using their expertise they’ll provide you with a range of boots and help you find the best ones for you. They will also be able to help you with any pre-existing issues and injuries and modify boots if required. It is also recommended that you purchase custom moulded footbeds, along with having your liners heat moulded, they will help to optimise the fit of the boot. You also get the added security of knowing that any bootfitter worth their salt will guarantee their work, and be very willing to rectify any issues you have after you’ve skied in your new boots. Rough framework to what a bootfitter does


r/Skigear Mar 01 '24

In Response to the demand for an All Mountain Ski Sticky Post.

181 Upvotes

This is my (very basic) suggestion for a "flowchart" guide to all-mountain skis. Including a popular ski as an example for every category. Obviously each category has a bunch more skis and most skis are in-between categories or in a whole separate category.

Suggestion welcome, I didn't put too much time into this and it is far from ideal or even functional. Mostly just want to hear peoples thoughts as to how you would approach this.


r/Skigear 15m ago

Gear Heads : Mantra 88 Vs Anomaly 88?

Upvotes

Following up on my last thread: I’m choosing between the Mantra 88 and Anomaly 88 as an East Coast hard-snow complement to my QST 100s. I’m 6’2”, 205 lbs, looking for strong edge hold, stability in chop, and good torsional rigidity without feeling dead. If you’ve put time on both, how do they compare?


r/Skigear 32m ago

Too wide

Upvotes

Quick question too see what everyone thinks

Doing a ski season in France 25/26 season and looking too buy my 1 ski quiver. Looking at the atomic mav 95 as it’s good on piste and off piste, relatively good and carving and quite playful too from what I know from I’ve trying it out last year

Is 95 too wide for the French alps, i wanna do more off piste hopefully doing 50/50 on and off piste. I’m also new too off piste but an advanced skier on piste.


r/Skigear 4h ago

Nobodys Princess Gear reviews?

0 Upvotes

Hello, Im new to skiing but would like to buy my own Pants and Jacket. I found this brand https://nobodysprincess.com.au/ . They seem really good but I dont know much about what ski clothing should be like and would like to know if anybody has ordered from them before / what the general thoughts are on this company and what I should look out for Thank you!

Other suggestions are welcome


r/Skigear 4h ago

All-mountain Freestyle Skis - I need advice!

0 Upvotes

For some important context, I live in Australia where the conditions are pretty tragic compared to a lot of spots in the northern hemisphere. General lack of consistency in quality and quantity makes it hard to find ‘one ski’ to handle the ice on a good day and the cut up manmade slush on a bad one.

Despite this, I have decided to begin a more freestyle-oriented journey. While not a full park ski, I do want to find something that can hit the occasional rail and feel playful and poppy enough to enjoy the natural jib features and ski switch.

The challenge has been finding something that retains a level of stability to survive the rest of the mountain and enjoy groomers (to the extent a twin tip can) mid 80-90mm. I’ve seen plenty of kids around with Arv and Bent 100s but they seem way too wide and flexible to be usable here from what I’ve heard. Any recs appreciated, including a reality check if that’s more relevant.


r/Skigear 15h ago

Equivalent for Ranger 102 FR on market currently

5 Upvotes

I have a pair of the FRs (in blue) and they're one of my favorite skis in my quiver. They're still in decent shape and I'll ski them till they break but it got me curious. What ski on the market right now would be the closest to the 102 FR? I demoed a pair of the newer ranger 96 last season and it felt like a less energetic and more damp 102 FR. I enjoyed it a lot but there's some magic that comes from the unique traits that come from the FR. I was talking to a Fischer rep after I demoed the 96s and he said that they're aware that there's a loyal fan base for the 102 FR. We both agreed that Fisher should make a limited run of them for the hardcore fans but it probably wouldn't happen. I've heard that the Armada declivity 102 might be the closest but I want to hear if there's any others that would also be close.


r/Skigear 10h ago

buy from used ski swap/facebook?

2 Upvotes

i’m an intermediate skier looking for a pair of park/playful ski for the winter in bc. do i buy brand new or stop at ski swaps and stops driving out to bc? if i find a nice twin tip 2020 new with good bases i’ll be good right? i’m 5’10 210 what are suggestions for “budget” twin tips that are playful? i’m willing to spend $500-700 maybe 800 if i had to but do i need to spend that much? or can i get away with 300-400 skis that are a season or 2 old? thanks in advance


r/Skigear 15h ago

Looking to get an all black ski outfit that has both style and comfort within my budget.

3 Upvotes

The main 2 things im having a hard time looking for are snow pants and a ski jacket. I want a baggier style but not super baggy like the trashbag snow pants. For the jacket, im looking for a similar look to the arc'teryx black alpha jacket but not as expensive. my budget for both is like 300-400 as I dont want to break the bank but also want style, comfort and quality.


r/Skigear 18h ago

Swiss alps all-mountain

5 Upvotes

Hi

I'm looking for a new pair of skis, as the old ones are quite old and I am also overpowering them easily.

I ski in Switzerland mostly, stay on-piste mainly but like to venture off-piste when the opportunity presents itself (Im looking to go off piste more often in the upcoming season). So Id like a ski which performs on piste but has no issues going into some powder or some afternoon snow, with a little side hit here or there, and some moguls if they are somewhere on the slope.

I can carve pretty much every groomer at least for a few turns if very icy (my skis were trembling quite a lot when trying to stop from there, thats why I need new as well), and according to Slopes, hit 70+ km/h often when carving. I'd describe myself as a quite good skier/advanced, but would like to improve off piste capabilities.

Im 75 kg, 182 cm.

I feel a bit lost in the amount of different skis out there, so Im asking for help. The skis I was looking for so far were: Head Kore 87, Dynastar Mcross 88, Mpro 85/90, Armada declivity 88c or maybe even BC Serpo.


r/Skigear 10h ago

Next to Mantra M6

1 Upvotes

Have been using the M6 for two or three years.

Thinking to replace it. One option is the last year M7

Any other recommendations of last year model, which cost less.

Heard stokli is good


r/Skigear 14h ago

Getting everything

2 Upvotes

Work & Travel in Canada (Whistler) – Buy Gear in Germany or Canada? Budget ~€1,500

Hey everyone,

I’m moving to Canada for a Work & Travel year and will be skiing mostly in Whistler. I’ve skied a lot in Europe (hardest pistes no problem) and I’m now getting into freestyle (360s, starting backflips). Since I don’t live in the mountains, I’ve never owned my own setup – so I need everything: skis, bindings, boots, outerwear, goggles.

About me:

195 cm, 80 kg

Advanced skier, want an all-mountain twin for both park progression and powder/freeride days (I know it’s a compromise).

Budget: ~€1,500 total (≈ CA$2,200).

So of you have any recommendations for skis and Boots. Also I don't know anything about the bindings and what is important when considering them.

Also should i buy in Germany or Canada?

Heard EU brands can be cheaper here, NA brands cheaper there. But there’s 12% tax in BC and airline ski bag fees. On the other hand, in Whistler there’s a big used/demo market and good local shops for boots.

Need a new jacket + pants that habe good Quality and Are not to expensive

Should I buy most of this in Germany and bring it, or wait and pick it up in Whistler or Vancouver And which skis/goggles and jacket would you recommend for my profile?


r/Skigear 16h ago

Ski Recs

2 Upvotes

I’m getting new skis and mainly torn between the Sender 110’s and the Armada Arv 100’s, but I’m open to other recs. I’m 18, 6’0, 160 lbs. I ski mostly at Breck, doing about 70% all-mountain freeride and 30% park. I know it’s asking a lot but looking for one ski that allows me to ski the powder we get in CO while also being able to handle stuff in the park + freeride jumps and cliffs. Just want some other opinions on these two skis in addition to other recs people may have. Thanks

Edit: Have also looked at Enforcers, would appreciate recs for what width would be best for me.


r/Skigear 19h ago

Skis for 70% powder and 30% groomers

2 Upvotes

Hi, I am torn between Salomon QST 100, Nordica Unleashed 108, Nordica Unleashed 98 and Rossignol Sendel Soul 102 (104mm under foot in my size).

What would you recommend for 70% powder and 30% groomers. I want the skis to be as good in carving as possible while being nice in powder.

If you know other skis that are good for my skiing type you can suggest them.


r/Skigear 19h ago

Graduating from K2 BFC 80 - Any recs for similar fit/feel & comfort level?

2 Upvotes

I moved to Colorado 2 years ago & bought my first pair of boots, K2 BFC 80. I absolutely love them. They fit like a glove, keep me warm on cold days, & were extremely easy to break in. They’ve never given me any issue in 50+ days of use. I’d ski on them forever if I could.

Unfortunately, I think they’re holding back my progression as a skier. I can ski blacks fairly confidently, but I still feel something lacking when I hit more extreme terrain. I’m 6’2”, around 195lbs. I’ve been told I need a stiffer boot for my size.

Should I look in the 90-100 range? Or is that still too soft? Would 120+ be a shock to my system after using the 80 for so long?

If I had to choose between comfort and performance, I’d choose comfort. I do this for fun, I don’t want to get a boot that’s incredible performance-wise but makes me miserable all day.

Disclaimer: yes, I know the best advice is to visit my local bootfitter. I’m just coming to this sub for general advice. I do plan to talk with a professional.


r/Skigear 10h ago

will these ski boats be good for bc? daily use?

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0 Upvotes

i ski in ontario but moving to bc will these be good enough?


r/Skigear 10h ago

Can I sand down the top layer of skis

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0 Upvotes

Okay so my partner and I have taken off the top layer of the skis hoping to replace it. However we are struggling get this last residue off of the skis. We've tried everything, scrapping, peeling, alcohol, soaking in warm soapy water. We have a feeling the last option is sanding it down but we're worried it with damage metal underneath. If we sand it down does it matter if we sand the metal aswell? It seems to be aluminum, very easily scratchable and light weight.


r/Skigear 21h ago

New boots, old liners?

2 Upvotes

I’m trying on some new boots and I get a little bit of discomfort on my left foot. When I put my old liners in the new shells they feel good with no discomfort. Is it safe to assume once I heat mold the new liners and get some days skiing that they will be good?


r/Skigear 23h ago

All Mountain for Intermediate VT Skiier. Worried about too much ski.

2 Upvotes

Mid 40's but only have been skiing for 7-8 years (started with the kids).
We ski VT only, so East Coast. First pair are 2018 Fischer Pro MT 82s.
I'm just over 6'0 195-205lbs.
I'd consider myself true to advanced intermediate. Happy to ski any trail, but still hesitant at speed.
I think my technique is ok, but my quads burn out when conditions are softer, perhaps a maybe i'm still a little back seat? I wouldnt claim otherwise but still improving every year.

We really like to dive into the trees, so looking for something that can navigate there. And of course chase snowfall.
Chat GPT has be all over the place. 179 cm Enforcer 88s seem to keep showing up, but then I read that they are chargers and require speed and fine tuned technique.

Said another way, I want to upgrade my ski's for a variety of reasons but I don't have the ability to go test a bunch of ski's out so I have to rely on some suggestions. I want an all-in-one that can handle the groomers and the trees on the East Coast and I like to ski in control.

TIA!


r/Skigear 1d ago

First skis

2 Upvotes

Hi!

I’m looking for some advice on buying my first pair of skis. I’ve skied a couple of times before, but I’m still very much a beginner (like doing the big S is still a challenge for me and I’m not great at breaking yet). Next winter, my kids will be in ski lessons, and I’d like to learn at the same time.

I’m 5 feet tall and weigh about 123 pounds (a little more with gear). I’m looking for something versatile and forgiving for a beginner.

I found a brand new pair of Rossignol Trixie Xpress skis (148 cm) with bindings for $280 CAD.

Would they be good skis for someone like me?

I realize I might outgrow them fairly quickly as I improve, but at that price, I don’t mind reselling them later.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Upgrade from ARV 94

2 Upvotes

I’m getting into backcountry and want to spend more time off-piste. I currently ski a Nordica Steadfast 80 169 and an Armada ARV 94 178(the ARV gets almost all the love 😅). I’m looking for a ski with a similar feel that I can mount with Salomon Shift 2 bindings and use with skins. I’m considering the ARV 106, but I’m not sure about skin compatibility with the tail. Any recommendations? 183cm 85kg i like side hits , a bit of park. and off piste


r/Skigear 1d ago

Do I really need to upgrade from my K2 Apache Crossfires?

1 Upvotes

I’m still rocking a pair of K2 Apache crossfires from 2008. They are in very good condition for the age and the bindings are still good. My friends are saying it’s time to let them go and they need to be retired. They are such a fun ski and I enjoy riding them so I still see the value in having them. Would I really see much of an improvement moving to a newer ski?


r/Skigear 1d ago

Bootfitter question: How tricky is it to expand the vertical room over the toes?

4 Upvotes

I know it's easy to make room for the toes laterally, both to the sides and in front, through grinding and/or punching.

But what if you have pressure on top of, say, your big toe? What's your approach to making vertical room there?

It seems it would be tricky because that's right under the toe dam (see pic), and it doesn't seem like there's much thickness of plastic material available to grind. Punching risks compromising the seal and thus allowing water into the boot.

Yes, you could thin the liner, but the liner is already quite thin there, and if you thin it over the toes you lose insulation. Or you could grind the bootboard down, but that messes up the stance of the foot.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Would Look Pivot 15s be worth it?

2 Upvotes

Wondering if someone with more knowledge than myself can tell me if Look Pivot 15s would be worth the money for me. Currently gearing up for my 2nd season on skis in the rockies after snowboarding for years on the east coast. With zero knowledge on what I was buying I went with Marker Squires last year which I ended up snapping the heel off on a steep run at Kicking Horse. For reference I am 5’9, 140lbs and will be riding Armada ARV 100s. Most of my time will be spent in the park and in the trees/cliff lines.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Pants. Give me my pants.

1 Upvotes

Asking the soft-goods warriors and retail samurai out there, when do new ski pants drop for the season? I have a warranty claim with an outdoor clothier and though it's only August, I'm desperate for cold and itchy to see my options for the new set of dungarees my lifetime guarantee is gonna give me!

Anybody familiar with this? Anybody know when pants become more than a concept?


r/Skigear 1d ago

Volkl Mantra 88 - can i go 170cm?

3 Upvotes

51M, 5ft11, 73KG. Skied my entire life but i'm coming back from a 10 year skiing layoff. I was probably expert at one point, more likely an advanced intermediate now. Prefer shorter turns than out and out speed.

Mostly ski groomed runs (50%), moguls(35%) and some mild off piste(15%). Swiss Alps.

I've decided on Volkl Mantra 88, should I go 177cm or would 170cm be a better bet? Obviously demo them both would be the answer but that won't happen, so asking the internet. Give me your views.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Bindings for 121mm powder skis?

1 Upvotes

Looking for some bindings for my new powder skis, but because of the width I have been rather limited in what I can find so far, at least on EVO.com. My all mountain skis I have the Tyrolean attack 14s, which is what I hoped to put on my Völkl Revolt 121s, but that doesn't seem to be an option as they only have 120mm brakes. Is it possible to replace the brakes with wider ones (sorry for the newb question. 3rd season)?

Also, would these be fine for me?

https://www.evo.com/alpine-ski-bindings/salomon-strive-14-gw