I know how to ski and have my own skis that were a gift so I have no experience buying skis. I would now like to take my fiance skiing but don't know what skis to buy for him. I was to buy him something cheap and used to start with just to see how he likes it. He is 175cm tall, and a beginning skier. So my question is should I buy him the straight skiis or the hourglass shaped ones? What length should his skis be? How can I identify damage to skis when I am looking at used ones? Can any bindings be used with any boot as long as it is adjusted or do certain bindings need certain boots?
For him rent the whole package. It is possible that there is a program for never skied before people that is lessons, rentals and lift ticket at the resort. It is then easy to get a different length of ski as the skill increases. Do not buy any ski more than 5 years old. The bindings are out of date and no shop will work on them. Also the long straight skis of 20 years ago are seldom used on the slopes, except by a few old timers who have no reason to change. The modern ski design is easier to use and much safer and easier on your knees. If your skis are more than 5 years old, I suggest you find a demo day at the resort and try some modern equipment. Also your boots should be replaced if they are more that 8 years old. The technology has changed and everything is easier to use. A pair of boots more than 7 years old will deteriorate from the heat and the UV rays of the sun. Then they get brittle in the cold and break at the worst time possible.
To identify damage to the skis, look at them on the base, check for edge damage, gouges and possibly bent or broken ski. For Alpine ski bindings, most brands will fit any boot or binding. The exception is the Head rental boot and binding package that is specific to Head rentals. For these the bindings are adjusted to 1 of 4 sizes of their boots and do not easily fit another brand. If the ski bindings are too old, no shop will adjust them since the liability insurance prohibits it.
For a modern ski for a beginner about chin to nose height is fine for day 1, day 2 about 4" longer, after that move up to about 4" taller than the person using them and try each length. E-mail me if you have more questions.
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