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Feb 2018
3:11pm, 22 Feb 2018
28,358 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
Angus, I'm going for Craigdon at Perth on way up to Glenshee, but I'm going there this weekend. I'm going to see if I can rent a ski touring package with a view to buying.
I'll have a look for that Bridge of Cally one though, if you can find the name. Thanks!  G
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Feb 2018
4:28pm, 22 Feb 2018
19,051 posts
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Meglet
I get your point for Scotland, that does make sense.
I think people shouldn’t be worried about going back to the shop and saying you don’t like the skis. It is tricky when you haven’t skied for a year and you think it’s you that’s the problem though! And I’ve also noticed that when two of us have paid for different levels of ski we’ve still ended up with the same make, hmmm!
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Feb 2018
4:38pm, 22 Feb 2018
28,364 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
I agree with you and V'rap actually Meglet, that even as a low intermediate, I can feel the difference between a responsive, carving ski and a harder, racing ski (which my pal has made me try) or big, fat power ski and so on. But between a "good" make of intermediate/carver and a bad one? I can't really, I don't think.
Whereas and uncomfortable boot? Or on snowboard, loose bindings (soooo annoying) or wrong angles on bindings, can make a big difference.
And badly prepped or trashed surface of ski or board, obv can tell that. Esp on slow snow. Makes everything much harder work. Oh, and blunt edges, they're annoying. Actually, maybe I can feel more bad things than I give credit for?! G
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Feb 2018
4:43pm, 22 Feb 2018
3,968 posts
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larkim
It's not so much being "worried" about it, its the hassle - we're the type of holiday skiers that are waiting at the lift as it opens, ski until the last lift closes, take a picnic with us rather than stop in town for lunch, and then spend the evenings crashed out and knackered! Having to make time for a delegation to go back to the shop and overcome a gallic shrug (for it is France we usually go to) isn't appealing, and takes up valuable skiing time (accepting the argument of course that if the skis are rubbish there's a big trade off).
Given that our first day / day + half are spent getting back into the swing of things, it can be late in the week when time is even more precious that you realise it's not just your technique or fitness letting you down, it's the kit too.
Don't get me wrong, I've not often been actively dissatisfied, it's more that I've never really felt 100% confident that I know what I'm paying for. The most common annoyance I see in French hire shops is that you'll pick a grading scheme online, and then the store will actually have a completely different scheme - e.g. Bronze, Silver, Gold online, then 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*, 5* in the shop. So is my Gold=3* or 5*, or 4*? I know what commonsense might say, but equally when I'm seeking out bargains in ski hire and I've got what I think is a really good deal by ordering "Gold" package, was that priced really well because it only gets me 3* kit in the shop etc etc.
I suppose its as much because my language skills aren't fab, my technical knowledge about the kit is relatively poor, I'm tight with cash, and I'm classically British!
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Feb 2018
4:44pm, 22 Feb 2018
3,969 posts
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larkim
And Meglet, yes that's another scenario I've faced - three of us going into the shop with different levels bought online, yet all getting the same ski. In that case, the one who paid less appeared to be getting a good deal, as the skis were (to our eyes) shiny and new etc, so we didn't mention anything.
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Feb 2018
6:38pm, 22 Feb 2018
6,034 posts
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NDWDave
I thought gold, silver, and bronze generally related to the age rather than the quality.
I’m off to Austria and apparently it will get down to -27c. That sounds quite cold
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Feb 2018
6:52pm, 22 Feb 2018
37,817 posts
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Velociraptor
I always signed up for the most expensive option for skis (I got my own boots at the end of our first trip) and got given marshmallows or, as one instructor sneered, "children's skis". Our skis have probably just about paid for themselves, but it's been great to know that I'll have something decent on my feet. And eL Bee! likes fettling skis
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Feb 2018
9:25pm, 22 Feb 2018
3,641 posts
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57.5 Degrees of Pain
I got great service out of a pair of ex-rental skis, and still use them for occasional Scottish forays. They were great value, had excellent bindings and could be adjusted for others to borrow.
Abroad I rent for simplicity, partly because I can't survive a week's boarding and have to get back on skis when my body is beaten up. It also saves lugging kit around (living in the far north has its advantages, but means more challenging travel to get to the travel) and you always get nearly new stuff. Skis and bindings have improved incrementally, and I'd say that boots have improved the most in 20 years.
I've also found swapping midweek (in France mainly) to be easy as the shops are pretty quiet.
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Feb 2018
10:14pm, 22 Feb 2018
19,055 posts
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Meglet
I like carving so try and choose a fattish ski with a good side cut and sharp edges! I once had a rental pair that were sooo slippery, like nothing I’d used before, took a bit of getting used to but fab once I was.
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Feb 2018
12:38pm, 23 Feb 2018
28,369 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
Right, thinking I'm getting a ski touring set up for Scotland. Going to the mountain shop on Sunday, renting first, full rebate if I buy. Can't see me getting much change out of £1K. Ouch. I'm not used to spending that kind of money on *anything* for me! But if I use it 10 days in 3 -5 years in Scotland or beyond then I'll call it worthwhile. If less, then I'll kick myself! Exciting. In nearly 30 years of skiing, first time I've bought kit! G
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