Basic tips to help you purchase the right equipment
When beginning your search for new equipment remember to look around (and don't buy the first model you think will be great). Use the basic tips below along with utilizing the great resource of the Internet. And, always check out the technical aspects of skis before you purchase.
Most common ranges for ski dimensions based upon category
Carving Skis
Tip 108 - 113
Waist 64 - 79
Tail 97 - 99
All Mountain Skis
Tip 105 - 120
Waist 71 - 87
Tail 93 - 111
As a general rule, skis that have a waist between 65 and 75 will be perfect for Midwest skiers. This range is what we need if we want our skis to hold an edge in very hard-packed conditions.
Skis with very wide tips and waists are designed for use in powder conditions. The extra width allows skis to float more above the snow. It's probably not worth investing into a powder ski unless if you will be taking vacations out west every year.
Boots
When searching for boots, try on at least a few different pairs. Ski boots should be 1/2 to a full size smaller than your shoe size (yes, smaller). Remember new ski boots in the store should feel snug but not too tight. Focus on fit and flex. You should be able to bend your knees and have the boot flex without throwing you off balance.
Never buy a boot that is too big because your entire foot will slide when trying to hold an edge (which can easily lead to many falls). New boots pack out after a few days of skiing. Concentrate on thinking about the overall fit of the boot as if it were hugging your foot. Does it feel comfortable, is it cutting off circulation, are there any loose spots or pressure points?
Another good tip is to look at the boot's features. Most boots come with micro adjusting buckles which will help you find the perfect fit. I do not recommend boots that come with a walk/ski feature. That feature is somewhat useless since the difference is so small. Plus, it's too easy to forget to change it back when heading back out on the slopes.
Until you become very familiar with boot features and what they do, ignore all features and focus only on fit and flex. A great place to learn about various boot features is on http://www.skinet.com (SKI magazine section is the best place to start). They always have new articles about equipment construction and features.
Adjusting settings on your boots can be a time-consuming project, but well worth the time. Almost all ski boots now come equipped with micro adjusting buckles which will help find the perfect fit. Also, don't forget to read those tiny booklets that came with your boots; they really do contain valuable information.
Comfortable boots for women
Women skiers should consider placing heel lifts inside their boots. Most women's boots now come with heel lifts, or they can be bought at any ski store (very cheap to buy; only a few dollars each). The purpose of heel lifts is to make boots fit better, and I highly recommend them. Women naturally have lower calves than men; so by placing a heel lift in between the shell and liner gives us a very noticeable boost of comfort. Helpful hint: use mailing tape to secure the heel lift to the bottom of the shell (it's the only kind of tape that will hold all season long). At the end of the season when cleaning boots, replace the old mailing tape with new tape to ensure stay in place the entire following season.
Most common ranges for ski dimensions based upon category
Carving Skis
Tip 108 - 113
Waist 64 - 79
Tail 97 - 99
All Mountain Skis
Tip 105 - 120
Waist 71 - 87
Tail 93 - 111
As a general rule, skis that have a waist between 65 and 75 will be perfect for Midwest skiers. This range is what we need if we want our skis to hold an edge in very hard-packed conditions.
Skis with very wide tips and waists are designed for use in powder conditions. The extra width allows skis to float more above the snow. It's probably not worth investing into a powder ski unless if you will be taking vacations out west every year.
Boots
When searching for boots, try on at least a few different pairs. Ski boots should be 1/2 to a full size smaller than your shoe size (yes, smaller). Remember new ski boots in the store should feel snug but not too tight. Focus on fit and flex. You should be able to bend your knees and have the boot flex without throwing you off balance.
Never buy a boot that is too big because your entire foot will slide when trying to hold an edge (which can easily lead to many falls). New boots pack out after a few days of skiing. Concentrate on thinking about the overall fit of the boot as if it were hugging your foot. Does it feel comfortable, is it cutting off circulation, are there any loose spots or pressure points?
Another good tip is to look at the boot's features. Most boots come with micro adjusting buckles which will help you find the perfect fit. I do not recommend boots that come with a walk/ski feature. That feature is somewhat useless since the difference is so small. Plus, it's too easy to forget to change it back when heading back out on the slopes.
Until you become very familiar with boot features and what they do, ignore all features and focus only on fit and flex. A great place to learn about various boot features is on http://www.skinet.com (SKI magazine section is the best place to start). They always have new articles about equipment construction and features.
Adjusting settings on your boots can be a time-consuming project, but well worth the time. Almost all ski boots now come equipped with micro adjusting buckles which will help find the perfect fit. Also, don't forget to read those tiny booklets that came with your boots; they really do contain valuable information.
Comfortable boots for women
Women skiers should consider placing heel lifts inside their boots. Most women's boots now come with heel lifts, or they can be bought at any ski store (very cheap to buy; only a few dollars each). The purpose of heel lifts is to make boots fit better, and I highly recommend them. Women naturally have lower calves than men; so by placing a heel lift in between the shell and liner gives us a very noticeable boost of comfort. Helpful hint: use mailing tape to secure the heel lift to the bottom of the shell (it's the only kind of tape that will hold all season long). At the end of the season when cleaning boots, replace the old mailing tape with new tape to ensure stay in place the entire following season.
