A guide to purchasing gear!
Ski and snowboard gear can be expensive. Making the correct choice can make your investment pay off in the long run. Follow these guidelines to make it easier.
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There are many places for you to purchase your gear.  

1) The Friend. Someone you know who skis or snowboards.
2) Ski and snowboard shows. Many major cities have them.
3) The Internet.
4) Sports stores.  A sports store is one that sells many different sporting items besides ski and snowboarding.  
5) Specialty ski / snowboard shop. A specialty ski/snowboard shop is one that sells only ski and snowboard gear in winter.

All have good and bad points. Let’s look closer at them.

1) The Friend may seem like the right place to buy your gear from but should probably be avoided. Usually the friend is trying to unload equipment they don’t want. This, in many cases, is the reason they are trying to sell their equipment. (Of course, if they work in a shop, this may be a good place to buy.) Keep in mind, just because your friend skis or boards, doesn’t make them an expert on your type of skiing and snowboarding.

2) Shows are usually held through out the USA in many cities. Many have a "Ski Sale" or "Ski Swap" at the shows. Many times you’ll find last years equipment at great sale prices. Many shows may have used equipment and a place for you to sell your old equipment. This could be a great place to save money. Arrive early for your best selection. 

A few bad reasons about Show Sales are you must know “exactly” what you want as far as manufacture, model and size. Many times there is no one to help you with your selection or answer your questions. If there is someone to help, many times they are volunteers and not trained to size or fit equipment. Also, warranties are usually void because you didn’t purchase from an authorized dealer. The Show is a nice place to shop when you are shopping for a bargain, just be cautious.

3) The Internet has become a great place to purchase about anything. It’s convenient, informative and can save you time and money. But be cautious. Make sure the store is an authorized dealer so you have a warranty with your purchase.

Equipment manufactures are very concerned with your safety. Their main concern is for you to have the proper model, correct size and the right binding for your safety. And you should never attempt to install or adjust bindings yourself. The main reason? Your safety. Ski shops invest thousands of dollars in specialized tools and equipment that is needed to install and adjust bindings properly. They send their technicians to attend classes and to get certified so they can install and adjust bindings. So if you are going to purchase on-line, make sure you have a certified ski shop adjust your bindings.

4) Sports Stores vary in looks and size throughout the U.S.A. but the idea remains the same, offer as many sports as possible in one place. Sounds great but let's take a closer look. The big disadvantage of these stores is usually is the lack of specialty trained sales people. This may end up in a bad choice of gear for you. Also sport stores usually center their selection of gear towards the beginner to intermediate and rarely stock a full selection. Besides the lack of inventory and trained personnel, they usually send their service out to get done. And rentals?

5) Specialty Ski / Snowboard Shop have many advantages and is usually your best choice. A specialty shop is one that sells and services only ski and snowboard products in the winter. They usually offer a full selection of gear from the beginner to experts and from young to old. They also offer rentals, service, repair shop and technically trained sales people. This usually results in proper gear selection which can save you money and help you enjoy skiing and snowboarding more. Many times, the store employees are skiers and snowboarders themselves and have experienced the same things you do on the slopes. Many of these shops specialize in custom boot fitting which can improve your experience.

You have to decide which shop is right for you. Visit a few and talk to a few. The sales person should start by asking you a series of questions that give them an idea of the type of skier or snowboarder you are.  Be honest!  Don’t let your ego get the best of you. If you tell them you are advanced and you are not, you’ll get advanced equipment which will make your experience worse.

 

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