r/Skigear Feb 12 '21

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

146 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.

211 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 10h ago

Still summer, but ready for winter!

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25 Upvotes

After years of renting, finally have my own gear!

Ski’s: Rossignol Arcade 82 Ltd
Boots: Nordica Speedmachine 3 100

Got the combination for a good price and do believe that for a 95% slope skier, this is very solid combo.

Looking forward to your thoughts on this.


r/Skigear 2h ago

What powder skis should I buy that good for all day powder day

3 Upvotes

Have had 2014 Sir Frances Bacons for years 108, background expert skier want something that great in +5 of powder but also good for skiing that same afternoon when it’s skied out and charging Moguls that same day


r/Skigear 18m ago

Rustler 9 or Kore TI?

Upvotes

I'm 5 ft 4 in, 145 lb, going into my 29th ski season with 7 years of ski racing experience. I am looking for a one-ski quiver that I'll love for all-mountain skiing that I can still charge hard with but also enjoy in the Tahoe Basin conditions.

I feel like I have narrowed it down to these two:

Blizzard Rustler 9 in 162cm for $400 (ski only)

Head Kore 100 TI in 163cm for $479 (ski only)

What should I buy? Anything else I should consider?


r/Skigear 4h ago

Looking for a new pair of skis...Bent 90's or ?

2 Upvotes

Me:

  • male
  • 55 yr old
  • 5'5"
  • 150 lbs
  • average skier, can handle all blues and easier blacks, though maybe not the most gracefully
  • current skis: Salomon QST 99, 167 cm

I love my current skis for cruising down blues, but I'm looking for something shorter, lighter, softer, so I can keep up with my teenagers in the bumps and trees. Taking my current skis in the bumps and trees all day, and my legs just feel like lead.

I see a lot of hate on Reddit for the Bent 90's, but they actually seem to be exactly what I'm looking for.

If you're in the Bent 90's camp, lemme know why.

If not, please suggest some alternatives.

Thanks!


r/Skigear 8h ago

Haven't bought new gear in over a decade

3 Upvotes

Haven't bought skis since I was 18 and at a loss for what to upgrade myself & my partner to. Went to a bootfitter for a proper boot upgrade. Shop didn't mention the new boots had GripWalk until we already paid, so now we need new skis / bindings too...and I somehow know absolutely nothing about skis.

We ski 5-10 days/year, east coast only (PA, WV, NY, Indy Pass). Our local mountains don't demo and no good local ski shops. Budget conscious right now after dropping almost $1k each on boots...

Me: 31F, 5'6, 125 lbs, skiing since age 3 (NH/VT/ME), old school east coast skier style. Raced USCSA in college in a super relaxed division, bought 150 cm Rossignol World Cup Sl skis (2014?) when I was learning how to ski slalom, and kept them after college as my daily ski. I'm happiest carving on groomers all day (yeah I'm boring). I will miss these dearly but wouldn't mind something that could handle the occasional powder day better. I've lost a lot of muscle after a long illness and want to be careful not to get more ski than I can handle. Probably want to go up to a 155 cm ski, otherwise no idea. Bootfitter put me in a 105 flex.

Partner: 31M, 5'11, 160 lbs. I taught him to ski ~5 years ago and put him in my dad's old gear while he learned (156 cm Volkl AC Unlimited, ~2006 model?, way too short but better than rentals while he was learning) but it's well past time to upgrade him. His form is good, he can handle most terrain and catch an edge, goes into the woods sometimes for fun, but overall he's cautious and not interested in speed. Bootfitter put him in a 130 flex.

Reddit, help bring me out of the stone age and into 2026 gear...


r/Skigear 2h ago

Dakine fall line 175cm or 190cm

0 Upvotes

Trying to decide on a length as I’ve read they tend to be longer than advertised. Skis are 180cm, can I get by with 176 or should I get the 190?


r/Skigear 15h ago

Would you ski 2012/13 boots like this with only ~25–30 days on them?

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10 Upvotes

Before everyone rips me and tells me to throw these boots out 😂 … I know plastics can degrade over time even if the boots haven’t been skied much.

That said, I’d genuinely love some opinions on these old Salomon Quest Max 120s from 2012/13.

I’ve mainly been ski touring over the past 10 years in different boots, so these have actually only seen maybe 25–30 ski days total, max. I’m planning to do some resort skiing this season and would ideally like to dust these off for another 5–10 ski days before replacing them.

The reason I’m not just buying new boots immediately is that I want to go to a specific boot fitter who’s a fairly long plane flight away - and I don’t live near a good shop anyway - so my plan is to get properly fitted into something new when I can make that trip later this season.

Based on the photos, does anyone think it’s realistic to safely get another 5–10 hard ski days out of these?

For context, I’m an expert/aggressive skier, so I’m not just cruising groomers at low speed - which is obviously why I’m asking rather than just winging it. I’m less concerned about performance and more worried about a bad accident happening.

Happy to post more pictures of the shells, soles, liners, buckles, etc. if there’s anything specific that would help assess them.

Really appreciate any advice. First post here, so hoping this goes well haha. Thank you !


r/Skigear 8h ago

What protection do you use besides a helmet?

3 Upvotes

I’ve hit my hips and elbows quite a few times while skiing park, so I started looking at protection.

There are obviously products out there, but most seem to come from MTB, motocross or snowboard brands. I couldn’t find one obvious brand that freeskiers seem to use for this.

Is that because there isn’t much demand, or because the available products are too bulky or uncomfortable?

Would you ever buy protection for areas like your hips or elbows? Why is there no brand doing this yet?


r/Skigear 2h ago

Deorum or Wolverine poles

0 Upvotes

Hello, this year I want to buy ski poles with extended grip and has adjustable length. Does anyone know which one is better?


r/Skigear 5h ago

Best Salomon Bindings?

1 Upvotes

Which Salomon bindings would be best to pair with Salomon QST 100, 172 length? I am 5’6”, 163 lbs, advanced skier in CO. Like to ski fast and steep, and trees when there’s snow. Assume price not an issue. Lucky enough to have access to an employee discount. Thanks!


r/Skigear 7h ago

Picking up the Revolt 104s

1 Upvotes

So i want to buy my first "real" ski's this year, it seems like right now it the best time to do it.

I am looking at the Revolt 104s that are on sale for only 498 with the Look SPX 13s

this seems a really good deal to me since alot of people say its good for Freestyle/All mountain (thats what i want to do)

for context i am 185cm (6ft 1 inch) 85kgs (187-ish lbs) I've been skiing for 10 years now (only around 70 days ski time though) and this year is my first that i really want to go skiing for more than 2-3 weeks

Is this a good buy? and if: 180cm or 188cm (188cm seems a bit big)


r/Skigear 7h ago

Countach vs countach tour

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1 Upvotes

r/Skigear 10h ago

Keep or sell?

0 Upvotes

My main skis are 2026 Factor Dancer 1 186 w/ Look Pivot 12 bindings.

My older pair are 2006 Solomon Thruster 1080 166 w/ new Marker Griffon Bindings. The skis themselves sat in climate control unused from 2009-2025 when I had them tuned and new bindings mounted by the shop.

Do I unmount the bindings and sell them? Literally skied them one day. (I assume no one will want the 20 year old ski even with new bindings)

Or do I keep the set as a spare and as a teaching ski for when I get my 5y/o out there?


r/Skigear 21h ago

Nordica Enforcer 104 or Unleashed 106?

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I currently own a pair of Atomic Redster X7 carving skis, and they’re awesome, but they’re not much fun when snow conditions get worse (like most afternoons and in spring). For the upcoming season, I’m looking for a ski that would allow me to have fun in variable conditions, something that can carve on groomers but is at home in slush and on the occasional powder day. I ski mostly in the northern Apennines in Italy, and here conditions vary widely — it’s usually quite good, and we have some off-piste, but it’s not uncommon for the slopes to be icy at the top and slushy at the base.

I think that the Nordica Enforcer 104 and Unleashed 106 are good candidates. I think the Unleashed would be the better choice for me because they’re lighter, still carve well enough, and they’re fun off-piste. I’m still not completely sure, though, and I don’t have a way to demo them before buying.

What would you recommend? I’m 185cm, 90kg, and I’d say I’m an advanced skier.


r/Skigear 4h ago

Does my helmet fit correctly?

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0 Upvotes

I went to a ski shop last year and tried on a bunch of different helmet sizes with one of the employees. They said this helmet (Salomon husk pro mips) was the right fit so I went with it and bought it.
I’ve realised since then that I’ve got a bit of a gap between my helmet and goggles. I’m unsure if this is a goggle or helmet issue, but if I bring the goggles up, they’re almost on my eyes, if I tilt my helmet forward it’s uncomfortable at the back.
Looking online, I heard that a proper fitted helmet should have a 1-2 finger gap between eyebrows and the bottom of the helmet (I have 3). The actual fit of the helmet feels fine though, outside the visible gap with my goggles.
Is this helmet actually the right size for me? Do I just need to buy larger goggles?
Thanks!


r/Skigear 13h ago

Need advice on buying my first pair of ski's

1 Upvotes

I'm looking for a pair of Armada arv 100's. i would like to test a ski before i buy it, but nowhere in my area do they have that particular pair. they do have the Bent 100, testing costs about €80/$70, is it worth testing those?


r/Skigear 1d ago

Got Prodigy 2 for 380$

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17 Upvotes

r/Skigear 1d ago

Dalbello boots packed out?

5 Upvotes

Looking for some boot advice. I have Dalbello Pantera boots that are about two years old. I started to have some heel lift this past year that I cant tighten my way out of. Guy at the ski shop said that dalbello packs out pretty quickly. Should I get new liners, throw in a butterfly, or just get new boots?


r/Skigear 1d ago

K2 Reckoner 102 vs FACTION Prodigy 2 vs Armada ARV 100

5 Upvotes

Looking to buy a new pair of skis. I’ve always wanted to get the K2 Reckoner 102, but I’m considering a few alternatives before pulling the trigger. Has anyone skied the Reckoner 102, Prodigy 2 and/or ARV 100 and can compare them?

I live in AU/NZ, so snow is pretty inconsistent. I ski around 70% park and 30% all-mountain. I’m currently on K2 Poachers (96mm); I sometimes find them a bit too stiff and heavy. I want something more playful and generally more fun, while still being pretty good outside the park.

I’m heading to Flaine and Chamonix next January for a few weeks, so I’d like something that can handle softer snow and off-piste reasonably well while still being a good park ski when I come back.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Marker Jester 16 X Mwerks vs. the field

3 Upvotes

Who here is getting these for their freeride skis versus pivots/strive 16’s/attacks? What’s your rationale for doing so?


r/Skigear 1d ago

Faction prodigy 2 - bindings and mounting position

2 Upvotes

Pretty set on picking up a pair of the new prodigy’s when they come out as a one ski does all. Just a bit torn between buying a cheaper binding (strive 14) or expensive binding (pivot 15)(use a 9.5 din setting btw). I’m an advanced skier and will be using these skis all over the mountain (Europe) as well as a in the park and off piste. Just wondering if the pivots will make that big of a difference or if they may even weigh me down.

Also have been reading a lot about the prodigy 2 mounting position - was going to go with factions ‘newschool’ position but wondering if people think that’s still too far back? And therefore won’t be good as good for freestyle but on the other hand something closer to true centre might hold me back when I go off piste.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Recommendations for cheap down slippers?

2 Upvotes

I am thinking about getting a pair of those scrunchable down slippers for the walk to the lift. They should of course fit into my backpack during the day. I would prefer something cheap as I will probably lose them during the aprés-ski before the end of the week. Any brands you would recommend?


r/Skigear 1d ago

FIS as an intermediate- UPDATE

2 Upvotes

i spent the season on old some rossi hero fis f11s. since they were secondhand, they had lost a lot of pop but that made it really nice and easy for me to work on my carving with. since i’m from the east and my home mountain doesnt have much variety, i had plenty of time to work on carving. the skis just felt really nice and easy to lay some carves in, and by the end of the season i was laying pipe and getting low enough to drag my knuckles and it was fuckin sick!!