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#1
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I can give you some simple ski equipment guides if you would like them.
If thats what you're looking for!! It seems like you are looking in particular for used equipment but that can be risky depending on what you want. Let me knwo at any rate. I have some basic stuff here you can use! Yooper wrote: Getting back into xc skiing and I'm not sure on what equipment (used) to look for. Is there a good website that any of you would reccomend to ask this question? This one seems pretty advanced but it's all I could find on usenet. Thanks. |
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#2
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Newb question
Getting back into xc skiing and I'm not sure on what equipment (used) to
look for. Is there a good website that any of you would reccomend to ask this question? This one seems pretty advanced but it's all I could find on usenet. Thanks. |
#3
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RSN group-I should have been more specific in what I'm looking for. I'd
like information on quality used equipment or if possible, low priced, good, new equipment. I'd like equipment that is geared towards the "classic" style of xc skiing due to my unfamiliarity of the "skating" style. I'm located in northern Michigan. I've rented gear this weekend and really enjoyed xc again but it's been a few years (14) since I've been on skis and I'm not sure what are quality names anymore. From what I've read, the boots are something that should be bought new, but the skis and poles are ok to go used for a beginner. Thanks for any replies. "Adam Gale" wrote in message ... I can give you some simple ski equipment guides if you would like them. If thats what you're looking for!! It seems like you are looking in particular for used equipment but that can be risky depending on what you want. Let me knwo at any rate. I have some basic stuff here you can use! Yooper wrote: Getting back into xc skiing and I'm not sure on what equipment (used) to look for. Is there a good website that any of you would reccomend to ask this question? This one seems pretty advanced but it's all I could find on usenet. Thanks. |
#4
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If you enjoyed the equipment that you used recently - keep renting. Do
your own study. At the entry level the stuff is pretty indestructible and performance is not really an issue. Try waxed skis - try wax-less. If you still want your own skis - wait until fall when all the swap sales happen (Oct - Nov). You should find bins of boots, poles and skis. You will also most likely find someone donating their time that can help you sort out your needs. Your alternative is a basic package from LL Bean or some place like that - you cannnot go wrong. Once you have established your interest in the sport - sell it at a swap sale and trade up. Enjoy |
#5
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"jgs" wrote in message oups.com... If you enjoyed the equipment that you used recently - keep renting. Do your own study. At the entry level the stuff is pretty indestructible and performance is not really an issue. Try waxed skis - try wax-less. If you still want your own skis - wait until fall when all the swap sales happen (Oct - Nov). You should find bins of boots, poles and skis. You will also most likely find someone donating their time that can help you sort out your needs. Your alternative is a basic package from LL Bean or some place like that - you cannnot go wrong. Once you have established your interest in the sport - sell it at a swap sale and trade up. Enjoy Thanks jgs. Now that you mentioned it, I did see those swap sales here last fall. Good info. |
#6
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HI
I would like to jump in on this, because I had the same question! I live outside of Sequoia National Prk/King's Canyon in the sierra nevada ca.. There are no groomed trails etc. But people cross country on many back country trails. I am a rank beginner, I snowshoe the area but not ski. I don't know about swap meets etc. People around here are not that organized I would just like to invest in some good basic equipment. Also, should I take a lesson from someone? Is it helpful or does it matter much in the beginning? Thanks! - L |
#7
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:Yooper - the problem with buying classic skis (AKA striding) is that
the flex is so important. You need to make sure they are flexed properly so that they will glide well when weighted evenly and grip well when fully weighted on one ski. Ski shops have various ways of looking at this - commonly known as a "paper test". The rudiments of a paper test are very easily learned. but require a really flat, smooth surface. So, when you buy used skis, or go to a ski swap, the risk is that the skis will be too stiff or too soft for your particular weight. I've bought used striding skis before, but I bought them from a guy I knew - I knew his weight and I trusted his opinion of why he was selling them (he was lighter than me, and didn't like the skis because they were too stiff). I also had the opportunity to ski them -and could tell they worked fine for me. That's why I am very skeptical about swap meets, used equipment shops (e.g. Play it Again Sports), and mail order from non-specialty shops for skis. You can buy skis from mail order *specialty* ski shops because they have ways of matching skis to your weight and ability, but not places like LL Bean. For myself and my kids I've really tried to go the used route many times, but with very mixed results .... and I know how to flex test skis (but rarely have the properly flat surface to do so). My opinion is that boots are actually better to buy used than skis - boots you can simply looked at to see if they're in good shape and they are easy to try on. No mystery if they fit properly, as opposed to a ski that requires flex testing. On the other hand, pretty darn good quality skis, new, aren't hugely expensive, especially if you're looking at a recreational level "package". You should be able to get a good basic, fun and functional set up, everything fitted properly for less than $250. Yes you can maybe 1/2 this cost buying used at ski swaps, etc. If you can ascertain the proper ski and boot fit, go for it. But you have rented and skied a couple of times and know you want to get back into it, So the investment in new gear is not very risky - you know you'll use it and get your money's worth out of it. Pick an overall price point you want to spend and go to a trusted ski specialty shop (as opposed to a BIG BOX sports store) or trusted ski specialty mail order company and see what they offer in a package of skis, boots and poles. Good luck and have fun -zeke |
#8
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Lee, it sounds like you don't live too far from Montecito Sequoia
resort. They offer lessons and probably some good advice about equipment. For purchasing, I suggest buying in person if possible, which probably means a trip to either the Bay Area (residents specify where) or up to Paco's in Truckee (Tahoe). If you don't mind a drive around the south side of the Sierra, Brian's and other shops in Mammoth would be worth it. Good lessons there at Tamarack. One other resource for advice - and used equipment? - might be Rick Mitchell, if he's still monitoring the newsgroup. He runs the science school up your way. Gene "Lee" wrote: HI I would like to jump in on this, because I had the same question! I live outside of Sequoia National Prk/King's Canyon in the sierra nevada ca.. There are no groomed trails etc. But people cross country on many back country trails. I am a rank beginner, I snowshoe the area but not ski. I don't know about swap meets etc. People around here are not that organized I would just like to invest in some good basic equipment. Also, should I take a lesson from someone? Is it helpful or does it matter much in the beginning? Thanks! - L |
#9
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Where in the UP? If you're within reach of Marquette, definitely head
over to the Sports Rack, which has lots of overstock and sales and good staff. If you're closer to Ironwood, two options are the New Moon or Riverbrook shops in the Hayward/Seeley WI area or shops in Duluth. Check skinnyski.com for options. I agree with the comments about buying boots first, which determines bindings, and gettings skis flexed specifically for you. Forget the weight ranges. As you get the hang of it, having skis that don't fit you takes much of the fun out of it. Also, getting lighter poles with wrap-around straps for roughly $50 is very much worth the investment. Gene "Yooper" wrote: RSN group-I should have been more specific in what I'm looking for. I'd like information on quality used equipment or if possible, low priced, good, new equipment. I'd like equipment that is geared towards the "classic" style of xc skiing due to my unfamiliarity of the "skating" style. I'm located in northern Michigan. I've rented gear this weekend and really enjoyed xc again but it's been a few years (14) since I've been on skis and I'm not sure what are quality names anymore. From what I've read, the boots are something that should be bought new, but the skis and poles are ok to go used for a beginner. Thanks for any replies. "Adam Gale" wrote in message ... I can give you some simple ski equipment guides if you would like them. If thats what you're looking for!! It seems like you are looking in particular for used equipment but that can be risky depending on what you want. Let me knwo at any rate. I have some basic stuff here you can use! Yooper wrote: Getting back into xc skiing and I'm not sure on what equipment (used) to look for. Is there a good website that any of you would reccomend to ask this question? This one seems pretty advanced but it's all I could find on usenet. Thanks. |
#10
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Thanks Gene
Yes, mammoth is much closer than a trip to tahoe. Any advice on price range/value what to look for is much appreciated. I have the clueless person's fear of being ripped off! Rick mitchell - do you mean the Sequoia Academy or something like that? |
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