Newb question

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.

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.

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.

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

"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.

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

: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

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

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.

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?