The Gear
My equipment is a joke. Hard and soft gear, the same story holds true. When I purchased it we are talking top of the line stuff. Ski a couple hundred days on it, junk. Where am I going to go to refresh? The Ski Expo!
The Greatest show in snowbiz starts this evening and runs through Sunday. Get there early to find the best deals on the best items. See my issues below.
Hard Goods
Priority: New Skis! Current situation, after taking inventory I own seven pair, some telemark and others alpine. None with any pop left in them, holes riddle the P-tex bases, bent or rounded edges, and they flex like overcooked spaghetti. Remedy – thinking Dynastar 8000’s a great ski for the East, big brother 8800 may be a little to much under foot in the bumps and trees.
Boots – love what I got. An older pair of Head’s which have been taken care of (i.e. not walking around in them on cement or asphalt). Still the liners are packed out and I could use a new set. Not this weekend, maybe around Christmas…
Bindings – I am sure one of my old pair will test our at the ski shop I use. Hopefully not one of the ones made of metal. Not really looking for any additional weight on the package these days.
Poles – All set, got five of them and two actually match. Do not care that they are both purple and have a feature called the ‘corrective angle’.
Soft Goods
Priority: Goggles – actually second on the list behind the sticks. Vision is what it really comes down to, and if you tend to work up a lather like me on the slopes you are better of with a good pair if you like to see wear you are going to turn.
Jacket – I am currently still rocking an LL Bean Gore-Tex rain coat that has served me well for years. Got better for severe weather, but usually care not to use it if I can avoid doing so.
Gloves – the $8.99 Kinco’s treat me fine, but I misplaced my Burton pipe gloves that I prefer. I enjoy the feel they provide and you do not have to take them off to mess around with zippers and buckles so you never lose heat. If your hands get cold, do arm circles.
Hats – I usually take whatever comes my way for FREE. They are lost constantly. I have managed to hang onto one which was a gift from TurtleFur. It is made from the finest Italian wools with a ring of the fur on the inside, very comfortable.
Pants – Not planning on falling, skies are clear? Wear Jeans! Denim Man/Woman has always been very cool and will continue to be this season. Not in the market for anything more.
Socks – Hate doing laundry. Buy as many pair as you can afford.
Regardless of what your needs may be the best time to fulfill them is now! Where? The Boston Globe SnowSports Expo. Deals to be had abound and more excitement then you could imagine. This is a show that any self respecting skier or rider from the Boston area should not miss.
See you there!
S.G.
