Ski gear advice

[Matt]

Looking for some advice on ski gear, everything from skis/boots to
jackets, pants, gloves, goggles, etc.

I'm in the market for some gear and need some basic info - what
manufacturers are good/bad, good materials for the clothing, any other
tips/info, etc.

Also, can anyone recommend stores to try in Melbourne, I don't mind
second hand, I just need a place which won't rip me off and is
reasonably knowledgable.

Thanks!

Cheers,
Matt

[lal_truckee]

Post by Matt
Looking for some advice on ski gear, everything from skis/boots to
jackets, pants, gloves, goggles, etc.
I'm in the market for some gear and need some basic info - what
manufacturers are good/bad, good materials for the clothing, any other
tips/info, etc.

Sounds like you're just getting started? I that case you don't want any
of the expensive stuff until you find out if you are going to stick with
skiing. You also don't need any of the life-saver level gear a
backcountry skier would need, since you'll be on groomed intermediate
slopes with help immediately at hand.

In that case, I'd get basic cheap long underwear - polypropolene fiber
so that you stay dry, use a wool shirt you probably already have, and
shell (i.e. no padding/insulation) pants and jacket, water resistent or
water repellent (which will also therefore be wind proof.) Add a wool
cap and some THIN polypropolene socks and CHEAP gloves and give the
slopes a try.

Later, if you stick with it, upgrade the outer shells to top quality
waterproof/breathable stuff (like Gore Tex) (shell parka with a hood
this time around) and good, waterproof, warm gloves. Find bargains if
you can, but don't slight quality since this stuff lasts for years under
hard use, and may save your life if you get lost or trapped in a
blizzard - which can happen as you get better at skiing. You probably
will want a helmet, also.

Post by Matt
Also, can anyone recommend stores to try in Melbourne, I don't mind
second hand, I just need a place which won't rip me off and is
reasonably knowledgable.

You're on your own - when you make a ski trip to the States maybe I can
help with shops.

[Matt]

Post by lal_truckee
Sounds like you're just getting started? I that case you don't want any
of the expensive stuff until you find out if you are going to stick with
skiing. You also don't need any of the life-saver level gear a
backcountry skier would need, since you'll be on groomed intermediate
slopes with help immediately at hand.

A little past getting started, but nowhere near serious. I've been going
skiing one or two weekends per seasons for about four years now, and
will probably continue going at around the same frequency.

Post by lal_truckee
In that case, I'd get basic cheap long underwear - polypropolene fiber
so that you stay dry, use a wool shirt you probably already have, and
shell (i.e. no padding/insulation) pants and jacket, water resistent or
water repellent (which will also therefore be wind proof.) Add a wool
cap and some THIN polypropolene socks and CHEAP gloves and give the
slopes a try.
Later, if you stick with it, upgrade the outer shells to top quality
waterproof/breathable stuff (like Gore Tex) (shell parka with a hood
this time around) and good, waterproof, warm gloves. Find bargains if
you can, but don't slight quality since this stuff lasts for years under
hard use, and may save your life if you get lost or trapped in a
blizzard - which can happen as you get better at skiing. You probably
will want a helmet, also.

Thanks for the tips, I think I'll go the cheap route on jackets and
pants this time round, but I reckon I might buy good goggles and
gloves... I've had a bad experience with cheap gloves already. I think
I'll pass on the helmet, I'm not doing anything near serious enough to
warrant that :-)

Post by lal_truckee

Post by Matt
Also, can anyone recommend stores to try in Melbourne, I don't mind
second hand, I just need a place which won't rip me off and is
reasonably knowledgable.

You're on your own - when you make a ski trip to the States maybe I can
help with shops.

What, you mean you can't recommend me some stores in a city 10,000kms
from where you live? ;-)

Thanks for the reply.

Cheers,
Matt

[Denis Hackney]

Post by Matt
Thanks for the tips, I think I'll go the cheap route on jackets and
pants this time round, but I reckon I might buy good goggles and
gloves... I've had a bad experience with cheap gloves already.

This is a damn good idea - a decent pair of gloves and goggles can
make all the difference. I used to hate wearing goggles, until I got
myself a decent pair that didn't fog up or fall off, and now I can't
stand not wearing goggles. Likewise, getting a decent quality pair of
gloves that didn't leave my fingers soaking wet or freezing cold by
lunchtime was a revelation. With jackets and pants, you can layer up
underneath and make just about anything work OK, but with the
extremities (head, hands and feet - a decent pair of ski socks is a
worthwhile investment too), 'OK' just isn't good enough...