1st time buyer of ski boots and skis

Question
I would like to buy ski equipment mainly to have more time to ski because it can take a long time waiting in line to rent skis.  I am 56 years old, I like to 'cruise' more than anything and normally ski green and blue runs.  I have been watching eBay and there seem to be some really good deals on used equipment, but I would like to know what are the pitfalls I face buying equipment unseen.  Matching boots to bindings is a mystery to me also - there seems to be a standard binding/boot since every time I've skied, I've rented equipment and to me they've all looked the same.  Then my other concern is if I bought a set of skiis, how would I learn to adjust the bindings?  Thanks.

Answer
hi and thanks for the question.
I apologise for the delay, i had typed out an answer in a word doc as i knew it was going to be long, but then didnt get back to send it.

im sure the rental line-ups do become tedious - especially when the ski sonditions are great out there.  Just to let you know, i have answered the question about buying equipment many times, just scroll through other answers and you will find much information on the topic.

As for buying skis unseen - you can do it, however i wouldnt suggest it unless you knew a little about the ski. You can get this sort of information from the ski company websites and also try some of the ski magazines [print or online] and have a look at what they say about them. Every year ski mags do extensive testing days and big write ups to help us unravel the mystery of "which do i buy?".

You want a ski that is:
>> moderate in flex - easier to turn but not too snappy you have to do shorter turns than you enjoy. A ski too soft will 'wobble' under foot at higher speeds as well.
>> about chin to nose height to decrease effort needed to turn, but wont 'wobble' too much at higher speeds.

You want boots that are:
>> the correct fit - you will need to know your base length to get this right without trying them on. I wouldnt buy boots unseen unless i had been able to try on a pair somewhere else - get the boots wrong and you may as well be skiing on fence posts!
>> appropriate in flex [forward movement] for your ability and strength - if you cant flex it - you cant turn it.

You bindings need to:
>> have the appropriate DIN settings to suit your height/weight/boot length & skiing ability [all the questions you had to fill in everytime you rented skis...] this is a safety setting.  
>>be adjusted by a ski tech - dont adjust them yourself - especially if you have bought the skis online - make sure the 'system' fits together to ensure you fall safely.
>> be in good condition. Rusted inner springs wont work when you need them to.
>> be mounted so that your ski boot sits on the balanced mid-point that is identified on the ski. If your not centred it will change how you have to ski.

Rental equipment all looks the same as the shops buy in bulk from one supplier - who gives them a great price for buying so many. Also - they are easier to spot in the carpark when people are taking them home!! But a better indication is looking at what others are wearing out on the hill when not in rental equip. You dont need to buy the boots and skis in the same brand. However there are some 'systems' that work better when it is bought that way. But usually that is at the higher end of the market - you will only need to buy mid-range at this stage.

PITFALLS:
>> damage to skis not honestly pointed out in the sellers blurb - superfical scratches, deeper scratches, condiditon of the bases, are the edges intact?
>> if the bindings have been looked after [summer settings] & where does the seller live? near the coast -if so consider rust.
>> boots worn by someone else will fit their foot - boots actually have a liner that moulds to the wearers foot - you've not experienced this in rental boots as they have been worn by many. Hence i dont suggest spending $100 on second hand boots when you can spend $250 on boots that will fit you perfectly - trust me, you wont regret spending the little extra on boots.
>> no exchange or return policy. buying equipment from a store that backs its products and offers after sale service is invaluable. You can have adjustments made and they will know you [esp boots]. Especially if you've been sold poor quality equip online, you're stuck with it and out of pocket.

Again sorry for the delay in answering your question. Hope this helps & if you need more info, just ask.

lisa RN