Replace my sons skis??

Question
My 14 year old son (beg-intermediate) has a two year old pair of Fisher RX Heat skis 140cm.  He has outgrown his boots but hasn't grown much taller (now 62 inches) and weighs about 90 lbs.  I would like to get one more year out of the skis but am unsure of the type of replacement boot to get (I have read about stiff boots vs. others).  We live in Michigan and he usually goes out about 5 times a season locally at small skiing facilities and we usually take one family trip to northern michigan at a more advanced and varied ski resort.  I know nothing about equipment!  Please advise.  

Answer
Hi StonekidsMom and thanks for the questions

Skis can be used for many seasons if they have been looked after and your child hasnt outgrown them [chin to eye height is ideal]. It is more likely that will 'outgrow' the bindings. The DIN [numerical setting on the toe piece] needs to be adequate for a growing child to ensure saftey [i've written quite a bit about this recently if you have a read through some of my last posts].

The boots will need to be the ones that fit best & suit his level of skiing - not to mention comfortable [we know how kids need comfort!!]

Unfortunatly kids feet continue to grow and accommodating this can be tricky. Probably the easiest compromise will be to go shopping with 2 pairs of thick socks, as the feet grow you can reduce the socks - this may get you another season out of them.  Another option will be to look for swap meets or other parents looking to offload gear as their kids grow. Until you're child is an intermediate faster skier, perfectly fitting boots can be overlooked. But probably by next season you may have to look at upgrading the equipment set.

BUYING BOOTS:
Take the liner out and insert the socked foot - the foot can't be touching any part of the shell and look for about 1-1.5cm spacing around. This will be the right size shell. The liner can be more tricky. Liners 'pack out' with wear and eventually mould to the foot [2-5 skiing days] so when they are first put on they will have squishy points and can be a little uncomfortable - this is difficult to consider when it isnt your foot in the boot.  So with kids sometimes you just need to take their opinion.
Here are some tips - make sure the kids have eaten before you go and dont go to the shop if you need to be somewhere else in about 60-90mins time. You will not get the job done & it will end in frustration. You could go and try some on - but dont buy at that time. Buying boots can take 2-3hours for adults!!

When on, the child needs to be able to flex the boot forward standing in the shop - if they cant, then they wont be able to on snow either - these are too stiff. Make sure they can flex both the same so they can turn both ways.
Make the child do them up and undo them by themself. They will need to be able to do this - dont get into the habit of doing it all for them because when they need to remove the boot they wont be able to.

Once you have found boots - you will need to have them fitted to the ski. Most kids skis have adjustable bindings so the ones on the skis should be ok [DIN?].

If there is anything else i can help with, just ask
goodluck
lisa