purchasing new boots and skis

Question
I will be getting back into skiing after 15 years. In the past I only skied green and sometimes blue for fun on skis I purchased 26 years ago. I'm 65 inches tall and 115 lbs and 42 years old. I'm thinking of buying Head dream thang 8 boots with a 70 flex and head lite thang skis at either 139 or 147 cm. I will be skiing for fun with my 6 year old daughter who just started this season. Any thoughts on this?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi and thanks for the question.

I have written quite a bit recently on buying skis - have a look through for more information if you need it.

Skis need to be chin to nose height for what you are wanting to do. If you buy them any shorter you will find it difficult to ski them at higher speeds. Your low weight will be easier for you to go shorter [chin height] than most. Longer will make it more dificult for you to manouver when skiing with your daughter.

Can you flex the ski? Push it in the middle to feel how it bounces back. If its hard to flex - it will be harder to ski. A firm flexing ski also reuires more speen and force to turn it. A ski too soft will wobble underfoot at higher speeds. No one ever said picking equipment was easy!

Im unsure of how easily the boots your talking about flex [bend forward]. Have you tried them on? Can you bend your ankle forward as this is the basic move in skiing - rather than bend your knees. A boot too stiff will hinder you improving your skiing and will require more effort to ski. They will also be more uncomfortable at slower speeds. Generally, a stiffer boot needs more speed to help increase the force exerted in order to flex it [who said physics wasn't part of our everyday?]

Head make some great skis and boots - so i would have no hesitation in buying the brand - however im unfamiliar with the exact equipment your refering to as i havent skied for 2 seasons [im currently living and working in the Australian desert!] Also - equipment between the two countries differs due to the difference in snow type.

Talk to your ski shop and if you can, try them on snow before you buy [just like you test drive a car].

Good luck shopping, and if you need any more info, just ask

lisa

162cm  52k