boots and skiis

Question
QUESTION: Hello. I've been in contact with another expect but he hasn't gotton back to me in a bit. I need a Christmas gift answer, so here it is.

I went to our local ski nut (the only ski store within 2 hours of where I live) and only found 2 options for my fiancee.


1. HEAD C200 skiis, tycoil? bindings, poles, wax and mount for 299.99 with 20% off =  $240 then $160 for boots

length options- only 156 or 150


2. SAME SKI package but new design for $469.99 with 20% off! The only reason I consider it is because they have a 160 length option.


3. HEAD C200i skiis, the binding looks to have extra flexibility by a raised section where the binding is attached to the ski (sorry for my ignorance) old style so it is only $449.99 with $20% off. Same package as above, but here is the big question. Lengths are 163 or 156. I feel that 156 is too short for her to grow with and to keep up with the guys. 163 too long for her? She is 5'6", again, and 120 lbs.

I also have been looking at boots on the levelnine website. Since the skiis are HEAD, Id like to get boots similar. There are boots from 2005, new, on the site, for only 89.99. She wears size 9 and I don't want to get boots at the shop cause they are $169. Should I just order the boots and give it a try?

Please let me know what the best option would be, and what options you have on the HEAD brand.


Brian

ANSWER: Dear Brian --

What an awesome gift.  That's a great idea, but I recommend you give your girlfriend a picture of all the equipment in a beautifully tied box.  Then after she opens it, tell her you want to go ski equipment shopping with her -- your treat.  Feel free to set dollar limits when you tell her, I know she will understand.

There are many reasons for this recommendation.

First -- you should buy the boots first.  The boots do not need to match the skis but they do need to fit her feet perfectly.  So your first step is to help her find boots that fit her feet firmly, but comfortably.  If she is a novice skier, the boots should have softer forward flex.  However, if she is an intermediate and getting better, you can have a stiffer flexing boot.

Second -- boot length determines the mount length of your bindings.  Once you have boots, you can buy skis and bindings and have the bindings mounted with confidence.  You could buy the skis and bindings now, and wait to have the bindings mounted until you have the boots.  But unless you are certain of her skiing style, you may want to wait.

As for skis, length should be determined by skiing style, aggressiveness, side-cut of the ski, and height and weight of the skier.  With today's designs and materials shorter skis are frequently top performers and maintain control and stability even at higher speeds.  The short length and increased side-cut allow for quicker turns when necessary, but the ski materials and design resist twisting, damp out vibration, and allow the skier to hold a firm edge.  Since your girlfriend is light for her height, she will not need as long a ski as her height makes you think she needs.

I like the HEAD brand of skis, but I have never used their boots.  I have a wide foot, and can wear only a limited number of women's advanced performing boots.  HEAD skis helped me break out of the advanced intermediate rut when I was trying to break into racing.  Those HEAD skis had a good side-cut that helped me initiate turns and yet still maintain control in a fast run.

The mounting plate under the binding does give some lever arm advantage when initiating turns by rolling from edge to edge.  Skiing style determines how useful that plate is for any given skier.  A more important criteria is to buy a binding that allows your retention setting to be about the middle of the gauge.  That allows some up and down on the binding setting as your skiing improves or conditions change.

I have put a lot of information here, please continue your research and I will be happy to answer additional questions as they come up.  

Happy Holidays!  Think snow!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Cynthia, I really appreciate your prompt reply. I'm a fast paced guy and I need to make a decision this week. Your recommendation for giving her a picture and going equipment shopping is definitely a great idea. However, we only have one store within 2 hours of here and they don't have her size of boots in stock. Also, we're going on a ski trip to the Catskills right after Christmas and I want her to have everything by then.

Do you see any harm in ordering the boots I mentioned before from levelnine.com? $89.99 2005 HEAD boots. She has a women's 9 and I don't anticipate any fitting issues as she has a normal foot. I'm thinking about ordering a pair of size 26, see how they fit this weekend when she comes home, and if they don't, send them back in hopes of getting a return by our trip.

I also liked your description of the mounting plate. It seems to fit the needs of Julie really well. She needs the added flexibility in rolling from edge to edge. So do you recommend the C200i's for her for 449.99 as a package with poles and wax/mount or should I be looking online for other recommendations? I have contacted backcountry.com and have not received any positive response as everything is way too expensive (over $650 for packages w/out boots)

Answer
Dear Brian --

If you are willing to make the effort of buying and returning the boots if they do not fit, then do so.  That way you will be ahead of the game, if they do fit.  Boots are the most critical piece of your gear, so you want to ensure they fit right.  If you can afford it, order what you think is her size, and one size smaller.  Have her try them both on, then return the pair of boots that do not fit.

The C200i should be a good combo, and that is a fair price.  You will need to have boots that definitely fit her, before you mount the bindings.  However the C200 with the Tyrolia bindings are a fine ski too.  You could go with the 156 cm length in either ski.  They will perform well, even though they will only be about nose height on her.  

Another option is to call the ski shop in the Catskills close to where you will be, and see if you can arrange for a "demo" rental weekend.  For one weekend rental rate Julie could try out a number of different ski and binding combinations.  If she has boots that fit, then comparing skis and how they suit her skiing style will be fun.

Please write back, if you need more information, or have questions about anything I have written.  Good luck in your quest.