Ski Gear is Just Too Expensive ... or is it?

[Philpug]

This thread is for the general discussion of the Article Ski Gear is Just Too Expensive ... or is it?. Please add to the discussion here.

 

[snwbrdr]

if only one could buy a cheap package on Amazon, like you can with a snowboard kit.

How bad can it really be?

It's mostly the boots that are bad

 

[snwbrdr]

Also to note is when you buy your gear. If you're the type that wants the latest technology now... you're going to likely buy at MSRP.

If you don't mind being slightly behind the technology curve, you can score gear for decent discounts by waiting for end of season or pre-season sales.... unless something you're buying is so popular, you can't buy it in the sale season, and have to buy at full MSRP.

 

[JWMN]

For years I saved the new gear sections of Ski and Skiing, or at least the part that talked about the skis I was interested in. When looking back on them I was always surprised to see how much I had paid for skis and boots back when, and how little the prices had increased, and that that is over decades. Carry On.

 

[Nancy Hummel]

I think there are several factors to consider.

• How long do you use your gear? I use mine for a very long time. I buy quality equipment/gear and it brings me a ton of enjoyment plus it lasts.
• Where do you buy? Prices can be very different at different places.
• When do you buy? End of season sales?

It seems like there is quite a bit of equipment and if you know what you want and keep track of sales etc, ski gear can be very reasonable.

 

[cantunamunch]

Compaird to cycling?

 

[Pequenita]

My SUP is way more expensive than my most recent alpine ski purchase.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

My SUP is way more expensive than my most recent alpine ski purchase.

I come from windsurfing where prices have gone up quite a bit. New board is around 2500 to 2700 MSRP. After that you still need a few fins, booms, masts, and sails. All of which are way more fragile than ski gear.

 

[graham418]

Of course its too expensive. But adjusted for inflation it is probably a lot cheaper than it was. Thinking back to late 70's early 80s, If I remember correctly, top line skis were $400? Boots about the same, bindings $200 or so? I do remember buying skis and bindings from a jobber who would buy up all the old stock from stores and distributors, and sell skis or bindings for $99. Were they as good as todays products? Did they last as long? Hard to say

 

[anders_nor]

ski gear is cheap, and by far my cheapest hobby

 

[jt10000]

A @SkiEssentials video about full beginner/intermediate packages they sell came up in my YouTube feed and I could not help but think "Whoa, those are pretty nice as at decent prices."

 

[crgildart]

The world is full of people who buy nice ski and golf gear, use it three or four times, then after sitting in the garage for two years dump it at Goodwill for people like me to find practically free.

 

[scott43]

I was just complaining that after 15 years I need new boots but they're expensive. Then I realized good hockey skates can go up to $900. Meh.. not so bad after all...

 

[Cameron]

Even though the prices of damn near everything have sky rocketed over the last 2-3 years it seems like ski gear prices have remained fairly constant. Sure there is a lot of very expensive high end equipment but you can still find plenty of new, high performance current model year equipment at what feels like yesterday's prices. I think MAP on my beloved Enforcer 88s has gone up maybe $50 in the three years since I bought them. The one caveat I would add is that it seems like binding prices have really gone up...that or I am just used to bargain hunting for them.

 

[BC.]

Lol….Be careful….the ski industry does listen to this site/Phil and Tricia’s influence/audience (ex. Pivot15, improved Pivot heel cup, companies focusing on narrower ski choices, etc). If you keep saying that ski equipment prices aren’t that bad, or they haven’t been influenced by inflation like other products……the ski industry make take note and the next thing you know, our ski beloved ski equipment might become a whole heck of a lot more expensive in the next few years.

 

[PinnacleJim]

My warm weather activity is sailing. Ski gear is cheap compared to the cost of stuff to keep my 33 foot sailboat going.

 

[Brian Finch]

I had an interesting chat w a current pro / legend who just can’t understand why ppl won’t pay $1000 for skis w all the tech involved.

 

[Jilly]

As someone has already said....some people buy expensive gear and don't really use it. I have a cycle for ski gear. 1 year skis/binding, next boots, next clothes. And get rid of stuff not using. Currently I have a brand new Salomon suit and doesn't really fit. (bought through the local store, so no try on) A helmet I hate and 1 pair of boots. The helmet and boots are heading to Reycyclski to be sold. Clothing that is good goes to "Teens on Edge" program to get teens out of the mall and on the slopes. I've sent skis to that as well.

And as mention the price of equipment hasn't really kept pace with inflation. But lift tickets have! That's the expensive part.

I don't know how many people have asked me..."it must be nice to be able to afford to ski!" Well, I don't belong to the Golf Club, the Yacht Club, the Tennis Club, or go out to dinner every week. I SKI!

 

[scott43]

I had an interesting chat w a current pro / legend who just can’t understand why ppl won’t pay $1000 for skis w all the tech involved.

Are they paying the $1000???

 

[Pequenita]

I come from windsurfing where prices have gone up quite a bit. New board is around 2500 to 2700 MSRP. After that you still need a few fins, booms, masts, and sails. All of which are way more fragile than ski gear.

Yeah, once boards get out of the Costco/Amazon package deals (I don't even know if that exists for windsurfing), they and their accountrements are $$$$.