Is demoing overrated?

**Greg** · Nov 28, 2007, 9:09 AM

You read it all the time here when folks ask for recommendations: "you really need to demo." Makes a lot of sense; try before you buy, right? However, how often do you actually get a chance to ski the exact ski you are interested in and in all conditions you plan to use the ski in? Sometimes specialty skis like bump skis are almost impossible to find as a demo.

As a matter of fact, I've never owned a ski that I actually demoed beforehand. I've demoed predecessors and the demo did influence the decision a bit, but that's about it. At the end of the day, I've never really been disappointed with any of my skis.

I still would recommend demoing if possible, but I wouldn't discourage someone from buying a ski they had not demoed. I think reading reviews (particularly online from similar skiers) is equally, if not more important.

severine · Nov 28, 2007, 9:15 AM

As you know, I haven't demoed any of the skis I own. Then again, none of the skis I own(ed) were anything special. I don't think Brian has demoed anything he owns(ed) either.

I would think that if you were looking for a higher end, performance-driven ski, then yes, demoing would be essential. You don't want to plunk down $800+++ for something that's not going to work out for you. But you have to consider your needs, your budget, and purely what you're looking to get out of your equipment. And remember that it's not all about the ski. Look at what Brian was able to accomplish with those cheap, beginner Rossi skis he had, after all.

**Greg** · Nov 28, 2007, 9:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by severine

Look at all Brian was able to accomplish with those cheap, beginner Rossi skis he had, after all.

Right, including managing to rip the binding right off the board...

That had to be the tell tale sign that he needed something a little more rugged.

Seriously, Brian was among the most improved AZers last year. We should give out little certificates like in elementary school...

David Metsky · Nov 28, 2007, 9:29 AM

I would never buy without demoing. Tele gear (skis, boots, and bindings) are quite different and I found it essential to picking out what is right for me. But I've also had no problems finding demos for what I wanted.

severine · Nov 28, 2007, 9:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg

Right, including managing to rip the binding right off the board...

That had to be the tell tale sign that he needed something a little more rugged.

Seriously, Brian was among the most improved AZers last year. We should give out little certificates like in elementary school...

Hey, he was on his 3rd season with those! I consider them to be a not bad investment, considering.

He did improve vastly getting out with you guys!

2knees · Nov 28, 2007, 9:33 AM

i dont know but i have a feeling the answer would be no. I've never demoed but i've been stuck with some real clunkers over the years.

Dr Skimeister · Nov 28, 2007, 10:31 AM

I've gone both ways over the years-purchased skis after demo and purchasing skis never having been on them. I've had good experiences with both. The only time I got snake-bit buying skis was a cold purchase at a ski sale of skis that were too long and too stiff for my ability at the time, many years ago. Even now, I still rent/demo skis occasionally just to try new skis out or to use skis that are more appropriate for a day's conditions that what I have.

tjf67 · Nov 28, 2007, 10:45 AM

I am on my 69th pair of skiis and I have never demoed any of them. Thats not to say i did not research the heck out of them before I purchased them. In all my years I have only bought 1 pair of skiis that I was not happy with. I bought the wrong size. They were to turny. they performed well just to much work you could never relax.

Those biased mags give me all the info I need to make an infored decision.

If I were new and had to start all over again when I bought a new pair of skiis I would go to the best sker I know and ask there advise and buy what they recommend. It to hard for a newbie to tell if the salesmen is blowing smoke or telling the truth.

Warp Daddy · Nov 28, 2007, 10:47 AM

After exhaustive research and having selected several Posssible choices based on reading /forums / ski shop vists etc --When i actually demoed my last 3 pairs i ended up buying skis that were NOT even on my radar screen . Their actual on snow performance knocked teh socks off my preconceived research

I got snake bit once without a demo, the skis were under expectations on the mtn .
One other demo-less pair turned out fine

campgottagopee · Nov 28, 2007, 10:51 AM

Demoing isn't necessary to make a purchase. All you need is an understanding on how the ski actually works, what diff dimensions will do to the ski and what lenght you want. If you understand that then any ski you buy you'll have an idea of what to expect. If your new to the sport then ask someone who knows for advise.

Nov 28, 2007, 9:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
Greg Mad River Glen - 2/8/08 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Thomaston, CT Posts: 18,916	Is demoing overrated? You read it all the time here when folks ask for recommendations: "you really need to demo." Makes a lot of sense; try before you buy, right? However, how often do you actually get a chance to ski the exact ski you are interested in and in all conditions you plan to use the ski in? Sometimes specialty skis like bump skis are almost impossible to find as a demo. As a matter of fact, I've never owned a ski that I actually demoed beforehand. I've demoed predecessors and the demo did influence the decision a bit, but that's about it. At the end of the day, I've never really been disappointed with any of my skis. I still would recommend demoing if possible, but I wouldn't discourage someone from buying a ski they had not demoed. I think reading reviews (particularly online from similar skiers) is equally, if not more important. __________________ Greg 2007-08, 2006-07, 2005-06, 2004-05 Life's too short for warm up runs.

Nov 28, 2007, 9:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
severine Arapahoe Basin Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: CT Posts: 2,862	As you know, I haven't demoed any of the skis I own. Then again, none of the skis I own(ed) were anything special. I don't think Brian has demoed anything he owns(ed) either. I would think that if you were looking for a higher end, performance-driven ski, then yes, demoing would be essential. You don't want to plunk down $800+++ for something that's not going to work out for you. But you have to consider your needs, your budget, and purely what you're looking to get out of your equipment. And remember that it's not all about the ski. Look at what Brian was able to accomplish with those cheap, beginner Rossi skis he had, after all. __________________ Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. ~ Dr. Seuss 2007-2008 ~ 20 2005-2006 ~ 2 2004 ~ 18 It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere. ~Agnes Repplier

Nov 28, 2007, 10:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
Dr Skimeister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: McAfee, NJ Posts: 1,617	I've gone both ways over the years-purchased skis after demo and purchasing skis never having been on them. I've had good experiences with both. The only time I got snake-bit buying skis was a cold purchase at a ski sale of skis that were too long and too stiff for my ability at the time, many years ago. Even now, I still rent/demo skis occasionally just to try new skis out or to use skis that are more appropriate for a day's conditions that what I have. __________________ Happy Trails

Nov 28, 2007, 10:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
Warp Daddy skiing with 'ma boyz and grandboyz Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: On a Big River near the 'Dacks Posts: 1,899	After exhaustive research and having selected several Posssible choices based on reading /forums / ski shop vists etc --When i actually demoed my last 3 pairs i ended up buying skis that were NOT even on my radar screen . Their actual on snow performance knocked teh socks off my preconceived research I got snake bit once without a demo, the skis were under expectations on the mtn . One other demo-less pair turned out fine __________________ Life Ain't No Dress Rehersal

Nov 28, 2007, 10:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
campgottagopee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Finger Lakes Region Posts: 762	Demoing isn't necessary to make a purchase. All you need is an understanding on how the ski actually works, what diff dimensions will do to the ski and what lenght you want. If you understand that then any ski you buy you'll have an idea of what to expect. If your new to the sport then ask someone who knows for advise. __________________ YOU WANNA SEE BIG AIR KID, PULL MY FINGER "OLD GUYS RULE"

Nov 28, 2007, 9:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
David Metsky Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 552	I would never buy without demoing. Tele gear (skis, boots, and bindings) are quite different and I found it essential to picking out what is right for me. But I've also had no problems finding demos for what I wanted.

Nov 28, 2007, 9:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
2knees The big pig @ Forrest Park Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,728	i dont know but i have a feeling the answer would be no. I've never demoed but i've been stuck with some real clunkers over the years.

Nov 28, 2007, 10:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
tjf67 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: L.P. Posts: 734	I am on my 69th pair of skiis and I have never demoed any of them. Thats not to say i did not research the heck out of them before I purchased them. In all my years I have only bought 1 pair of skiis that I was not happy with. I bought the wrong size. They were to turny. they performed well just to much work you could never relax. Those biased mags give me all the info I need to make an infored decision. If I were new and had to start all over again when I bought a new pair of skiis I would go to the best sker I know and ask there advise and buy what they recommend. It to hard for a newbie to tell if the salesmen is blowing smoke or telling the truth.

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