Why do you buy?

[highpeaksdrifter]

This post from another thread got me thinking, Oil is always an inspiration to me.:smile:

No need to get the new gear when old gear is just as good. Finally replaced my Volkl p50s that were beat to death with... another pair of p50s!
:beer:

The last time I got ski gear because I needed it was about 25 years ago. I had a pair of boots I loved and kept them too long. I got a rip in the overlap of one, so I finally threw them away and got a new pair.

For me the main reason is because I just want it. Besides the actual skiing experience nothing gives me more pleasure then getting new skis or boots. I love getting them, the anticipation of using them and finally getting them on the snow. I know buying anything is often about a variety of reasons, but what’s your main one?

 

[SkiDog]

I just love new toys and can't seem to NOT buy buy buy all the time..I think currently I have 7 pairs of skis...and I only really ski 2 pairs...

M

 

[riverc0il]

i buy both because i need to and want to. depends what type of gear. clothing is almost always exclusively out of need. boots is also need based. skis... could be either. the p50s were a replacement for my old ones. not entirely need since i have my trusty 8000s i could use, but i really enjoy ripping groomers on those p50s and prefer them for early and late season when natural snow trails aren't open. they also are much more lively in the bumps than the 8000s. so that is a combo of need/want.

it is hard to characterize my other ski selections. i certainly didn't "need" the 8000s, but they skied sooooooo good and i really wanted something for powder days and natural snow. i had outgrown the limitations of my p50s in these conditions. with the backcountry rig, i did "need" a new ski for a touring binding. eh, perhaps it is all justification post purchase to make me feel good about my money. I WANT I NEED I WANT I NEED! i see no difference.

 

[thetrailboss]

Last upgrade was in 2004. New skis, new boots. Both because the former models were outperformed/worn. The Dolomite Boots were about six years old and had about 200 or so days in them. Bought them for $200 and sold them for $35 at the Pats Peak ski swap....they are still being used. They were getting smelly and packed out. As for the K2 Fours, still use them as rock skis. Work great. I've tuned them myself for the last five years and they still run great when tuned....a bit too long and a bit too soft, but still good to step into and go! They don't hold a candle to the Heads, but still are fun.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

. I WANT I NEED I WANT I NEED! i see no difference.

Neither does my wife when she goes shopping.

 

[kbroderick]

(a) and (c)...I'll only buy when either (a) I need to, because something is worn beyond continued use (e.g. my Rossignol Course E's that I went through multiple liners and multiple toe/heel wear plates before giving up the ghost) or because the advantage to my skiing experience is so significant (e.g. the AT bindings I plan to buy for next season).

Of course, this year, it's straight up (a) and (c) -- I really want to get an AT setup *and* my old boots are more or less shot *and* my skis are ready for the big ski swap in the sky (blown both edges from one of them, they have multiple core shots and a multitude of miles), *and* my bindings need to be replaced (I'm fairly confident that duct-taping a broken AFD back together is not considered within ISO norms for binding release).

 

[teachski]

I buy because I want to most of the time. On occasion I find something that I just absolutely love and use it forever. I have a pair of boots that I love. I did buy new ones this year, but only used them once. I may buy another pair of skis this year. It's been a couple years since I have. I have 2004-2005 Volkl 6 stars(161cm) and 2001-2002 (177cm) Rossi Bandit x's that I currently ski. I may go for something right around 170cm this time. I have a couple in mind that I demo'ed last season. I may demo them all again or just take the one I can get the best deal on.

 

[NYDrew]

I destroy my gear faster then I can replace it.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

(a) and (c)...
(blown both edges from one of them, they have multiple core shots and a multitude of miles), .

Holy Cow, you got your money's worth out of those for sure.

 

[Grassi21]

I voted other because I have never owned my own gear. My goal is to use the new gear until it is no longer usable or I progress skill wise.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

I voted other because I have never owned my own gear. .

Do you lease gear for a season or rent each time you go?

 

[Grassi21]

Do you lease gear for a season or rent each time you go?

A few seasons back I rented for a weekend. This past season I leased for the entire season.

At the end of this season I purchased my Head c220i's and Nordica Beast 10s. I was able to use the skis on the last day of the season. Those brand new edges came in handy on that late season ice.