Old man getting back into skiing

[Ski2024]

Im 58 and havent skies in 10 yrs, I acquired an ols set of Blizzard x spirt 5 in awesome condition research says they are womens skies, what difference does this make I think I like the idea of the lighter weight !

 

[dbostedo]

Welcome @Ski2024!

Women's or Men's doesn't matter if they work for you. Are the bindings equally old?

 

[Ski2024]

Welcome @Ski2024!

Women's or Men's doesn't matter if they work for you. Are the bindings equally old?

Yes I believe so im wondering about new bindings, ant recommendations ?

 

[dbostedo]

Yes I believe so im wondering about new bindings, ant recommendations ?

I'm not much of a bindings expert... that would be @Philpug...

Or feel free to start a thread in the gear section and ask the members!

 

[Philpug]

Is that a system ski, in that the binding is integrated into the ski or does it look like it is mounted on top. Pictures could help.

 

[Ski2024]

Looks like its mounted on top

 

[Ski2024]

And maybe the bindings will be just fine

 

[Ski2024]

These are them

 

[Ski2024]

Any ideas on these bindings, I think I will just try them, got theses skies at a garage sell for $50

 

[bbinder]

The bindings look as old as the skis, which are a 2007 model. Before I'd ski on them, I would want a shop to check the bindings and adjust them for my weight and ability. Phil and others will know better than I, but it is very possible that a shop will not touch them due to liability concerns with respect to their age, etc. And while I don't consider 58 as old (I am 70), do you want to risk your ligaments and bones for the sake of saving some money on newer equipment?

 

[oldschoolskier]

Some women's skis are built and configured slightly different (wt distribution) and stiffness (strength) so while they work mens skis could be better for you.

Second issue is bindings, depending on the model some no longer have coverage by shops, so unless you know how to set and check your own bindings (at your own risk) you are SOL. If you have to ask on the group on how to set up your bindings (even though many do their own setups, I've been doing mine since before I was a teen years ago) don't, go to a professional and learn with them directly (if they are willing to show you), again liability comes into play. Remember if you go this route you can only blame yourself for injuries.

There are lots of good deals for new old stock out there that set you up for success and give you better equipment.

 

[Ski2024]

Some women's skis are built and configured slightly different (wt distribution) and stiffness (strength) so while they work mens skis could be better for you.

Second issue is bindings, depending on the model some no longer have coverage by shops, so unless you know how to set and check your own bindings (at your own risk) you are SOL. If you have to ask on the group on how to set up your bindings (even though many do their own setups, I've been doing mine since before I was a teen years ago) don't, go to a professional and learn with them directly (if they are willing to show you), again liability comes into play. Remember if you go this route you can only blame yourself for injuries.

There are lots of good deals for new old stock out there that set you up for success and give you better equipment.

This is why Im asking questions

 

[Plai]

@Ski2024 where in Texas are you? Maybe the collective can point you to a shop.
Another option is to carry the skis to whatever resort you go and have the shop on mtn test them. In this case, it might be better to just rent and forego carrying the skis to resort.

Assuming you travel (from TX) to ski, where do you go?

Has anyone mentioned boots yet? What's your boot story? Renting, own? If own, how old?

 

[Ski2024]

@Ski2024 where in Texas are you? Maybe the collective can point you to a shop.
Another option is to carry the skis to whatever resort you go and have the shop on mtn test them. In this case, it might be better to just rent and forego carrying the skis to resort.

Assuming you travel (from TX) to ski, where do you go?

Has anyone mentioned boots yet? What's your boot story? Renting, own? If own, how old?

Yes I understand all of this, thank you

 

[Ski2024]

Yes I understand all of this, thank you

Slopes are about 3 hrs from us, ski Apache, it can either be real good or real bad.

 

[Andy Mink]

OK, I'll be the one.

Do you have boots? Better to have boots that fit well and you can then rent skis if necessary.

I came back after a bunch of years (60 next month) and was blown away by the changes in gear. There's a good chance if you get new boots they won't be compatible with those bindings.

 

[oldschoolskier]

This is why Im asking questions

Read through all of the older posts. A lot of information already posted.

As to bindings, you gotta ask don't.