Does the right equipment make a difference??
I just finished a 2 day boot fitting school with Masterfit University, http://www.masterfit.com, at Stratton Mountain in Vermont. Masterfit University is kind of the authority on ski boot fitting. At this point I already have some solid experience with boot fitting, but there is lots more to learn. I currently work as a bootfitter, building custom insole’s, and dialing people in with the correct equipment for them. Most skiers agree that the most important part of your ski equipment needs is your boots. I do think that having the proper equipment for your ski need can make a big difference. Especially with the boots. After hearing feedback from many of the customer’s that I have sold boots to, or made custom insole’s for my thoughts are continually reaffirmed.
Every season, when I watch the latest ski movie premier’s, I am always amazed to see athletes in our sport stepping it up. I actually had thought we were at a bit of a plateau, until I saw the trailer for the new Matchstick productions movie, “In Deep,” http://www.skimovie.com/index.php/msptv/in-deep-teaser/ This movie looks so sick? Everyone seems to be taking it up a notch. A couple of the biggest double’s I’ve seen. Can’t wait to see this flick!
I can’t help but wonder how much, if any, equipment has to do with taking our sport to that next level. I mean, I’m pretty sure Seth Morrison, Eric Hjorleifson, or Sage couldn’t send some of the stuff that they do with a Geze Binding, and skinny ski’s. Well, maybe Sage ?
I think it would be hard for most to deny what the proper equipment set-up can do for performance. No, no, I’m not just saying that to convince my wife that I NEED some new fatty powder skis this Winter.
Just last Winter, a friend got a new snowboard. I think it was his first new ride in like 10 years. He could not believe what a huge difference it made in performance.
As much as the right equipment can make a nice difference in performance, I also believe that it doesn’t matter how old or new you gear is, you can always go out and have a good time on the hill. If Seth Morrison, Eric Hjorleifson, or Sage did go out on that Geze binding and skinny skis, I’m pretty sure they could still have just as much fun.
Does the right equipment make a difference? The short answer is YES. However, skiing is definitely NOT about equipment. It’s about having fun. So, if getting new equipment is as fun for you as it is for me, then it’s time to go buy some new FAT skis!