So after reading robinsons post I've pretty much decided to get some skis. There is a pair of atomic boots in my size for $50 and a set of 160 commanche skis for $119 locally and used of course. I tried on the boots and they for well. Would this be a decent set up to start with?

How old are they? Anything older than 10 years old my local ski shop will not touch them to adjust the din settings or even wax them.

That's a good question. I'll have to find out.

I have a pair of snow blades, I am going to try this winter if we ever get any snow.

My son had K2 Comanche Jrs between the age of 8 and 10. He loved them and he is a very good skier for his age (started when he was 4). My assumption is the adult version is of equal quality which would mean they are fine for you starting out. Ditto what was said above about local ski shops tuning old gear so find that out first or learn to tune your own. Adjusting the din is as simple as turning 2 screws on each ski and the charts are all online. Sharpening and waxing is not all that difficult either but it requires an additional investment in tools and equipment.

How old are they? Anything older than 10 years old my local ski shop will not touch them to adjust the din settings or even wax them.

All binding manufacturers have an "indemnified" list of bindings. Bindings on the list are considered "safe" for service where a binding taken off the list is considered obsolete and non-serviceable. This doesn't mean that the binding is no good, it simply means that the manufacturer no longer stands behind it for one reason or another. It may not be an age issue, it could be a intended use issue. For example some race bindings aren't covered due to their DIN settings and intended use.

All shops have the option to service NON-indemnified bindings. To do so is dependent on the shop's policies but most shops will service the binding and have the owner sign an additional waiver. This is also the same procedure for skiers requesting DIN settings beyond the manufacturer's charts.

My guess is the binding on your Comanche, if it's the same age as the ski, is still indemnified.

In regards to setting your own DIN. The calculation in the US is done using height, weight, skier abilitity, boot sole length in mm and your age. Some manufactures have variations in how this information is applied. For example, if you do the calculation and your DIN comes out at 7 but you are over the age of 50 you are required to drop down one level on the chart. Which would make your setting a 6. In Europe they just measure your tibia and base the setting on that if they bother at all. Forward pressure has a lot to do with release values in a binding as well so you want to be certain they are set properly.

Also if you set it yourself, be sure to cycle the release of the binding a few times before use. This is will do as much to protect you as anything. When skis are unused in the warmer months the grease inside the bindings can soften and migrate. What this means is unless the binding is cycled the first release of the season may be higher than normal as the cams inside are dry. Cycling the binding will move the grease back onto the cam surfaces. :D

I'm not trying to scare anyone or be all doom and gloom. In fact nothing is fool proof. For years I never tested my own bindings and the one binding out of all my bindings I mounted (brand new) and tested (tested perfectly) and proceeded to blow my ACL on the kiddie slope 20 minutes later. (Backward twisting fall) So anything can happen.


Just something to consider.

@ssayre, I could not believe how easy it was to cruise around when compared with the frustration I've had with my ATB!!! I think the main thing that made the difference was the fact that on skiis you can really hold the edge, as your knees are bent a lot and so you're centre of gravity is quite low down to pull against the kite. Also being stood sideways against the pull is different as you can use all the power in your legs against the kite, rather than being worried of being pulled over the front of an ATB on grass. I wasn't at all afraid to throw the kite around to generate power, as I felt completely comfortable on skis as opposed to feeling completely nervous on an ATB. Are you already a competent skier? I think that's why I found it so "easy", as I've done quite a bit of skiing and snowboarding. I'd LOVE to try snowboarding with a kite in deep powder, I imagine that would be amazing!!

@Feyd now I've had a taste of kite skiing (albeit very brief, just a couple of hours) I'd love to spend some time in your neck of the woods and do some instructional tours with you. Maybe one day.... *dream*

No, I've only ski twice, but I was able to do basic turning and and zig zagging down the hill (bunny hill). So I'm very much a beginner at skiing

Ah right, I'm not sure it would have been so easy if I wasn't already a good skier!!