Buy your own gear or just rent ?

[john510]

I've been wondering about this for the last two years, about the differences in either buying my own gear (jacket/pants/board/boots/bindings/googles/etc). The problem is when you fly with all that stuff it will cost you extra and take up some of your luggage space. At least if I rent something on site I will get fairly decent gear and if something breaks I will get it replaced. But the thing is renting can be expensive, (100€ +/week).
This year I am going to buy boots and maybe a pants and jacket so at least I will own them and save some money. But I am still unsure as to whether I should get my own board (so I can come accustomed to it) and pay for the handling charges every year.
Also would I need to get the snowboard serviced every year, if I only do a week of skiing ?

Thanks !
john

[up to much]

I would buy boots first, as they tend to mould a little to your feet. And they are not that bulky to bring with you. Goggles and pants and a jacket should be easy enough to get in Ireland. But as for getting a good board and bindings, well if I was going to buy anywhere I would buy at the piste, maybe not on piste but say some of the shops around the area.

john you are on the button about having your own gear, when you say about getting comfortable with it. Getting used to a new board sometimes is a bit of a hassle.

[imported_admin]

Buying it a little at a time does help to ease the pain of cost. I guess it all depends on what you want, i.e. to save money or to have good gear that you know is yours and works as you expect it to. Also it can be a pain in the bum getting the snowboard on the plane (and you should probably get a board bag for it).

From aerlingus.com
Snow Boards
Aer Lingus will carry Snow Boards as checked baggage:
For flights between Ireland and North America Snow Boards are part of free allowance, normal excess baggage rates apply if the passenger carries excess to the free allowance.There is no charge for Snow Boards for passengers travelling in premier class.For all other routes a maximum of 1 Snow Board per person and a fee of €30/£20. This fee is charged each-way on outbound and return journeys. The same applies for a set of skis and poles.

[off-piste]

rent, that way you always get new enough gear and you don't have to worry about repairing it or replacing broken bits. Mind you, I always get my skis insured incase they get stolen.

[phil]

I've always rented, skis and poles and boots, but I have my own gloves/hat/pants and jacket. I don't think I would like to wear/share those things.

[ClaireBear]

Does anyone have any recommendations on places to get some snow pants in Dublin ? What shops would people recommend ? I've only move here a few weeks ago so I am really at a loss.

[jesseowens]

ClaireBear Try TK Maxx they always carry a great selection of ski gear and at a fraction of the normal RRP.
Happy skiing!

[Karl]

If you go skiing every yearI think its better to have all your own gear,except for skis and poles. Pants, Jacket, goggles & gloves are not that expensive. A good well fitted pair of boots is very important for skiers, if you try to ski in bad fitting boots you will be nailed to the cross with pain in your legs, but I see no point in wrecking my own skies, anyway their to much hassel to carry, and I think could rent skies for what it costs ot transport them on a plane.

[joy]

Good point Karl !

I would buy the gear in the following order:
1) Thermals , Gloves & Goggles (they are pretty cheap, and better to buy in the long run)
2) Pants (do you really want to share pants ?)
3) Jacket (you can use this when it gets really cold in Ireland)
4) Boots (they mould a little to your feet after a few days of wearing, and it's more hygenic)
5) Ski's / Snowboard & Bindings (the most expensive part, but you won't have to waste time getting used to them every time you go)

joy

[phil]

I got a pair of pants in TK Maxx, they weren't the best but they did the job. Happy shopping.

[kid101]

Buying it a little at a time does help to ease the pain of cost. I guess it all depends on what you want, i.e. to save money or to have good gear that you know is yours and works as you expect it to. Also it can be a pain in the bum getting the snowboard on the plane (and you should probably get a board bag for it).

From aerlingus.com
The same applies for a set of skis and poles.The prices are €60, they now don't give you the option to save €30, i.e. if you bought your skis / snowboard while you were on holidays.

[Skyhawk]

Just wondering if anyone has ever tried this crowd? they luck fairly good......

Ski hire - SKISET : online ski equipment rental (http://www.skiset.co.uk/)

[paul]

skyhawk : I think they only service a limited number of resorts, but the prices seem good.