Have ski-boots changed much in the last 10 years?

[KingstonU]

Considering getting rid my 10 year old set of downhill skiis and boots and just rent from now on since I seldom get to use them.

Thing is I paid like $400 for the boots which still seem almost new so maybe I'll just keep those. (Model is Vector X but I can't find a photo)

Are today's boots significantly different/better than the high end boots I got in 2003?

Thanks

 

[Tencntraze]

I still use the boots I got around the same time period, though my skis are updated. If the boots are still comfortable, keep them. They're already broken in and breaking in a new pair really sucks.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Not sure about boots, but from what my brother is telling me Ski technology change considerably?

 

[VulgarDisplay]

Most rentals you are going to buy are probably just as old.

Ski boots are a HUGE part of skiing. It's a completely different experience depending on how your boots fit. I've found that choosing a pair that feels a little small/tight actually makes skiing far easier. Loose boots make your ski's go haywire.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Boots have not changed much. If a 10 year old pair still fits you and is still comfortable enough to ski in, you're golden.

You definitely want new skis though, they've changed a lot. Hell, you might not even be able to get a shop to work on bindings that old.

 

[thegimp03]

My boots are over 10 years old and I still use them. I haven't tried on a new pair recently, but they're Rossignol's and have a switch on the back of them that make them really easy to walk in.

I would keep your boots if you like them and buy a newer pair of used skis, since those have changed the most in the last 10 years. Skiers who put in 50-60 days a year on the slopes usually upgrade their skis pretty often. Maybe rent a couple days this season, see what type of skis you like, then try to buy them used since rentals at the ski slopes have gotten pretty expensive.

 

[aleckz]

Ski boots have changed a lot over the past 10 years. Mold-able liners, mold-able shells, and engineered differently for the newer style of skiing. They still aren't crazy comfy if they're new, but once you break them in they are A-OK. Rental boots are dependent on the place you rent them from; some are better than others. I would stick to you own boots if they still fit and are comfortable, you can rent skis anywhere, but your luck on boots can vary widely.

 

[Theb]

Snowboard boots have changed dramatically in the last 10 years, but they haven't been around nearly as long.

Even with the improvements I'd probably take a 10 year old pair that I liked over a rental.

 

[KingstonU]

Thanks for the input! The reason is because I am going to be moving, the less stuff I have the better. So I think I might get rid of the skiis but keeps the boots.

 

[Kadarin]

Yeah, breaking in new boots is a long, uncomfortable process, but once you're there it's all good. Skis are different.. Last year I bought these:

They're a LOT different from my old '07 K2 Apaches, which looked a lot like this:

The new skis are much faster in general, and considerably better in powdery snow conditions. I'm really looking forward to this coming ski season

 

[Gooberlx2]

Skis have changed quite a lot. Went from straight to shaped, and now they're getting fat.

Boots have changed some in terms of ideal/custom fit, while maintaining mass produced prices. (like Fischer has this heat/vacuum thing that custom shapes the entire shell around your foot/ankle...or something like that). Other than that, things aren't radically different. The concepts (stiffer boots for aggressive technique, etc...) have all remained the same.

Regardless, boots do have a finite lifespan from wear and tear...assuming you're skiing enough for that to matter.