Has the Recession Affected Your Gear Purchases This Year?

#1

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1/10/09 at 8:55am

viking kaj
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How has the recession affected your gear purchases this year?

I'll start things out. I got laid off in February of last year and have been doing part time consulting since then, so my budget is down, but I am still tempted by deals. I have 15 pair of skis in the basement of which 8 are mine, 5 are the Viking Dottir's and 2 are the wife's. In a normal season I will add 2-3 pair.

So far this year I have bought:

1 Pair Scarpa Tornadoes (on sale at S-n-C for ca $200 in July)

1 Extra Ugly Grenade Parka ($ 39 at TJ's, it was so ugly I couldn't resist, I love ugly jackets)

1 Pair Alycium Paramount Soft Shell Pants ($ 60 shipped from Backcountry)

New Goggles and Gloves at TJ's.

My best guess is that my gear budget so far is down at least $ 800-1000 versus a "normal" year. Don't know if this will change when discounts start showing up later this year.

How's everybody else doing, up or down? Has anybody found some screaming deals that they couldn't resist?

#2

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1/10/09 at 11:00am

Morrison Claystone
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Joined: January 2007
Location: Morrison, CO
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Yeah, I'm still outta work.

Got to ski twice in December, only because of a steep discount in the ticket price, associated with a group purchase.

I'm done for the season unless a job materializes.

Got an interview Monday, though.

If you can't ski, do tricks!

#3

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1/10/09 at 12:42pm

IL_Skier
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Location: Shorewood IL
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Morrison Claystone

Yeah, I'm still outta work.

Got an interview Monday, though.

Good luck on the interview coming up Monday.

I got laid off October 1st and was lucky enough to start a new job November 10th. I got to double dip severance and the new job for a few weeks so I treated myself to some Nordica Top Fuel's off of Sierra Jim.

#4

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1/10/09 at 2:33pm

viking kaj
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Quote:

Originally Posted by IL_Skier

I got laid off October 1st and was lucky enough to start a new job November 10th. I got to double dip severance and the new job for a few weeks so I treated myself to some Nordica Top Fuel's off of Sierra Jim.

That's the spirit!

#5

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1/10/09 at 2:46pm

MojoMan
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Yes. I was given my layoff notice in November -- last day of work is Feb 5th.

No gear purcahses this year, other than some small boot work.

I did not purcahse a pass this year and have limited myself to small car trips to HV in NY and a drive to Killington. Don't plan on going anywhere else this year and am staying local. I really wanted to hit JH this year.

Also, I would have probably purcahsed the Contact 4x4 if not for the situation. Trying to save all I can in the event I am unemployed longer than expected.

#6

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1/10/09 at 2:54pm

dawgcatching
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Location: Oregon: Bend/Sunriver
Post Count: 2,306

Quote:

Originally Posted by MojoMan

Yes. I was given my layoff notice in November -- last day of work is Feb 5th.

No gear purcahses this year, other than some small boot work.

I did not purcahse a pass this year and have limited myself to small car trips to HV in NY and a drive to Killington. Don't plan on going anywhere else this year and am staying local. I really wanted to hit JH this year.

Also, I would have probably purcahsed the Contact 4x4 if not for the situation. Trying to save all I can in the event I am unemployed longer than expected.

Good call: with the economy going sour, it may be hard to find jobs. And, if you have a limited budget, it is better to ski on older skis than have new boards and not any money for skiing

I have definitely cut back everywhere I can, even though I still have a full-time job. It may be a good time to revisit the idea of grad school or teaching in Japan, at least for me.

Village Bike and Ski 541-593-2453 Skis: Kastle, Head, Elan, Stockli, Fischer, Blizzard

2010 Blowout Sale On Now!

#7

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1/10/09 at 3:52pm

skier219
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Joined: March 2004
Location: Virginia
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I am a bit more "thrifty" with my money this season, but I am also seeing better ski deals than usual. Overall, it seems to be canceling out in my case.

#8

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1/10/09 at 4:33pm

Old Boot
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Joined: November 2008
Location: South Carolina
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New boots Mojo XP
Anouther pair of skis...someone said I should try them but the verdict is still out ,they feel really really sluggish compaired to my others,kindda like "old guy skis" maybe hes telling me somthing..Xwing btw
Just booked a week at Vail Feb 14-21
Picked up a few pair of goggles
Wife bought new skiis and boots (contact10 and head dream thang)
So all and all I still seem to be spending, with the downturn in the economy I will get more time away from work so I don't mind putting out a few sheckles if I can use the stuff.

#9

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1/10/09 at 4:48pm

skiierx
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Joined: January 2007
Location: Waltham, MA
Post Count: 59

I still have my full time job but company sales are sluggish so everyone accepted a paycut (seems to be happening with more and more companies). We are weathering the storm but no ski gear purchases on my horizon. I also planned on not traveling out west but as was said earlier, there are some deals out there so I just booked a trip to JH, got a couple free nights lodging and cheap airfare, it made it a no brainer and a great way to celebrate my 40th.

#10

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1/10/09 at 5:09pm

WILDCAT
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Joined: August 2005
Location: Have skis, will travel
Post Count: 4,193

My spending is down. The primary reason is due to the skis I got from Dawgcatching last spring: with the Dynastar Contact 4x4 and the Fischer Watea 101 in my quiver, my needs are few.

I did get a pair or Praxis Protests for deep snow days, I'll pick these up Dawg's shop on Friday.

My biggest skiing issue today concerns skiing time. My workload and business travel requirements have doubled and I can't find time to ski!

Michael

#11

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1/10/09 at 5:21pm

bumpfreaq
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Joined: April 2007
Location: A pleasant peninsula
Post Count: 7,499

The local economy affected my income a few years ago, but only slightly. The national economy hasn't taken any additional tole but like many I'm more cautious about my ski purchases.

This year I've added some base layers and a helmet via SAC and Tramdock. I've added three pair of skis/bindings for a total of $285 thanks to a couple of generous bears and the local swap.

Travel wise I'm adding to my hostel days and taking away from my hotel days. Not sure yet if I'll make my normal quota of Rocky Mountain skiing or not. My Michigan skiing will be at a recent high.

Life is still good for sure, but I'm feeling the crunch a bit.

My dog loves the bumps too.
-melpark

#12

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1/10/09 at 5:35pm

crgildart
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Location: The Bull City
Post Count: 12,036

Our jobs are still in tact thank God!

But, I wonder because I've experienced getting laid off twice this decade and my company has frozen headcounts and is cutting back in other areas some. I plan to get it

while we have income to get it

. My gear's older

but in good shape and plentiful

. I'm not really saving though we probably should

. Instead I'm taking the family to BK for the gathering there and plan to auntie up so the kids can get plenty of instruction (and I can ski with Bears!)

. I'll cut back when/if the hatchet actually falls in our direction

. We're good here this season

I'd rather be skiing

#13

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1/10/09 at 5:52pm

Philpug
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Location: NTS, PA
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Yes, I am not selling cars, i am working in a ski shop and fueling my vice.

Click. Point. Chute.

#14

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1/10/09 at 5:53pm

Jamesj
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Joined: July 2002
Location: NOVA
Post Count: 2,155

I'm blessed to have a very stable job, and just got one of my better annual pay raises, yet due to cost of living and family/educational costs operate almost exclusively on ski swap equipment, and have so for years. Further, I've sacrificed an irretrievable intangible fortune in quality ski time by spending my life in the Wash DC area compared to you denizens of primo ski country. So those of you feeling the pinch out West or up North, please take consolation in that.

#15

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1/10/09 at 8:07pm

viking kaj
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Quote:

Originally Posted by bumpfreaq

Travel wise I'm adding to my hostel days and taking away from my hotel days. Not sure yet if I'll make my normal quota of Rocky Mountain skiing or not. My Michigan skiing will be at a recent high.

Is that the hostel at Winter Park that you used to use? How's that working, harder to book? Tips for hostels would be of interest.

#16

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1/11/09 at 4:14am

bumpfreaq
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Location: A pleasant peninsula
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Yeah, the Rocky Mountain Inn and Hostel in Fraser. I booked quite awhile ago and there was no problem.

Here's a hostel tip: don't book a long stay before you've stayed there a night. Some of 'em can be pretty manky.

My dog loves the bumps too.
-melpark

#17

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1/11/09 at 4:26am

Trekchick
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Joined: November 2005
Location: Michigan, oop nort in da land of trolls
Post Count: 23,660

Our business is booming, and for that I'm grateful.
Mr TC has done his best to stimulate the economy with big purchases, while I've put an injection into the ski gear purchases.

I'm almost afraid to post my acquisitions.

Surviving is essential, thriving is incredible!
EpicSki Academy

#18

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1/11/09 at 5:39am

Living Proof
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Location: Philly guy
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Via some great deals from Philpug, I'm on new skies and boots. He sold some older equipment, so my net investment is less than $400.
I'm evaluating all purchases with a focus on what I need, and, not what I want.

Flame me a little, but, when I spend money I'd rather do it here in the USA at a ski area, hotel, restaurant, home improvement etc. where the bucks remain in our economy. If we want good skiing in the future, we need to support the community now. I've developed a bias against purchasing new electronics, gear, clothes made off-shore - not easy. I'm much more open to buying via Craig's list for slightly used gear.

Last week I was in 2 shops and the inventory levels struck me as way too high for this time of year. Tons of high dollar stuff just sitting on racks. The Epic gear for sale section has had some great stuff at bargin prices that remain unsold.

Having said all the above, if the right deal on a 888 like ski comes around.........

#19

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1/11/09 at 5:55am

Philpug
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Location: NTS, PA
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Living Proof

Via some great deals from Philpug, I'm on new skies and boots. He sold some older equipment, so my net investment is less than $400.
I'm evaluating all purchases with a focus on what I need, and, not what I want.

Flame me a little, but, when I spend money I'd rather do it here in the USA at a ski area, hotel, restaurant, home improvement etc. where the bucks remain in our economy. If we want good skiing in the future, we need to support the community now. I've developed a bias against purchasing new electronics, gear, clothes made off-shore - not easy. I'm much more open to buying via Craig's list for slightly used gear.

Last week I was in 2 shops and the inventory levels struck me as way too high for this time of year. Tons of high dollar stuff just sitting on racks. The Epic gear for sale section has had some great stuff at bargin prices that remain unsold.

Having said all the above, if the right deal on a 888 like ski comes around.........

You say that, until you try my Magnum 8.7's

Click. Point. Chute.

#20

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1/11/09 at 6:14am

stoweguy
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Joined: February 2005
Location: Bethany Beach,DE
Post Count: 350

This year, we updated my wife's gear with new boots and K2's + new Hotronics.

#21

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1/11/09 at 7:55am

Living Proof
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Joined: March 2007
Location: Philly guy
Post Count: 509

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philpug

You say that, until you try my Magnum 8.7's

Mike sniffs bait, swims away..........slowly

#22

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1/11/09 at 8:11am

Philpug
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Joined: September 2000
Location: NTS, PA
Post Count: 22,539

Quote:

Originally Posted by Living Proof

Mike sniffs bait, swims away..........slowly

You can swim, but you can't hide.

Resistance is futile.

Click. Point. Chute.

#23

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1/11/09 at 9:05am

spanisharmada
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Joined: June 2008
Post Count: 52

I think I have spent more on gear this year than any previous year. Recession hasn't hit us too hard over here.. yet. Couple new pairs of skis, helmet.

#24

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1/11/09 at 9:41am

PowHog
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Joined: February 2004
Location: euro
Post Count: 722

Last purchases/payments were made before the turndown. Since then, no added ones yet this season for myself.

#25

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1/11/09 at 9:50am

viking kaj
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Philpug

Yes, I am not selling cars, i am working in a ski shop and fueling my vice.

So you get, like, a significant discount? That is brilliant, making your vice your vocation. Do they let you try things for free???

#26

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1/11/09 at 4:22pm

crgildart
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The fox is in the hen house!

I'd rather be skiing

#27

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1/11/09 at 4:28pm

Lars
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Post Count: 8,450

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philpug

Yes, I am not selling cars, i am working in a ski shop and fueling my vice.

OMG, that'd be like a kid working in a candy shop

There is no Darkside of the moon. It's all dark

#28

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1/11/09 at 4:31pm

Lars
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Post Count: 8,450

If I buy any new equipment this year, it'll be during the year end closeout sales.

I may consider replacing my Powder boards if I can find the right deal.

There is no Darkside of the moon. It's all dark

#29

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1/11/09 at 4:52pm

skier219
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Lars

OMG, that'd be like a kid working in a candy shop

Yeah, Phil alone probably accounts for 80-90% of their business.

#30

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1/11/09 at 5:04pm

Philpug
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Joined: September 2000
Location: NTS, PA
Post Count: 22,539

I am living vicariously through my customers, they are making the purchases I want to make. Poor customers, they have no idea. Needless to say, sales are up this year.

Click. Point. Chute.

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