how often do you upgrade your gear for some 'new and improved' version or whatever?

I've never actually owned a new ski save the unused rental grade pair that I got as my first sticks.  I upgrade when there are serious structural problems.  I didn't have a ski in the category that the newest technologies make the most difference in, though, so I guess I upgraded, but really it was a move to hit my ideal three ski quiver.

When vital bits of ski start peeling off or falling off, then I upgrade. Duct tape usually gets a pair through the remainder of a season. My park/instructing skis are held together with duct tape at the tips and tails (delamming), one binding is badly damaged, and on one ski, most of the edge is missing from the tip to the contact point. Almost time for a new pair.

I have only "upgraded" a ski that I had bought once, and that because the ski was unstable at the speeds I was skiing, so it kind of fits into what I generally do, which is buy a ski more suited to my current task at hand for which the skis I had in hand were not suitable.  I allowed myself to be convinced that I needed a short 180 cm gs ski when I was fairly new to the game, and it turned out to be too short.  I upgraded to longer GS skis and SG skis, which were better suited to skiing at speed.  I then got a short turning ski for small hills,  a somewhat longer radius ski for crud and deeper snow, and tried a gs ski that could be tuned sharper for gs turns on ice. I' ve decided a nice stiff sharp gs ski could still improve my quiver, but I see no need to replace my antique SG ski for speed, nor my old SCs for short turns.

I am thinking something fat and bendy with some rocker might be fun in tight trees with deep snow, although after a day, the trees around here are in pretty firm packed down tordden on snow, so I'm in no rush. 

I loved my old K2 threes. They didn't last too long for me so I replaced them. Eventually even the second hand stores ran out - bummer. At least the K2 710s were an OK upgrade.

My first ride on shaped skis - I had to buy them! K2 woodies. The K2 shaped fours were a great upgrade. A true technology advance.

I had to buy the Goodes I demoed. Still love them. Materials advance.

Demoed Volkl Race Tiger SL on an icy day. Best time in ice ever - had to buy them. Might need to upgrade to the Heads I demoed as too many icy days this year has taken the livelyness out of the Race Tigers.

I have this strong urge about the Praxis Backcountrys I tried a few days ago. I need that ski??

The bummer is when I upgrade without the demo - not all the "upgrades" are better.

Eric

Back when I was a poor student I used to "upgrade" (e.g. to buy new stuff) only when the old had become unusable or broke down.

When I was a single guy earning my doughs...I had a lush and bought two pair of skis in one shot :P9RS-Super and K2 SL (205 and 204)

That was back in 1990-1991. But then I became a family man, all the upgrades $$$$ went for the children and wife (whom upgraded very quickly P9RS 190->P20SLC 190 ->HEAD SL 165)

Those skis lasted for at least 8-9 years.

Then I upgraded to shaped skis P40F1 (198)

These lasted till 2007 when I upgraded to "shorter" and "fatter" (so to speak, 178x78) Nordica Hot Rods, which are still my current setup.

Do I want more?

You bet!

Can I? No

Sometimes ski makers change or upgrade a ski and it is not necessarily an improvement that I like, so I have been known to buy a second near identical ski. I use to own a Volkl G30 (long since used up) and a G31(still available as a rock ski along with a Vertigo Motion).

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleeski 

I have this strong urge about the Praxis Backcountrys I tried a few days ago. I need that ski??

 

Yes, yes you do. My son has a pair. I tried them a few weeks ago. Freakin awesome ski in a wide variety of conditions. Plus, they're built in Tahoe, not Tianjin.

I replace skis when they're pretty shot. Either they don't perform like they used to, or I break something, or I'm just not using them much any more. With the wonderful world of the internet and TGR/Epic, I've found I can pretty easily unload lightly-used skis that I'm not loving and/or pick up lightly used or even new skis at good prices.

I might use a pair of skis for two seasons but I get new gear every year.  Outerwear is my big downfall as I buy new stuff multiple times throughout the season.  Boots are what I hang onto the longest because I hate the fitting/break-in process. 

I get something different when the price is right and the ski is something that will fill a need. I don't chase the latest and greatest technology.

Ummm,  I was going to respond but given my record in Gear swap, i should maybe plead the fifth ....

However if you buy right and sell right it can be surprisingly effective....

I upgrade every month. Must...follow...the...buzz...

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyond 

I upgrade every month. Must...follow...the...buzz...viral marketing

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