Anywhere good in the NNJ area for rental/purchase? I'm going to be doing a 4 day trip this coming weekend and it looks like my original rental plans are going to fall through. Potentially I'd consider buying a decent BC setup because it's definitely something I could see myself getting into, assuming the weather is slightly more conducive in the next few weeks/years.
2012/2013 XC Ski Thread
- Thread starter pixychick
- Start date
I think REI in East Hanover rents/sells xc skis. Also you could call High Point XC ski center to see if they would rent you a set for a few days. Also just thought of another xc ski shop that has a decent selection at fair prices. Neals Sports. This shop is kinda a hole in the wall but the guys sells some good stuff.
Where are you going, maybe there is a rental shop in that area?
Thanks, I'll check those places. I was actually planning on renting through the High Point folks, but they don't have boots available in my size (I sized down the last time I was there and it was horrendous).
Doing a Maine Huts trip in Kingfield Maine. I'm pretty sure that there's a rental place up that way that I could hit up, but I'm traveling with other people and I'd rather just have it taken care of before we get up there.
That sounds really cool. If your going to be xc skiing for 4 days be sure you have really comfortable fitting boots. Ideally it would be nice to break them in first.
Entry level skis is ok but I'd spend more money towards a higher quality boot.
Take pics and let us know how this trip turns out. This is something i'd like to do some day.
Definitely looking forward to it. Main concern is, as you stated, boot fit/blisters. I'll definitely be packing some moleskin.
Glad to share the experience when I return.
Actually, had one additional question for all of the XC ski folks. I decided to pick up a pair of Rossignol BC 65 skis and BC X2 boots at Dover Sport. What should I be looking at for length? I was advised to go with 185's, which seems long based on the more recent recommendations I've read. I'm 5'11/150lb and probably 50/50 tracks/ungroomed trails.
Great, thanks. I'll have to work on my step turning...
Yeah i'd stick with the 185's. Thats the right size for you, the 175's would not offer enough float and glide in the snow.
The X2 boots are entry level. Me and Chris 26er went out with Brett a few weeks ago and he had the X2's(brand new) and he broke them. Plus he was not happy with how they fit his feet. I have not heard great things about the X2 boot from others as well.
I'd go with a better boot, like the Rossignol BC X6.
Are you going to be skiing in tracks when you do your hut to hut ski trip in Maine? If so You may want to go with something more touring oriented.
The X2 boots are entry level. Me and Chris 26er went out with Brett a few weeks ago and he had the X2's(brand new) and he broke them. Plus he was not happy with how they fit his feet. I have not heard great things about the X2 boot from others as well.
I'd go with a better boot, like the Rossignol BC X6.
Are you going to be skiing in tracks when you do your hut to hut ski trip in Maine? If so You may want to go with something more touring oriented.
They did feel really entry level. If I can track down something better before the trip I'll definitely try to upgrade, otherwise I'll hope they last the 4 days, try to sell them, and get something better.
I think the skiing is going to be largely in tracks, though the group I'm going with likes to explore every possible opportunity to ski the trail less traveled. Are the BC boots significantly worse for skiing in tracks than something more touring oriented?
I would ask the people in Maine who run this what type of ski set-up they would recommend. they would be the best to tell you what side cut of ski to use as well as boots that would match the terrain the best.
I would say they are not significantly worse, the X2's don't look that beefy.
The place states:
"Maine Hut Trail is groomed for backcountry skiing. Grooming is not intended to be touring center quality. Trail may only be groomed once per week. Conditions can be particularly challenging during or within 24 hours of a snowstorm.
Backcountry skis with edges are recommended. Skating and classic skis are suitable only when trail conditions allow. Be prepared with skis for all conditions."
So I think I'll actually be in good shape with the skis, but I'll try to upgrade boots if I can. I did ask at Dover and the X2's were their only option but I'll look around.
"Maine Hut Trail is groomed for backcountry skiing. Grooming is not intended to be touring center quality. Trail may only be groomed once per week. Conditions can be particularly challenging during or within 24 hours of a snowstorm.
Backcountry skis with edges are recommended. Skating and classic skis are suitable only when trail conditions allow. Be prepared with skis for all conditions."
So I think I'll actually be in good shape with the skis, but I'll try to upgrade boots if I can. I did ask at Dover and the X2's were their only option but I'll look around.
Yeah I think those bc 65 skis are a good choice for that trip.
Also if you are going to be skiing for consecutive days boot warmers are nice to have. After skiing all day the interior of your boots will probably be damp. Being able to dry them thoroughly overnight to have dry boots in the morining is nice.
Also if you are going to be skiing for consecutive days boot warmers are nice to have. After skiing all day the interior of your boots will probably be damp. Being able to dry them thoroughly overnight to have dry boots in the morining is nice.
Will-do, thanks. I'll probably be driving by there on my way home anyway.
For what its worth
I'm happy with my X2s but probably don't cover the distance / difficulty of terrain that you guys do.
I've found them to be fine for kicking around NJ parks, but then again I have never experienced any higher end boots so maybe I just don't know what I'm missing.
I'm happy with my X2s but probably don't cover the distance / difficulty of terrain that you guys do.
I've found them to be fine for kicking around NJ parks, but then again I have never experienced any higher end boots so maybe I just don't know what I'm missing.
