I think footwear in almost any sport, is the single most import piece of equipment. I have gotten rid of all of my ski gear (it was older, I have not been skiing much til lately) and now that I am using rental boots, I am hating it. Rental boots get almost constant use, and the liner wears out faster, and is shaping to everyone else's foot.
Having a boot that does not fit, makes it diffucult to properly control your skis. I used to do boot fitting (including changing the shape of the shell of the boot) and what you get from a comfort and performance perspective is worth it. Even low end boots fitted properly are better than what you get in a rental store.
Funny - about the helmet - was skiing at COP the other day, and noticed I was like one of five people on the entire hill without a helmet. Never thought twice about not wearing one - but went out and got a good helmet yesterday - regardless of whether I think I will fall down or not, there are too many yahoos out of control going down the hill.
And really for both boots and helmets - I really don't want to use something that someone else used before me. I am fine with rental skis... guess I talked myself into dropping a few hundred on some new boots.
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