kutsurogi 0 Posted September 18, 2004 Share Posted September 18, 2004 Hi, new here, fairly new to Japan. Looking forward to the winter, not too keen on the summer that's just gone. Just wondering if I can pick some brains. I haven't got any equipment with me here. Plan to be here at least a year, but it might get to be more. (just one more year.... ) Question - buy or rent equipment? I'm hoping to go to the mountains at least 10 times - probably much more. So I suppose buying will be the better alternative. (not sure on the exact prices yet). One of the +'s of renting I suppose is I can try out lots of different gear. Just don't want it to become really really expensive. Link to post Share on other sites
Fattwins 0 Posted September 18, 2004 Share Posted September 18, 2004 level where you have skied or rode size and wait male female Link to post Share on other sites
nzlegend 1 Posted September 18, 2004 Share Posted September 18, 2004 Quote: Originally posted by kutsurogi: Just wondering if I can pick some brains. I haven't got any equipment with me here. Pick them if you want but you cant ski on brains 10times? buy some gear, last seasons stuff, second hand even, check out classifieds in the gaijins magazines (I have seem members of the site selling stuff there). You can pick up some cheap deals on low range stuff if you keep your eyes peeled. Rental stuff is the pits, especially if its from "Spiceys" in Hakuba, never again. Link to post Share on other sites
charlotte 0 Posted September 18, 2004 Share Posted September 18, 2004 "level where you have skied or rode size and wait male female" Do those things really matter for this question? If so, I'm interested to know why? Link to post Share on other sites
connackers 0 Posted September 18, 2004 Share Posted September 18, 2004 I`d guess because one of the big problems of renting stuff here is a) it`s difficult to get stuff to fit, especially on the smaller mountains, unless you`re built like a japanese person. Particular problems are shoe size and weight - determines length of board/skis it`s not great quality (like in most countries), if you haven`t done much before it may be ok, i guess it depends what you`re used to. If it`s not going to be just a one off and you have the money then buy. Even if it`s just 2nd hand or last seasons - you can get some really good deals here if you look. It`s so much nicer to use your own stuff. Plus it gives you that extra incentive to get to the mountains Link to post Share on other sites
sakebomb 0 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 You can always get a good bargain at the pre season sales! Whether it be last years stock or older. My friend picked up a set of Switch bindings ( maybe 2001) for 99円. Just have a look around. It's probably cheaper than rental or worth it anyway! Link to post Share on other sites
veronica 2 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 I was in a shop last weekend and I couldn't see "old gear" in there anymore - it was all full price new stuff they were trying to flog. I'd buy though if you are going to be going quite a bit. Link to post Share on other sites
Fattwins 0 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 even if you only buy one thing then by boots that feel good and work for you it will do you wonders Link to post Share on other sites
1 4 Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Boots are very important. I'd buy though, come on you'll stay at least 2 years right? Link to post Share on other sites
2pints-mate 0 Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 We rented while we were there. It cost a lot. If you are living in Japan I think you'd be nuts not to buy. Someone might even give you some 2nd hand ones to start off with in your area if what I am told is to be believed. Link to post Share on other sites
Telleboy 0 Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 BUY!! its a must, will cost less than renting and everyones right, the rental gear here is crap, if you cant see old stock in shops just ask, quite often its just sitting out back and doing nothing, most shops will be glad to flog it off cheap, yahoo auction is also a good place to get cheap stuff. Link to post Share on other sites
mattlucas 0 Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Welcome to the area. You have some kick ass hills just south of you. I would buy. There are probably a few good shops in your city where you can find some deals. Link to post Share on other sites
Fattwins 0 Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 I got a pair of fat babys that way this year asking if he older gear. Link to post Share on other sites
kutsurogi 0 Posted September 30, 2004 Author Share Posted September 30, 2004 Thanks for the responses. I have asked around and I will be able to get some cheap stuff from a friend of a friend to begin with, not too old very cheap. I'll see how it goes from there. Link to post Share on other sites
kutsurogi 0 Posted October 2, 2004 Author Share Posted October 2, 2004 Good news - I've been given some gear!! I'll be taking the friend out for a meal and beer up sometime soon, but got my gear without shelling out. That'll be good to start off with...... Link to post Share on other sites
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