Ski Poles: The buyers guide

Ski Poles: The buyers guide according to Sports-Outlet!

Big basket? Aluminium or Graphite? Lightweight vs strength? Correct Length?  Why is nothing easy!  So what do you need to consider:

1. Ski Pole Material: most are made from aluminium: strong and affordable, but can snap on big impacts.  Composite ski poles can be more expensive (hang on - our Scott Composites are only £27 - that's 40% off RRP! ) but longer lasting
2. Ski Pole Basket size: bigger for softer off piste snow, smaller for hard packed pistes.  Are you more on than off?!
3. And most importantly Getting the Correct Ski Pole Length: too short and you will lean forwards too much; too long and the opposite.  When you ski with a pole that suits you well, you'll notice and feel an improvement in your stance and skiing...it all counts!

MEASURING YOURSELF

1. Stand with your arms at your sides and hold your elbows at a 90 degree angle.

2. Make sure that your upper arms are touching your sides and that your lower arms are held out in front of you. It's as if you were actually holding ski poles.

3. Make a fist as if you were gripping imaginary ski poles. Make sure you check that your lower arms are parallel to the floor. Look in a mirror or have somebody present to check for you.

4. Get a friend to measure the distance from the top of your thumb to the floor.

5. If you do not have someone to measure this distance for you, then repeat steps 1 to 4 facing a wall. Whether you use a pencil or a piece of tape, lightly mark the spot where the top of your thumb is. Then, measure from that mark to the floor.

6. The measurement that you come up with is the length of your ski poles. It is important to add 5cm to this length, because the combination of your ski boots and skis will make you slightly taller.

Tip: Ski poles are measured in centimetres.  Ski poles are sized by every five centimetres.  So, if you need to round your size, it's better to round up.

Our best buys:

Scott Ladies MJ Ski Poles: Just £22 (reduced from £36)

Scott Metric Ski Pole 2013: 20% off RRP - combination of bigger diameter 3.8 basket and P-core grip lets you ski everywhere.   In white, blue or black

Scott Pro-Taper Ski Poles: £48 - reduced from £70!  Carbon composite performance ski poles

Goggles Galore!

Goggles Galore!

We are rightly proud of our goggle range.  By only stocking brands that are renown for their technical reputations and superior lens performance we are totally confident that whatever your choice from our extensive range you will have a pair of goggles that will enhance your day on the slopes.

We offer discounted junior and youth ski goggles, as well as OTG, male, female and unisex ski goggles for all conditions.  If you have any queries regarding which is the best goggles for you then please do contact us!

Click here to see our Goggle Range!

So what do we look for in all our goggles:

• 100% UVA/UVB/UVC Protection.  The snow and sun glare conquered.
• Cylindrical or Spherical lenses.  These give superior clarity.  Cheap ski goggles use 'stamped lenses' which are flat.
• Style!  Need we say more?  The designs are more stunning year on year!
• Helmet Fit System: ensuring the best possible fit between helmet and goggles for comfort and style.
• Air Control System: nothing more exasperating than a misted up lens.  Ventilation systems within the goggle frames prevents condensation.
• No Fogging: all the lenses are treating to prevent fogging.
• Comfort: face foam on the frames to deliver a precise and comfortable seal.

The range of lenses available can be baffling.  Think about when you wear goggles - do you wear them whatever the weather, or just when the sun disappears?  

• Extreme Sun: Scott Solar lens or Light Sensitive; Smith Red, Green or Gold Sol-X  
• Variable Days: Scott Light Sensitive, Amplifier or Natural (NL) lenses; Smith Ignitor Mirror, RC36 or Gold
• Overcast or White-out Conditions: Scott Red Chrome, Light Sensitive or Light Amplifier; Smith Sensor Mirror or Yellow.

About Sports-Outlet

Sports-Outlet

We offer a great range of ski and snowboard clothing, equipment and accessories for adults and children.  The range is focussed and carefully selected so that our customers really can get quality products at the best prices.  We back this up with exceptional customer service and a friendly returns policy. Ski clothing should be fun to choose, but we understand it is an expensive purchase and we will do all we can to help you select the best ski jacket or pants for you. 

Also check our kids skiwear range – some funky functional kit to spot as your little (and not so little) rippers blast pass you!

Accessories: Gore-Tex™ and Primaloft™ gloves and mittens to ensure that your day on the slopes is not cut short by chilly fingers!  Technical advances in snow goggles over recent years have changed the ski goggle market dramatically: non-fogging technology, helmet compatibility and selecting the best goggle lens for the conditions has broadened the selection available. We are very proud of our ski goggle range – believing it to offer the highest quality selection online.  If you need any help choosing the best discount ski goggle for you please do contact us.

Sports-Outlet specialises in offering SCOTT skis and ski poles.  Scott have been at the leading edge of ski technology and design for many decades and their range sets the benchmark for all style of skiers – intermediate or advanced; on-piste or back country; free style or free ride skis. Our wide section of discount SCOTT ski poles covers all preferences: price, material, colour…or all three!

Ski Helmet Recommendations – Sports-Outlet has really worked hard to select a range of the best quality helmets to suit all styles. SCOTT and SMITH ski and snowboard helmets are high end performance products guaranteed to protect.  New for this winter we also have the very stylish BERN helmets: just from their EPS range which is fully certified for snowsports protection. 

Snowsports Body Protection is a growing market.  As we push ourselves harder and faster down the mountain, the need for some added protection for the occasional wipeout can be money well spent.  Advancements in materials mean these products are lightweight and comfortable.

www.sports-outlet.co.uk

We've been quiet - we know - but in July most people are thinking/ dreaming/begging for sun not snow! But we've been busy - many more products added to our site including top of the range Smith Optics goggles and fabulous Bern EPS helmets, and more of our best selling SCOTT jackets and pants; 

And just for you during July an additional 10% off all products - grab a bargain! Just add JULY10 on check out. (Although let's hope you won't need to wear it for a while...come on summer!)

www.sports-outlet.co.uk

Best Ski Deals

With the most amazing Easter conditions out in the Alps many of you will be taking advantage of the great ski deals available to get in a last week on the slopes this season.  With some ski holiday operators extending their seasons until past the middle of April there are some of the cheapest prices available...fantastic!


Never ones to be left behind Sports-Outlet, the online ski and snowboard discount shop that specialised in discounts all year round on top brand outerwear, equipment and accessories, have taken their prices down down down even further.  The best prices online just got even better!  


But 'cheap' only applies to the prices not the products... with top of the range fabrics and designs you'll be sure of bagging yourself a bargain that will last long beyond this Easter Ski Escape!  Take a look....

• Scott Goretex Preston 2012 Jacket now an incredible £185 - 40% off RRP!
• O'Neill Seb Toots 2012 Jacket now a ridiculous £60 - that's 65% off RRP! 
• Scott Women's Bristol 2012 Jacket now just £120 - that's 40% off!
• Boys O'Neill Franklin 2012 Jacket now only £40 - that's 60% off!
• Scott Skis - 50% off remaining stock - limited time only

Take a look and find your bargain - then you really do have no excuse for not booking that Easter getaway!

Ski Helmets Sale! And more!

Now is the time to pick yourself up a true bargain in our End of Season Ski Sale!  


HELMETS: All adult and junior helmets are now at least 40% off - Scott Tracker now £48 (RRP £80); Scott Roam now £60 (RRP £100); Smith Holt now £35 (RRP£70)...and there's more...much more!


SKIS: for a limited time only - all Scott 2012 Skis now an amazing 50% off!  A pair of Scott Mission Skis were snapped up yesterday for just £250!


OUTERWEAR: Amazing prices on technical top brand jackets and pants!   Biggest Ski sale online! www.sports-outlet.co.uk

Mega March Ski Sale Now On!

It's that time of year - the last few weeks (boo) of the ski season are in full swing.  Snow conditions are still superb - so if you are tempted to sneak in a few more days this is the year to do it!  And to make it even more appealing there are great deals to be had on holidays, clothing and equipment...


Need convincing?!  Then check out our MASSIVE MARCH SKI SALE!  The best prices online just got even better!  We have slashed our prices across our shop - 

50% OFF ALL O'NEILL 2012 OUTERWEAR!

40% OFF 2012 SCOTT SKIS!

UP TO 50% OFF GOGGLES AND HELMETS!

SCOTT SKI LUGGAGE NOW 40% OFF!

50% OFF POLES, HATS AND GLOVES!

TAKE A LOOK NOW WWW.SPORTS-OUTLET.CO.UK

So now what is your excuse for not booking that holiday.....?!?!?  

Spring Skiing Clothing

Spring Skiing Clothing


Spring skiing is the time to sneak in that last trip before the summer months (if we get them!), or hit the slopes when the crowds are gone and soak up the sun rays too.  And for those of you with children it is a great time to induce them into skiing without the cold putting them off forever!  And the sport of ski touring also comes into its own this time of year.


So with temperatures climbing the fabrics you are wearing become all important.  You still need the warmth for the odd cold day, or end of day chill.  But the benefits of a good breathable pair of pants and jacket come into their own.  We recommend a good layering system to maximise the fabric's performance = and you're sorted!

Jackets:  Look for Shell Jackets or breathable fabrics such as Goretex.   We’ve just taken delivery of the fabulous Scott Explorair Jacket – ideal for layering up or for any ski tourers out there. Scott's toughest jacket with Pro Shell Gore-Tex®... And an amazing 40% off RRP whilst stocks last…Just £230 (RRP £365!). In fiery red, cobalt, lime punch or black.  We have got some fantastic Goretex Soft Shell Cascadia Jackets with 50% off £200 (RRP £400!).  

 

Ski Mittens vs Ski Gloves?

Ski Mittens were always the choice for warmth - put on some thermal inners for the really nippy days and your fingers were sorted.  But technology has moved on and the gloves are coming up for a photo finish.  Although you do pay for what you get - but you won't rue spending those extra pennies for the protection and warmth from the superior fabrics available today.  Things to consider when buying your ski gloves:

• Fabric: look for Gore Tex ® , Thermolite®,  Primaloft®,  Hyperloft™
• Dryness: from the outside in - but also the inside out - sweaty fingers soon cause dampness inside gloves.
• Length: you don't want a gap between your cuff and glove starting (with kids really beware of this!)...  Look for long easily tightened gauntlets to keep the snow out.
• Mittens - O'Neill have a couple of designs with a 'forefinger' or finger zip opening which are ideal for adjusting clothing, getting the camera out etc without taking your mitts off. (Look at the Entrance or Unicorn Mittens)

Now at Sports-Outlet - up to 50% off quality gloves and mittens (use discount code GLOVES10 until 4th March 2012 to get another 10% off!) - a great range of products that won't let you down:

Best Selling Ski Jackets

We're often asked what is our best selling jacket.  Well the winner this season is the .....drum roll please.... the Scott Preston Jacket - the development of fabrics over the last few years, has seen superb advancement in technical advancement with waterproofing, breathability and warmth now guaranteed.  The Gore-Tex performance shell fabric of the Preston certainly gives it the edge, along with great design and bold colours making the Preston Jacket such a popular choice.

RRP £320  SPORTS-OUTLET PRICE JUST £225

Best Prices Online

www.sports-outlet.co.uk

Ski goggles lenses...what's what

SCOTT - the number one goggle producer in the world - have some keen advice regarding the suitability of different lenses:

• The popularity this year has grown for light sensitive lenses which adjust automatically to all weather conditions.  Also known as photochromic. These are great on days when the conditions are changing, cutting glare and enhancing definition.  Within seconds the lens will turn darker if the sunlight grows stronger and vice versa.
• Silver Chrome Lens: Suited for sunny or medium light days
• Amplifier Lens: Great all round lens for low light or sunny conditions.  
• Natural Light 32 Black Chrome Lens: Again good for switching across conditions from sunny morning to cloudy afternoon, with a glare cutting chrome coating.  These give you great clarity and contrast

Sports-Outlet has a range of over 50 goggles to suit all ages, tastes and requirements...take a peek here at our goggle collection...