Getting the right gear for your chosen sport

It’s a fact that the more versed you become in a sport, the more you realise why there’s so much specialised gear out there. And the better you become at something the faster you’ll see the limitations and may soon outgrow your old gear. Those who are deeply involved with a sport or athletic hobby know that this is all part of the equation, but it still rankles to feel the need to spend a small fortune to keep up to date.

Thankfully, more and more companies are understanding the growing need for both quality and affordability. Whether shopping online or in person, first assess your current and future needs for your gear – do you go out every week? If so you’ll want things that are more ruggedly built. Or maybe you’re a once or twice a season participant; if so you might not need all the high-end stuff that makes the latest reviews.

Then there’s apparel, and the fact that most of us have trouble staying the same size. Having trouble getting into last season’s suit? You aren’t alone. Plus some ski wear does a good enough job of combining form, fashion and function that you may even find yourself wearing it off the slopes. The upside is getting double value for your money but you’ll also be putting more wear on the items. So when deciding, really look at how and where you’ll be using your gear – because the more manufacturers start making sports apparel street-ready attractive, the more you’ll forget they were originally intended for the slopes.