I am 17 and I have to pay for my own shit always, I am not one of those park rats who buys gear every year like many kids around me, I save up for it and buy what i think is best.
For lack of a better comparison, think of it like you would when electing a president or government official. Do research on them with different sources and a pre thought goal of what you want. All the sources are biased, but you can take info from each to find out/formulate an opinion of your own idea.
I use Freeskier as one source, especially for looking at all the new gear, something I am interested in even when not purchasing. I also use it to HELP formulate an idea on what skis to buy, because I know I cannot rely on what they say always. I also look at online review videos, gear guides, forum posts etc. and then formulate an idea of my own or post a thread about it if necessary.
True park skis do not ski too differently, but I am interested in ski tech, the performance judged by this magazine's testers and my different options.
Let's agree to disagree, but try to respect mine, and other's opinions.