itd seem like that, but buying skis at a local shop (not a sporting goods store like dicks or sports authority) can really benefit you in the long run, although you may not recognize it at first. The shop i worked at in particular always had incredible prices on skis, and about this time in the year they marked all of the leftover skis 50% off (before 08) and discounted 08 skis a ton. Plus, they would tend to cater to your skis for very cheap if there was ever a technical problem, like a de-lam or binding problem. plus they usually mounted skis for free with a ski purchase there.