my dad always jokes around how i picked the two most expensive things(well ones a sport, golf of course ). skiing and golf. but its what i enjoy, and i do pay for a decent amount of my equitment, pretty much split down the middle between my money / my parents. skiever forever, like you said ski999 had to be UNDERprivledged as a kid. There is a certain satisfaction in paying for paying part of your stuff. I mean i couldn't afford the more expensive parts of skiing (boots, skis, and for golf my clubs) but i'll always pay for things like poles, gloves, goggles. and im pretty sure skidude does too. but is it realistic for someone without a full time job to pay for things that are $400+? he talks out of his ass, cause hes jealous of the dude. i'd like to meet this guy. i'd like him to meet the front of my car, while hes at it.