First Skis - Any advice greatly appreciated

You want something mid 90ish underfoot, probably in a 180 or above.

If you want the best bang for your buck, look around in Sell Trade and post some links to skis here. There are somethings that are fine on used skis, other things that are not, post it up here and you'll get an honest opinion.

You might be able to find something on that budget, but it will be just a little tight.  Your best bet is probably to look at previous year models of skis and/or bindings.  You can usually get a pretty good markdown on these.  There are typically pre-season sales in september/october, and you can probably find some good clearance sales at the end of the season too.

As far as skis go, I would recommend getting a stiffer mid-fat twintip for an all mountain park ski.  Probably about 90cm at the waist.  Fatter if you plan on doing a lot of powder.  I've demoed some skis with early rise (name varies by company) and they seem to perform pretty well for all mountain, but it is not a necessity.

For bindings, just look for some from a reputable company that have DIN 12+.  Also, you can watch sites like steepandcheap for the bindings and you might find a good deal.

Thanks for your help guys, it's much appreciated! :)

Ask him what size they are, pics of the edge underfoot (rails). I'd say go for it if you dont mind a 108 underfoot ski. Might not be the easiest thing to throw around in the park but they'll kill it everywhere else.

Best time to buy is in june or july even august, last skis are gettin shipped out, and new years skis get in around september. --> look at the line anthem, about a 90mm underfoot which is what you need and can hande great in park, and actually good on powder... ($330-380)--> maybe look at salomon z12 0r z10 which is what you need to hold ur weight about 40 dllars more than your budget, but they will be worth it. Hope this helps

Also if you look if B/S/T you can find some really good deals on new and used skis:
WTB: post in here if you want a specific ski
https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/forumthreads/cat_id/73/
Sell/trade look in here if you are just trying to find a good but cheap ski not specific
https://www.newschoolers.com/ns/forums/forumthreads/cat_id/8/

Salomon Z bindings are crap. If you're going to keep skiing through a couple of pairs of skis, invest in good bindings now - Salomon s916 or STH, Rossi FKS or PX, Marker Jesters.

I've found a pair of Line Chronics for pretty cheap. The skis seem to fit all my criteria for the ski, and have nice graphics too :)

178 or 183. Bindings, see above.