I havent rented at a ski area in a while. Recently I did. I was very please to see 4 buckle boots and side cut skis. Is this the norm at most area these days?

Yes it is. I can't think of a place that still rents out what has rapidly become substandard gear. Gather too that since the advent of parabolic/side cut skis, the old "sticks" are now museum pieces, so much so that I will be putting a pair on my wall. And virtually all the bindings that used to be coupled with sticks are no longer maintained by the manufacturer, meaning that unless they are owner-maintained, no repair shop will touch them.

Boots is another story. Seen some real garbage out there. However, with competition becoming keen among resorts, customers have the option. As a result, most places now have better equipment than ever before.

Yes sidecut ski are the norm for anywhere these days. Stright skis are for walls and Glen Plake. It was the 4 buckle boots that impressed me.

Why? Rear-entry was pretty much dead in the water more than ten years ago.

you havent been sking where I ski....!

Probably true. I'm a critter of habit.