Used Skis
Used skis are, naturally, cheaper than new skis. But of course, there are disadvantages on purchasing used skis rather than new ski packages.
Do you want to try out skiing and / or snowboarding? Yes? Do you have enough money to purchase ski gears and equipments, such as bindings, clothing, and boots? No? Then, too bad for you.
As you should know, skiing is a VERY expensive hobby, with its various equipments ranging from $600-$1000 each. This does not include extra customization and other optional items to enhance your skiing experience. Also, if you don’t have a friend who is knowledgeable about skiing, you will also need to pay for a ski instructor, and that is another problem.
Fortunately, there is a solution to your monetary woes. You can opt to purchase used skis and used ski equipment on both hobby shops and online retailers such as Evo.com, Altrec, and other websites. These used skis are way cheaper than a brand new ski package, often costing a fraction of the original price. You will save a lot of money this way, and you will also be able to purchase the other ski equipments needed.
But, there are many disadvantages when purchasing these used skis. One is that the seller might have already worn the board out. Another is that it has lost its “skiing ability”, meaning that it won’t function as well as it was.
If you really intend to purchase a used ski, do check the parts of the board first, particularly these parts:
Base & Edge Damage – If the board’s base or edge is damaged, do not buy it. A board with damage(s) on its base and edge is as useless as a rock.
Camber – Do check if there is at least 1cm of camber. Otherwise, it’s a lost cause and should not be purchased.
Additional Binding Holes – Check the ski topsheet in the binding area for additional “used” binding mounting holes. This is a good indication of how well used a ski might be.
Brand Name – Brand names are important too, as they determine if they can still be used or not. Rossignol, Volkl, and Salomon are some of the brand names you should be looking for, as these ski companies produce the most durable skis in the world.
Tail / Tip Damage – A damaged tip can lead to mishaps and accidents, especially when landing on high jumps. If the tail or tip is damaged, do not purchase it.
Be advised that most retailers of used skis wouldn’t let you test it out first, as additional damage may be done to the board, making it less valuable. You are only allowed to look at its features and outer appearance. If you think the board is fine and will still function properly, then you should purchase it.
Professionals wouldn’t really recommend using used skis during skiing sessions and competitions, but if you think that it meets your skiing needs, then go ahead and purchase it. But if you have the money to spare, a new ski package is always better than a cheaper, used ski package. With a new ski package, you never need to worry about damages and decreased performance. All you need to worry about is which mountain you should conquer next!