The high price for new skis very often puts off a skiing enthusiast. One can always rent skis at popular ski resorts. But it may not always be possible to get suitable skis without which skiing becomes tedious and even dangerous.
Purchasing second hand skis is a way out of such imbroglio, but only when done right.
Where to Buy
Online stores such as ebay are a good source to purchase second hand skis. A Google search complete with the location name would throw up alternative and more relevant websites or directories. Classifieds in the local newspaper may provide good leads as well.
Ski rental shops and even brick and mortar ski shops are options to buy second hand skis. Some ski shops, especially big resort ski shops sell stale demo skis. Some ski rental shops may sell off their previous years’ skis. Smaller ski resorts and ski clubs may have “ski swap” flea market gatherings were people sell their old equipment.
How to Buy
A major consideration when deciding to buy second hand skis is the nature of use. Entry level skis basically suits the green ride of beginners. Most people would want to buy intermediate skis that suit a wide range of skiing activities. High end skis are for niche skiers and for specific tasks, and would remain suitable only for the purpose they are designed for. Thus a premium high end sold at a bargain price may actually be useless.
After deciding on the type of ski to buy and zeroing in on a suitable ski, check the physical condition. Make sure that the layers are not coming apart, there are no cracks in the sidewall, the tips are not bend or damaged, there is no warping or uneven flexing, there is no gap between the base and the steel edge and there are no gouges in the base that go to the core.
Second hand skis may come with or without the bindings. If the skis come without the bindings, make sure to check whether it is possible to put them on. If the skis come with bindings, check the bindings as well.
Pricing
The next consideration when buying second hand skis is the cost. New entry level skis cost about 150 to 300 pounds inclusive of bindings. New intermediate level skis cost anywhere between 300 to 600 pounds inclusive of bindings. When buying second hand, the older the ski, the lesser the cost. Skis over four years old should cost no more than 80 pounds and skis over eight years old are generally worth no more than 25 pounds or so. Ten year old skis are practically useless. Recent models dating back to two or three years may demand anywhere between 100 to 200 pounds depending on the type and condition.
