Why are used skis such a big deal?
Not only is used ski gear good for your wallet, but it turns out it’s good for the planet, and your soul. We might be biased, but we believe used ski gear is one of the best ways to get into the sport. Snow sports are expensive. Any few pennies saved are pennies that can go to your next ski trip or a bigger ski pass. We break down the reasons why you should consider buying used ski gear, what to consider while shopping, and what else you can buy used.
Buying Used Ski Gear: The Reasons
The Value
There are so many used skis and ski clothing out there that go unloved and could use a home. Often, gear that was used lightly for just a season or two. Manufacturers design the gear to last for upwards of five years. That means there are loads of used ski products floating around out there with plenty of life left in them.People ditch used gear for any number of reasons—whether it’s because they’re over the look of it, it doesn’t fit their needs, or they’re the type to upgrade the gear every year. Most used gear (and everything we sell here) has a long usable life ahead of it.
Certainly, there’s a big range of mind-boggling-insane deals to “pretty good” pricing when you’re shopping in the used market. For some, it might make more sense to buy new for a price difference if having new gear is important. But more often than not, you can save hundreds of dollars by going used. That makes a big difference, especially when that money can buy lift tickets or gas to go powder chasing. Tons of our staffers got into the sport via used equipment. It’s a great way to break into the sport without breaking the bank.
Many folks might wonder about the safety or integrity of a used ski and binding setup. Generally, used gear is just as safe as new equipment. You just need to check a few items and make sure the bindings are tested by a certified binding technician. Check out our buying guide below, to get an eye for what to look for.
The Sustainability
The ski industry is acutely aware of how climate change and consumption affect our sport and the mountains we love. As a result, you’ll see plenty of products built with sustainable materials. Things like recycled ABS plastic in sidewalls, recycled plastic and foam in ski boots, FSC-certified wood cores, locally sourced materials, and bio-resin to replace toxic epoxy all add up to mean the gear we make today are the most sustainably produced gear ever. Things are only moving in the right direction.
But making a new product is inherently consumptive. You’re still using resources and energy to make that product and transport the goods. There’s also a significant amount of waste produced. Think about all those rectangular products being cut and shaped into skis. Industry leaders estimate that for every pair of skis made, a third ski is essentially thrown away with the waste.
It’s great that the ski industry is making moves where it can, but if you’re mindful of your carbon footprint, buying used is a great way to go. Buying used is essentially participating in recycling and shows the ski industry that we’re willing to invest in used equipment. That helps encourage better infrastructure, systems, and moves the industry in a more sustainable direction.
Buying Used Ski Gear: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying a used ski?
You’ll want to see what condition the ski is in. Check for base repairs, like streaks of ptex or base welds. Ptex is not a problem (we all ride with lots of ptex in our bases). But if the skis look like more ptex than the original base, that could be a problem.
The condition of the edges is crucial to check. Take a few minutes to examine every inch of them. Look for cracks, compressions, and separations. Cracks and separations are the big-ticket red flags which should be an immediate “no thanks”. Compressions are more of a gray area, and we discuss that below. See how sharp they are, or if there are jagged “burrs” on them. Those aren’t deal breakers, but mean that you should probably get a tune before riding.
We discuss top sheet wear a lot with customers. Dings and nicks are definitely not a structural issue; they’re purely cosmetic. Of course, if you want a good-looking ski, all the more power to you! But, cosmetics won’t lessen the functional life of the skis. Topsheet separations, on the other hand, raise some concerns. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something you’ll need to get repaired. If it’s something that’s been there for a while, it’s possible water has gotten in the core.
What makes a used ski “broken”?
A ski becomes “broken” if it features damage to the core from heavy compression/impact/water damage or a broken/cracked edge. You’ll also want to watch out for separations. Either from the edge and the sidewall or from the top sheet and the sidewall. Topsheet separations are not a big deal and a ski tech can repair those with a quick epoxy. Most damage to the base can be repaired with ptex. Here are some examples taken from our Ski Maintenance 101 article.
Sometimes, there can be irreparable damage, but it doesn’t mean the ski is broken. This small edge compression doesn’t mean the ski is toast, and is something a lot of us here at the shop would feel comfortable riding. An edge compression like this will not have affected the core. But, something larger, or a similar “dent” on the base, may mean the core is compromised.
Pro tip: When shopping for used skis with us, our skis are inspected by our ski experts before going up on the site. Nothing we sell you is fully out of commission.
Should I buy used ski boots?
We typically don’t recommend buying used ski boots, especially if buying used skis is an option. Used ski boots just have too much variability in the wear in the liners to fit appropriately, and won’t last as long. Liners all pack out over time, and as they pack out, they can cause pain and hot spots. Finding a well-fitted boot that matches your foot shape is the best bet for a good day on the hill. Read more about why boot fitting matters here.
So if it comes down to it, spend the money on a new pair of boots with supportive insoles, and buy the used skis. Skis don’t rely on a good physiological match (aside from winding up in an appropriate size). You could be riding on the best skis in the world, but if your boots don’t fit appropriately, you won’t get the reactivity and support you need from the boot. Skis come and go in our lives, but a well fitting boot will last you for seasons to come.
What about used ski clothes?
This is a great way to go. Ski clothes are easily repairable with patches or quick stitches. To revive waterproofing and repellency, give used ski clothes a quick wash with a specific detergent. You’ll find it will work close to new. Ski clothes that are highly breathable and water-repellent can easily break the bank, but cheaper options often don’t do the trick in really wet climates. If you can track down some used ski clothes, that’s a great way to save money on your whole setup.
