Skiing is an expensive sport. It's no wonder that many skiers rely on used skis when choosing their equipment. In addition, anyone who buys second-hand skis is also doing something good for the environment. So there's nothing wrong with that, right? Well, as it is often the case, there are arguments for and against. We'll explain what you need to consider if you want to buy used skis.
What you should know in advance
If you plan to buy used equipment, you should find out in advance what type of ski or snowboard is suitable for you, i.e. which ski or board is appropriate for your riding style and ability. The best way to do this is online or in a sports retailer. This way you will know exactly what to look for.
If you want to buy used skis, you should also know that winter sports equipment is a wear product. This means the material will give way over time. As a guideline, skis and snowboards should not be older than 5 seasons if used moderately and not older than 3 seasons if used regularly. It is also important to know what core material the skis have. A ski core made of wood is far more durable than a foamed ski.
When buying used ski boots, you should know that over time they will adapt to the wearer's foot due to thermoforming. As a new owner, it can therefore be difficult to find shoes that fit well and are comfortable. The newer the shoes are, the easier this is.
Where to buy used skis?
Directly from the manufacturer, at events or on online platforms, there is a large selection of places where you can buy second-hand skis. It is particularly popular to buy former rental skis from sports shops. These are often advertised with an extreme discount and the promise that the skis have only been used for one season. Although the skis are only used for one season, they are usually used more often than by private individuals. Rental skis are used almost every day in high season, often by beginners who don't really know how to use them. Accordingly, most of them are heavily used.
Anyone who wants to buy used skis online will benefit from the large number of offers. However, you also have the disadvantage of not being able to take a close look at the equipment. Errors and material fatigue are often difficult to recognize in photos or simply concealed. It is therefore advisable to always inspect the goods personally.
Flea markets, exchanges and events where private individuals and manufacturers sell on site are recommended. The advantage of this is the personal exchange with the previous owner, who can explain the wear and tear on the equipment. This is the best way to avoid buying skis that are too worn out.
💡 NAKED Optics Tip:
Pay particular attention to these points when examining the skis:
- Edges: These should not be finished too often and should not be too thin. Peeling off the edges is an absolute no-go, so stay away! Light rust can be repaired with a service, but you should avoid deep and large rust spots and dents.
- Ski tension: Lay the ski flat on the ground. This is the best way to tell whether the ski is warped.
- Ski binding: What shoe size is the ski set for? Avoid moving and re-drilling the binding. Every drilling weakens the material. Also pay particular attention to the wear on the jaws and, ideally, try out how well the binding holds up with a lot of pressure on the ski boot.
Used ski equipment for children
Children grow quickly and therefore need new, suitable equipment for winter sports more often. This is where it makes sense to buy used ski boots and skis. Unlike adults, the material is subjected to less stress due to the lower body mass. In addition, skis and ski boots are often only used for one or two seasons. Therefore, we can only recommend that you buy used snowboard or ski equipment for children.
You can easily buy this used
Ski clothing and ski poles can be purchased second-hand. Here you can save a lot of money by buying second-hand goods. With ski poles, you should make sure that your elbows make a right angle when you grip the poles. When choosing clothing, make sure your freedom of movement is not restricted and nothing is tight.
What you shouldn't buy used
Some pieces of equipment are suitable for buying second-hand. However, there are also things that are better off getting new. This includes all items with a protective function such as helmets and ski goggles. Helmets should be replaced after every hard fall, as each impact degrades the material. If you buy a used helmet, you cannot be sure how many times the previous owner fell while wearing it.
The same applies to older glasses. Over time, anti-fog and UV protective coatings can come off. If the foam is not cared for properly, it will become porous over time and the glasses will no longer fit well. If you still want to save money when buying your ski goggles, you can simply send in your old ski goggles to the NAKED online shop. As a thank you, we will give you a discount on your new glasses.
Credits: Mathäus Gartner