Shopping UnNew Skis? Look For This!
If this season is the one you've promised yourself you'll finally get onto the slopes, we're sure you'll need some skis. (Maybe a snowboard, but for the sake of this blog post, we're going to say skis.) But skis are expensive, and so is all the other gear you need to stay comfortable. That's why we're here to help out. We loved getting winter hard goods in, and it's quite frankly hard to keep them in the warehouse for long. But when looking for used skis, there are some key details to look at. Today, we're talking about just that so you have the confidence to shop right and get out there.Top Sheet
Although the top sheet isn't the most important spot when it comes to nicks and scrapes, it's still a good idea to check it out. You of course want to avoid anything with major damage, but some scrapes or nicks won't be a make or break.Bindings
At Geartrade, we always make sure the bindings that come with skis are indemnified. So if you see them included, rest assured they're up to snuff. However, if buying elsewhere, always make sure this is the case. We also strongly urge you to bring and ski with an existing biding to a shop to have a release test performed.Base (and Edges)
The base area is the most important piece of the ski to look at. Here you'll find the edges and the actual base of the ski. Edges are metal and thus, can be rusty. This is normal if the skis haven't been used for some time or if they were stored wet. But this can easily be removed with a tune, so don't get too hung up on that! Base examination, however, is crucial. Sometimes, there will be small dings along the middle or sides which can be repaired fairly fast and might not even make that big of a difference underfoot. However, deeper damage, or a ski that is "core shot" has endured enough damage that you can see the core of the ski through the base material. Not all hope is lost if you find this on a ski, but this kind of damage will require some serious TLC in the ski shop before it can be ridden, and might not be worth it if you find other solid options on-site.We hope this quick rundown helps get you set up for the season! Whether you're on foot or on skis– have fun, be safe, and we'll catch you out there.