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Dec 14, 2023

How to Buy Used Ski and Snowboard Gear with Safety in Mind

June 8, 2023 by Rob Teitelman Leave a Comment — Skis, snowboards, and all the

June 8, 2023 by Rob Teitelman Leave a Comment

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Skis, snowboards, and all the gear that you need to hit the slopes can get expensive, and buying used gear is an excellent way to save money before the start of the next season. However, in a sport where you reach high speeds on steep terrain, safety is also paramount. You need to make sure you’re buying equipment that's in good condition, fits well, and will hold up to the way you ride.

One rule of thumb to use when you’re buying used skis is to put a 10-year limit on their age. While different ski brands are made from a variety of composite materials, they generally all use a laminated wood core or wood plus fiberglass, carbon composite, aluminum, or titanium for additional strength. They have varying pros and cons; for example, fiberglass is the most affordable option, but titanium can dampen vibrations.

In addition to the wood core, you’ll also find steel edges and the composite layers: the top sheet, base, and sidewalls. These layers can also include plastic, nylon, and polyethylene plastic.

After ten years, some composite materials like plastic are more likely to start breaking down. That can make skis unsafe or unusable. Going by the 10-year rule, you can keep safety a priority while still finding good bargains.

When you’re buying a used snowboard, there are two things you need to consider. First, you need to find out if there is any damage to the board. Second, you want to make sure that the snowboard is the right size.

If you have the opportunity to inspect a snowboard before you make the purchase, there are a few signs of damage you should check for right away:

Next, you want to make sure the snowboard's dimensions match your height and weight, even when it comes to choosing between men's and women's snowboards. The main difference between men's and women's snowboards is the size, so all you really need to worry about is matching your weight and height to the board. A right-sized snowboard should come up to about your chin. You should also check the width to make sure it fits your stance correctly.

When it comes to safety, your ski bindings are a top priority. Even when you buy used skis or a used snowboard, you should take it into a shop to have the bindings adjusted to fit you.

For snowboards, the bindings will be adjusted based on your riding style, stance, and comfort. Someone will work with you on finding a comfortable adjustment.

For ski bindings, they will find your DIN setting based on your skiing ability, weight, height, age, and the length of your boot sole. The DIN setting, short for Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization), sets the force required to release your boot from the binding, helping to prevent injuries if you wipe out.

Shopping for used ski and snowboard gear can help you keep your hobby on a budget. Inspect the quality if you can, be sure to look for age and damage, and get your bindings professionally adjusted before you try them out.

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Filed Under: Do It Yourself Tagged With: ski gear, Snowboarding, snowboarding gear