When looking at used snow skis, what should one look for? I mean, the bases should be good and not have deep gouges, the skis should look cared for, but, what should I look out for? What could someone who knows what they are doing cover up? How do you tell when a ski is just "tired" and there isn't enough left to tune? How much of a metal edge should exist? Any tips or thoughts would be appreciated.
Tips for Buying Used, Pre-owned Snow Skis
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riverc0il
New member
i think this is something you just gotta get a feel for. the bases and edges are obviously the two most important things to look for. it's hard to hide ptex, so look for any material on the ski that does not look like the original base. if you see a lot of ptex, chances are the ski was used and abused by someone like me 
edges should of course be completely in tack with no chips or excessive rough spots especially if recently tuned (a good seller of used skis would likely have sharpened the edges and done a wax job if they are serious and have a product worth buying). look for any "bend" in the tips, especially with wood/metal hybrids. if you put the skis together and stand them straight up, the tips should be pressed together with no space in between. compare the general shapes of the skis from multiple angles to ensure nothing is bent outta shape. finally take a solid look at those bindings, give em' a wiggle and make sure there are no broken pieces.
i would also check the vintage of a ski. you don't want to be dropping big bills on an older ski. anything older than four years should be dirt cheap.
edges should of course be completely in tack with no chips or excessive rough spots especially if recently tuned (a good seller of used skis would likely have sharpened the edges and done a wax job if they are serious and have a product worth buying). look for any "bend" in the tips, especially with wood/metal hybrids. if you put the skis together and stand them straight up, the tips should be pressed together with no space in between. compare the general shapes of the skis from multiple angles to ensure nothing is bent outta shape. finally take a solid look at those bindings, give em' a wiggle and make sure there are no broken pieces.i would also check the vintage of a ski. you don't want to be dropping big bills on an older ski. anything older than four years should be dirt cheap.
Geoff
New member
trader":2n458w58 said:
My personal opinion:
I'd never buy used bindings. (saftey concerns) I'd only buy used skis for someone who was learning and would quickly outgrow them. It's really easy to mask 50 days of hard use with a laser base re-flow machine, a good stone grind, and a coat of wax. Floor wax will disguise most topskin wear. Unless you can trust the person you're buying from, there's no telling how much real wear was placed on the skis.
Buy new integral ski/binding setups steeply discounted in the late-spring/early summer. eBay usually has the best deals on skis that have been discontinued or have seen major cosmetic changes.
For example, I bought a pair of Salomon Scream Hots with integral bindings for my wife on eBay last June for $370. The ski was discontinued and replaced with a similar ski called the Scrambler. MSRP is $1049.