Our 8-Point Used Gear Inspection

Used gear is used gear, and we don't think there's anything wrong with that.

Our goal isn't to pretend pre-owned equipment is brand new. It's to evaluate it carefully, describe it clearly, and help you understand what you're buying.

That means being realistic about cosmetic wear, paying attention to the condition issues that matter, and giving quality equipment another opportunity to spend its life where it belongs: on the mountain.

Used Doesn't Mean Perfect. And That's Okay.

Pre-owned equipment has been on mountains, chairlifts, in parking lots, on roof racks, and probably knocked into another pair of skis at least a few times. Cosmetic wear is part of buying used gear.

Light surface scratches, topsheet marks, small chips, and properly completed PTEX repairs can all be normal signs of previous use and don't necessarily affect how the equipment performs.

What matters is understanding the difference between normal wear and damage that deserves a closer look. That's exactly what our inspection process is designed to help identify.

Our Goal Isn't to Make Used Gear Look New

How We Describe Used Gear

Every piece of used equipment has its own history, which is why condition information matters.

Our product listings are designed to give you a straightforward picture of what to expect. We distinguish normal cosmetic wear from more significant concerns and note relevant condition information when evaluating pre-owned equipment.

For example, a used ski may have light surface scratches or a previous PTEX repair while still having no core shots or edge separation. Those details help you make a more informed decision instead of judging used equipment simply by whether it looks brand new.

1 - Topsheets

We evaluate topsheets for normal cosmetic wear as well as more significant damage. Scratches, chips, and marks from regular use are common, but larger areas of damage or signs of separation receive a closer look during our evaluation.

2 - Edges

Edges are checked for overall condition, including significant damage, separation, excessive wear, and other concerns. Minor cosmetic wear is expected on used equipment, but we look more closely for issues that could affect the usable life or performance of the ski or snowboard.

3 - Structural Condition

We look at the overall structure of the ski or snowboard for signs of damage beyond normal cosmetic wear. This includes checking for concerns such as separation, significant cracking, or other issues that may indicate the equipment has sustained more serious damage.

4 - Bases

We inspect ski and snowboard bases for overall condition, including scratches, gouges, previous PTEX repairs, core shots, and other signs of damage. Normal surface scratches and properly completed repairs are common on pre-owned equipment and don't automatically make a ski or snowboard a poor choice.

5 - Bindings

When bindings are included, we evaluate their visible condition and look for excessive wear, damage, missing components, or other concerns. Because ski binding compatibility and adjustment depend on the individual skier and boot, customers should confirm that included bindings are appropriate for their setup and have them properly adjusted before use.

6 - Hardware & Mounting Areas

We inspect visible mounting areas and hardware for condition, missing components, unusual wear, or signs of previous mounting. On snowboards and equipment with included bindings, we also look at the components that connect the setup and identify visible issues that may need attention.

7 - Age & Overall Wear

Condition isn't determined by a single scratch. We consider the equipment as a whole, including its age, previous use, visible wear, repairs, and overall condition. This helps us distinguish normal signs of mountain use from more significant concerns when evaluating pre-owned gear.

8 - Final Condition Assessment

Finally, we look at the equipment as a complete piece and determine how its condition should be represented to the customer. Our goal is to provide clear, useful condition information so you know what to expect from your used gear before you buy it.