<font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">            Fall is the time many families start looking at used Ski & Snowboard equipment as a way to save some money getting the kids on the slope.  Used equipment can be a great way to save money or end up cost almost as much as new would have cost.  Here are a couple of points that can make it work for you.</font></font>

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</font></font><font size="3">·</font>                    <font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Shop at a Swap or Ski Shop – If you know exactly what you need, you can make a great deal.  Most people looking at used equipment have to rely on the person selling the stuff to determine if it will work safely for the skier or snowboarder.  In most cases these sellers just want to get rid of it.  In our repair shops we see a lot of people bringing in second hand equipment that are not the right length or the bindings will not safely adjust for them.</font>

<font size="3">·</font>                    <font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Have the skier with you to try on boots.  NEVER buy them with out trying them on!  Just because your son wears a size 5 tennis shoe doesn’t mean that he will need a 5 in a Snowboard boot.  Most boots are made in Mondo Point Sizing.  These sizes don’t convert very well to US sizes.</font>

<font size="3">·</font>                    <font size="3" face="Times New Roman">As a parent I understand trying to get more than 1 year out of equipment but keep in mind that boots or skis that are too large can be very UNSAFE.</font>

<font size="3">·</font>                    <font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Boots should be sized with ONE pair of ski socks.  Not 2-3 pair of cotton athletic socks. </font>

<font size="3">·</font>                    <font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Make sure that the bindings can be adjusted properly for the intended skier.</font>

<font size="3">·</font>                    <font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Make sure that the Binding is one that reputable ski shops will work on.   Every binding manufacture publishes a list of their bindings that dealers will work on each year.  If a binding isn’t on the list there is a pretty good reason why.</font>

<font size="3">·</font>                    <font size="3" face="Times New Roman">What is the overall condition of the equipment?  Is it real, or in good-looking condition?  Check the Skis or Snowboard for any desalinations or cracks, missing screws, chunks gone, etc.</font>

<font size="3">·</font>                    <font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Finally make sure that a good shop sets the bindings and Tunes the ski or snowboard.  It will be money well spent.</font>

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