Buying used - ebay

[back2ski]

Hiya
I've been trying to decide on what might be better than my old Fischer Revolution 160's and one that is a strong contender is the True Luv 167. My main question here is: is it foolish to buy a used ski to save $60? Here is the description:
Condition:
The skis look to have been used about 10 times. They are in very good shape and don't have much use. They have some normal surface scratches for a used pair of skis. The bases have a fresh tune and wax.
This seller has good feedback and many skis with similar descriptions, usually 20-30 times used depending. My biggest concerns are 1)potential for bad tune that the new ski wouldn't have had messed with, 2) Potential I'm supporting a ski theft ring after reading some of your stories on 20-50 sets of skis stolen at different mountains. My husband says I always think the worst of ppl, but reading that we know it happens and they unload the skis somewhere, obviously not skiing 50 pairs for themselves.
stats:250 lb, 5'10", low intermediate skiier

TIA

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Most ebay ski resellers are selling off last year's rental/demo equipment. Main problem is not being able to see the actual ski. Do they provide a letter grade of condition? (A, B or a number) I personally would spend the extra $60 for new, but it depends on your situation, obviously. Did you check the seller's feedback? Read some of the comments and take a look at what was purchased. If a lot of negatives, stay clear. If most buyers seem happy, you're looking to save some $ and this is the ski you want, it should be okay. Tuning is generally remedial. Would be nice to see the bases and edges, though, to check for serious gouges. Also take a look at the seller's return policy. Don't buy from one that flatly states "no returns."

 

[back2ski]

Aren't demos on demo bindings though? Or do the K2' Luvs have adjustable binding systems. I read the One Luv has a lighter weight binding. Is it significant that I should spend the extra for that? My weight is the only thing that would take me up to that level of ski, recommended here but discouraged at the ski shops (they say to stick with the True Luv or equivalent).
I listed what they say for condition and feedback is 99.4 positive in almost 7000 feedbacks.
Not being a true ski diva , I feel guilty about buying new skis at all. Renting is only $14 on ski club days and those skis would probably suit me better then my short Fischers, but I choose not to spend even that extra. ON the other hand, I often regret taking the cheap way out, but feel GREAT when I find a great bargain. What's a girl to do...

 

[abc]

My main question here is: is it foolish to buy a used ski to save $60?

Do you mean it's only $60 less than a brand spanking new pair?

If so, yes, it is foolish to buy used. The money saved are not worth the sleep you lose wondering about all those questions you posted. You lose all the warranty that comes with all new skis too.

To buy used, I'd expect it to be around 50% off from a new pair.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

I think I found the listing. I'm not thrilled with this seller's feedback. Stats on the skis are listed, also the bindings. These are demo bindings.
"Ski Bindings: Salomon 710 with a din from 3.5-10.* They will adjust to fit boot sizes 4-12us." A lot of buyers have said the skis they bought were more "used" than they'd hoped, and the seller doesn't communicate too well. Hmmm. This gives me pause. I think, if you can be patient, better deals will come up. This is the time when all skis go on sale, prices get even lower on ebay. I've gotten some great skis on ebay, all of them have been new, all at lower prices than this, FWIW.

My note * this is a recreational binding and would be enough for you to get started.

 

[smpayne]

I agree, $60 is not a big enough savings, especially sight unseen.

 

[back2ski]

Ah, you're right, I read the description, probably from the K2 website, stating the Marker bindings. So they do appear to be demo/rentals. I don't want the extra weight of demo bindings, otherwise I'm cool with his feedback. When you're doing that kind of volume, there's bound to be a dissatisfied customer now and then- the majority (99%) are excellent feedback.

So now the decision, do I wait, or buy new for $319, or hold out for the One Luv or even a Volkl 3* or some Atomic?

 

[Calgal]

Whatever ski you decide on, find your best deal and buy new.
There are some great deals online, but it can take some time to find them. I bought mine new online and saved $250, and that included the shipping and tariffs to get them to Canada! Treat yourself...you deserve it.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

My current skis were $149 new in wrap, ebay, bindings $59, ditto, whole set-up was $239 total incl ship, DH mounted the bindings, done. They are 06 skis, and I'm very happy. I completely understand your need to conserve $. We have a work car that we paid less for than the average retail price of the average brand new pair of Volkls. I have to heat my house....

 

[IntheClouds]

I'll give you something to compare that to. I bought my True Luv's last year from the Demo shop at my local mountain. In great shape, Marker demo bindings, $150. minus the cost of the demo. that day. This ski is easy to find. Either new online from a retailer , or if you want a deal, from a real live demo shop. They generally take the cost of the demo off the price they charge if you buy them. For what it's worth, demo bindings are heavier than the bindings that come with the ski. System bindings.

To speak to your thoughts of holding out for other skis, last year was my 1st year skiing. I'm already demoing ski's this year because I'm outgrowing these, they are relatively soft flexing & very forgiving. I suspect I'd have bought a One Luv last Spring if I could have found one to demo. You have been skiing long enough to be looking for new ski's & leave the old behind. You may want to demo before you plunk down cash on a ski you've never tried.

 

[persee]

I definitely wouldn't even think of buying used for this price. I've bought both of my current skis new in the wrapper in February of the season for better than half price from a local store. Most recently (last year) I bought my Volkl Attiva AC3s for under $500 (the MSRP on these skis was near $1k ) and the best prices I was seeing elsewhere were over $650, so shop around. Especially given that it's late february at your local shops. They will be looking to move this year's stock so they can order for next year which should lend itself to getting you some good deals.

(oh and I was amused to see Al's Ski Barn selling a pair of Attiva AC3s used for $489. I really got me a good deal!)

 

[SueNJ]

I agree--hold out for something new. I got a current-year, brand new in shrink wrap Fischer Vision Breeze ski (list $795 and available on eBay for $400 or more) for $230 with shipping on an eBay auction. The later in the season it is, the better chance you have of getting a brand new pair of skis for a great price.

 

[back2ski]

So would you consider $360 including shipping for New One Luvs to be a good deal or should I be patient and wait another month. If I order today I may have them in time for next Sunday, (depending on how busy the shop is for mounting bindings and how fast UPS is). Next ski club date after that is March 2nd, if it's even good weather for skiing by then. That's the end of the season for us I guess unless we go for a weekend in mid to upper WI later in March.

 

[abc]

One Luv or True Luv are you talking about?

 

[back2ski]

One Luv or True Luv are you talking about?

With my last post, I'm talking about One Luv, I decided True Luv is probably going to be too soft for my weight. The True Luv/s go about 40-100 less. I think it's Trekchick that's still trying to convince me on the Burnin'Luvs.

 

[abc]

I think it's a good price for the One Luv. Are these 07 or 08 model? (they're different in width)

 

[back2ski]

I think it's a good price for the One Luv. Are these 07 or 08 model? (they're different in width)

They are the '07 model with 68 waist. In the past salespeople around here said 68 was the widest I'd want but now it seems things are going a bit wider. I really can't spend a couple hundred more for a '08 model though.

Found some Volkl supersport s3 for only $200, and I know i'd been looking for the Attiva s3, but not sure about the differences with men's skis/weight in particular.
Atomic 918 puls are also contenders, both 170cm, the Atomics the same price as the K2's.

 

[back2ski]

I don't know if I should jump on this deal to get me by the next couple years and then buy something better when I'm a better skiier?

a used pair of Head Lightning IM Super Railflex skis with Tyrolia SP100 bindings. these skis were last years demo skis, and have been skied a lot in the last 2 years. they are 170 length and the width dimensions are 111-69-104

currently less than $50 shipped, sharp edges and come with fresh wax.

 

[cosmogirl]

Hey, just have to say that I know 2 friends that bought on e-bay. One got a fantastic deal and the other, unfortunately, got screwed. If it helps, the ski swaps usually turn up some decent gear, although you'll have to wait until next season.

 

[abc]

We can't decide for you. You have to decide yourself. You're all over the map on your candidates. What is really in your mind?

What have you demo-ed? What are the likes and dislikes?