Has anyone used ski locks???

[ThreeS]

Hello all,

I'm very happy with my new skis, K2 True Luv & Volkl Attiva S4. However, I've heard that thief on skis are on the rise. Has anyone used a ski lock during bathroom breaks and such? Which model do you recommend and how do you use the darn things? (the retractable ski locks)

Thanks.

 

[persee]

We have 2 now - used to be one, but then I forgot to pack the darned thing on our trip to Burlington this year! :(

We have a retractable cable one that we got this year which I like best. It's easy to put in my jacket pocket while skiing, then pull it out to lock the skis while we lunch/break/change/take a P break. It's nice because it lets you set your own combination to eliminate the hassle of trying to remember some random code. We usually put the lock thorugh at least 1 of each of our skis and then around the ski rack in a manner that would prevent the locked-together skis from being removed from the ski rack. Never had a problem thus far.

The other lock is a longer "rope" like one, kinda like some bike locks. It also lets you set your own combination, however it's a lot bulkier to carry in my pocket, etc.

 

[Jilly]

I use a "recoiler" lock too. Schlage makes one called Kryptonite sold at most ski shops, or something similar. I like the fact that you can lock your skis to anything that is secure. I use the end of the ski-key racks for example. Also you can lock up one than one pair. Just make sure that you can get the end of the cable through your bindings somewhere. Mine goes through a "hole" in the brakes. Otherwise you've wasted your money. Hubby uses a ski-key, but 1/2 the time you can't find a spot or the receiver is full of ice.

 

[ThreeS]

Thank you Persee & Jilly for your responds. Do you think one lock is enough or should get two to be safe? I've also heard some people split skis than lock them up. I'd hate to ruin our vacation because someone is up to no good. :o

 

[Jilly]

Being in the security business, the idea is to make it difficult for the theives and they'll go elsewhere. They are going to need to bring heavy duty bolt cutters to cut the cable in any of these recoiler locks. That proves intent if they get caught. I know that at Tremblant last year there was a security guy at the top lodge keeping an eye on things. Cut backs and he wasn't around this year. At the base there is always security wandering around. If you make it a pain for the thieves, then they'll go after another set. You might want to do something to your skis for ID. Some shops will engrave your name for you on the skis. Not a good idea if you plan on keeping them a short time and selling. But!!

 

[persee]

Jilly speaks the truth. Essentially when it comes to securing your stuff (be it your house, your car, your skis, etc) if someone wants to get in/steal it bad enough they will do so. However thefts are generally crimes of opportunity. If you put up enough obstacles it becomes much more convenient to move on to an easier target. Just putting a lock on the skis (we do through the brakes too) that is firmly attached to at least 1 ski of the set and wrapped around the ski rack will be enough to discourage the common thief. He will easily find a set of unlocked skis to grab rather than wasting time on your locked skis.

 

[cyn]

There are lots of ski thefts in New England, so my husband and I both have retractable cable locks, which we just stash in our pockets. It sure beats having one of us stand outside in the cold watching the gear while the other one dashes into the lodge.

I guess like everyone else who uses them, we figure that theives will steal whatever is easiest for them to grab quickly, and the locks are a pretty decent deterrent.

 

[ski now work later]

Yup, I lock my skis too with a small retractable lock that goes in my pocket when I'm on the hill. My kids learned their first season to lock their equipment too, so it's a habit (along with helmets) for all 6 members of our family. It's a pain to lock, but then again, I'm fond of my skis....

 

[Marigee]

I use a retractable lock as well, but usually only at the base. When I'm on the mountain I usually separate my skis. Our local ski area has a free ski check at the base, so I make use of that when I eat lunch or take a break.

 

[Sheena]

I usually use a lock, but nothing fancy. I figure, even a small lock is a deterrant. Although I do occasionally leave them unlocked while at lunch, I can see the skis through the window.