Have you considered whether used or new equipment suits you best? It's a relevant question that can be challenging to answer. Our customer, Ditlev Ulriksen, has taken this question seriously and explored it in depth. Watch the video below where he reviews the pros and cons of used vs. new equipment, price differences, and the durability of used equipment. Finally, Ditlev shares whether used equipment is for you and why he chose it for his family.
Differences
To be as objective as possible, Ditlev asked Alex from One Open Sky a series of questions about buying ski equipment from them. He then compared Alex's answers with what we offer at secondskis.com.
New or used equipment?
Alex (One Open Sky): When buying new equipment, our ski experts can help you find the perfect equipment for your level.
secondskis.com: We offer an online test that you can take from home, which will help you find the perfect skis. Additionally, you are welcome in our store, where our friendly staff will do their best to find the perfect equipment for you.
Warranty?
Alex (One Open Sky): There is a standard 2-year warranty.
secondskis.com: We also offer a 2-year warranty on all new and used equipment, so you don't have to worry about used equipment breaking immediately.
Does the store buy back the equipment?
Alex (One Open Sky): No, we do not offer that.
secondskis.com: We buy back equipment at a reduced price if you want to get rid of it or want different equipment instead.
Child exchange?
Alex (One Open Sky): We do not use child exchange. The equipment is sold with a durability of 1-2 years.
secondskis.com: We offer Ski Exchange, where all children's equipment can be exchanged within 2 ski seasons for a fixed low price. You can read more about this here!
Fit guarantee?
Alex (One Open Sky): We offer a fit guarantee on ski boots for the first year. If the boots fit poorly, we adjust them for free. If they don't fit at all, we buy them back at 80% of the sale value.
secondskis.com: We have a fit guarantee on all used equipment. If you are not satisfied after the ski holiday, you can come back and exchange it for a fixed price of only 199 kr. per product.
Here we see a price difference: A pair of new boots costs around 3,500-4,500 kr., and it will cost you about 700-900 kr. to exchange the boots at One Open Sky. At secondskis.com, it costs a fixed 199 kr., regardless of the purchase price.
Prices
To compare prices, Ditlev asked Alex from One Open Sky to find equipment for a family of two adults and two children. Below you see a table where the prices of the equipment are compared with each other.
Equipment |
One Open Sky (New) |
secondskis.com (Used) |
Ski Boots - Men |
3,500-4,500 kr. | 350-1,200 kr. |
Ski Boots - Women |
3,500-4,000 kr. | 350-1,000 kr. |
Ski Boots - Children |
2,000 kr. | 250-600 kr. |
Skis - Men |
6,000 kr. | 2,500 kr. |
Skis - Women |
4,500 kr. | 2,000 kr. |
Skis - Children |
3,000 kr. | 1,000 kr. |
Buying equipment on sale?
Alex (One Open Sky): It is possible to buy equipment on sale at the end of the season, but it involves a risk as it's not certain you can find the right skis.
There is a big difference in skis, and it's important not to compromise on the model just because you can get them at a good price. However, if you're lucky and find the right skis on sale, you can get new skis for almost the same price as used ones.
Price overview
By comparing the prices, you will be able to see how big the price difference is between new, used, and rented equipment. In the calculation, we have chosen equipment of the same quality and best-used condition to best compare the used equipment with the new.
Equipment |
New |
Used |
Rent (6 days) |
Skis, boots, poles - Men |
10,750 kr. | 3,850 kr. | 2,000 kr. |
Skis, boots, poles - Women |
8,750 kr. | 3,150 kr. | 2,000 kr. |
Skis, boots, poles - Junior |
5,250 kr. | 1,850 kr. | 1,200 kr. |
Skis, boots, poles - Child |
4,250 kr. | 1,550 kr. | 800 kr. |
Total |
29,000 kr. | 10,400 kr. | 6,000 kr. |
% Discount compared to new equipment |
0% | 64% | 81% |
*The equipment is for the Skilled skier, and both cheaper and more expensive packages are available.
*Prices are without ski helmets: New approx. 1000 kr. and used approx. 300 kr.
*Prices are without ski and boot bags: Set price approx. 400 kr.
Quality of used equipment
Ditlev went to the attic and found his Völkl Deacon 74, which he bought at secondskis.com for 2,500 kr., and he is very happy with them. He thinks they are in good condition with sharp edges and plenty of resilience left.
Durability
When buying used equipment, one might be concerned about how long the equipment will last and whether it will be overtaken by technological development. Ditlev has not experienced this, which makes sense. The rule of thumb is that significant technological development in ski equipment occurs approximately every five years. The changes manufacturers make each year are often only design and color changes, without altering the ski's properties. By buying skis that are 1-2 seasons old, the equipment is still fully up-to-date.
Is used for you?
Ditlev admits: "I love new equipment, and there's nothing better than unpacking new gear and being the first to use it!" But he also admits that a ski holiday for a family of four is already expensive, and buying new equipment can break the budget. Ditlev also mentions the sustainability of choosing used, which is important for his family.
Whether used equipment is for you often depends on your budget. If you seek uncompromising equipment, you should choose new. But if you just need decent equipment that works, used might be the way for you.
