SWAPS AND SALES: HOW TO SHOP
That little bit of chill is in the air. The ads are giving everyone the winter yearns. It's ski and snowboard sale and swap time. Wahoo!
As exciting as it may be to think of the snow season ahead, think about this: you don't want to hit the slopes and find out you've been gypped. You don't want to see those same gloves you got new at the swap sold for the same price in a resort store. You don't want to find out your skis or snowboard is a dog.
So, how should you shop to end up pleased at the price and condition of the stuff you buy at the sales or swaps?
Start with the obvious: skis and snowboards. No matter how cool the graphics or how desirable the brand, turn it over and examine the base. Tilt it so you can see if the edges are worn down, or if the trashed base has been covered up with a coat of wax. In fact, be suspicious if there's a thick coat of wax on the base of any ski or snowboard. Run your fingers over the edges to see that they are smooth. While a ding or burr is okay, a ripple is not. It means the edges are getting ready to delaminate, to separate from the base. The thing is ruined and worthless.
Place skis and snowboards on a hard flat surface, like a table, and look for warpage. You will be able to see if the base does not lay flat. If there's any kind of twist or uneveness, don't buy. You'll think the resulting problem is you on the snow, but it's really your gear. Always do this, even with new gear.
Unless you know for sure that you can purchase new liners, don't ever buy used ski boots. They will have been broken in to someone else's feet and stance instead of yours, and the precision needed for perfect control will never be there. Especially never buy used ski boots for kids unless you can get a new boot liner.
Be careful what you purchase at a swap. Many of the vendors are from out of town, and won't refund your money if the product is defective. Never, ever, ever buy a helmet at a swap. First of all, most new helmets sold at swaps are older models that have been dumped because they didn't sell when new. Vendors usually charge premium prices for them, when you could probably get this season's helmet for the same price at a shop. If it's a used helmet, you have no way of knowing its history. A helmet that has been in a bad crash has lost a considerable amount of its protection power, the foam is too condensed to protect your skull in an impact. Don't fall for bargains, there are absolutely no helmet bargains at a swap.
If you're considering a piece of winter clothing, check the seams and fastenings. If it's new, it may be a "second," containing a flaw that is nearly invisible---until you get on snow. If it's used, it may have a stubborn zipper or snap---fasten and unfasten every button and zipper, make sure they are in good condition and there is no tearing of the fabric around the fastening. Hold the piece of clothing up to the light, so you can see any rips or thin spots in the fabric. Take the time to carefully examine every seam, looking for threads that are unraveling, showing that the seam is coming apart.
Whenever you get something used at a swap, try to get the name of the seller so that you're not stuck if there's something wrong with your purchase that wasn't obvious at the time you got it. Wherever you are buying, try a little bargaining. You can often lower the price of an already discounted item.
If you're buying something on sale at a shop, ask about their refund policy. You may not find out about a defect until the season begins, months from now. If that's the case, will they take the item back? If the answer is "no," reconsider your purchase.
Swaps and sales are often a great way to save money on new stuff---or stuff that's new to you. But being a careful shopper will guarantee that you get the biggest bargains.