What to look for when buying used skis?

I just started skiing-so beginner level. I am male, 27 years old,and being bitten by the ski bug,I am looking to buy skis,boots, poles, the whole 9 yards. I don’t know what to look for, regarding size of skis.Some have details like:Size: 178
Tip / Waist / Tail: 116/79/102 …Means nothing to me. Also some ads mention: eastern skis.I do live in the Boston area….if that helps

For you, many of the details won’t be of concern (the beginner level).

It would be helpful to know your height, but let’s say this:

If you are around 6 foot, you would probably want 165 cm skis, give or take 5 or so depending on your weight and athletic ability.

No such thing as “eastern” skis…except that they probably have been skied in the east, and as such the edges are well worn due to the hardpack that you find out there.

It would be helpful if possible to buy the boots that came with the ski (same owner selling off their stuff). This way the bindings may not need remounting. You never know really how many times holes have been drilled for bindings.

Just buy around the size 160 or so…shorter if you are shorter…a tad longer if you are taller. Look at the bases (the bottom of the ski) to look for major gouges or damage, rusty edges, etc.

The other fancy numbers you saw (tip/waist/tail) are dimensions for a shaped ski. For you (and most really) those are rather minor details. Some skis have more of a “parabolic” curve than others.

Good luck!!

Ski Tips for Advanced Skiers

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