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

What to look for when buying used skis?
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!!
Reply:Since you have just started skiing, get a season rental package, then try the demo days at other resorts. Your most important purchase is the boots. The ski model and length will change as you improve your skills. A "shaped" ski should be about chin height +/- 5 cm for most beginning skiing.


The 116/79/102 numbers are millimeters of the ski in different locations. A large number up front and in the tail and a small number under foot means the ski will make a shorter turn, a larger number under foot will give more floatation in deep snow.


The different flex patterns also affect how the ski will perform. As will a different tune of the edges.


A high performance tune of a pair of skiis will make them seem like a race car vs a semi truck. Each skier will like a little different tune. Hope this helps.



FISH