skiing equipment

Question
I am trying to buy used ski equipment.  When I come across skis with certain bindings (ie maker m18 or m29 bindings) how do I figure out what kinds of ski boots are compatible?

Answer
Hey Kati,

You have to be careful when purchasing used ski equipment. Skis can be inspected for base damage, edge damage, and top cap damage. Deep gouges to the base or edges can sometimes damage the core of the ski and potentially make it unsafe. Top cap damage is usually just scratches and usually won't affect the safety or performance of the ski. If there are surface cracks in the cap (usually near the tips or tails), this can be a sign of heavy abuse (ie; jumping, bumps, park riding) and should be left to the seller to keep.

As for bindings, there is an indemnification list that basically means that a ski shop can work on and adjust these bindings without any liability risk. The risk will stay with the manufacturer of the binding. If a binding is not on the list, that does not mean that it is a bad binding, it just means that most ski shops will not touch the bindings. They may tune and wax your skis but they will not make any adjustments to the bindings. For your safety and peace of mind, only buy skis/bindings that are on the list.

Here is a link to the list - http://www.nssra.com/2001/nssra/index.asp?centre=article&recno=2651

As for the bindings you mention, Marker M18 & M29, they are both older (10-12yrs) bindings with the twin cam design. It was a poor design and neither of these models are on the list. I would recommend that you keep shopping. Another way to educate yourself about used gear is to Google any type of binding or ski model. Look for forum posts regarding what you are looking for to get some direct input from other skiers about certain gear. You may also find info about other similar models for sale.

Lastly, try to do a physical inspection of any used gear or possibly have a shop check them out for you before you buy. If it is an ebay or craigslist type purchase or any other private seller that makes it impossible to physically inspect them, ask for some extra close up pictures of the bases, tops, and bindings. With todays modern electronic gear, good pics should be easy to obtain and any seller that doesn't want to or can't send more/better pics, then you should reconsider purchasing from them. An honest seller with nothing to hide will cooperate with a serious buyer.

Hope this helps.
Keep on skiing,
Windlover