Question
Snow Skis and Poles
QUESTION: I have an old set of skis that I retrieved from storage. I used them in the 70's and put them aside for longer skis.
They are Rossignol 175 5D Serie R ROC with Salomon S555 bindings and 50" inch Scott poles. I wish now to sell them. They are in good condition. With a tune up could this set be enjoyed safely and what would be the their value be?
ANSWER: hi Richard and thanks for the question
the skis are in great condition; unfortunatley tho, old skis dont have a great resale value.
Bindings are a spring loaded device that, over time deteriorate making them unsafe. Also the bindings you have here probably wouldnt be classed as safe and ski resorts can refuse lift use. You will find the mountain safety rules state that skis must have a stopping or braking device attatched to them.
These skis would fetch a better price where people are looking for relics and memorabila. Perhaps a ski lodge or bar that is looking for things to put on the wall. Or possibly even a museum that has a display following the development of skiing. You could try ebay or an online sales site - but i would be careful about selling them as usable due to the risk of litigation if they sustain an injury. All skis need to be checked by a qualified technician - especially if they have been oin storage for a few years.
If you can find many old skis they make a great seat when put together.
I hope you find them a good home.
lisa
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for an excellent and prompt reply. The baskets on the Scott poles are huge compared to what I have seen lately. Would these be better for deep powder? They have no handle straps. Would they be allowed and be safe today? Would they have a resale value?
Answerhi, yes you are correct, the larger baskets are generally for deeper snow. Back back in those days, everything was big - especially the ski length. Racers these days generally have tiny baskets to reduce drag.
Poles need a safety strap - if there is a loop on the handle you can probably get some straps from your local ski shop [or try on the mountain]. The straps are to decrease the chance of them becomming a weapon as you tumble down the hill.
As for resale? You might get $5-6 for them at a garage sale unless you can find a collector. Ski equipment depreciates in value at a rapid rate thanks hugely to our consumerism and always wanting the newest and best stuff [like most sports equipment]. Even trying to sell equipment only 1-2 years old will result in big losses.
There are a few mountains/resorts around that have festivals marking the history of skiing every year or two. You could possibly find them a good home or even a buyer at one of those [or you may just find a use for them yourself]. Look for older mountains and resorts heading into anniversaries of operation.
lisa
