2torial #0561: Learn2 Buy Used Skis (Continued) Look for signs of repair Look along the edges of the ski, to see if any repairs have been made. If the edge was blown out, you'll see a section of metal that's been replaced, along with a section of base material. A good repair, that leaves little or no gap in the metal is not a reason to immediately reject the ski. However, this edge will never be as strong again, and the section is more likely to tear out again when caught by rocks or branches. Look closely all along the base of the ski. Every ski base gets new material patched into it, but sometimes you can see the inside of the ski through a patched area. Again, it's not a reason to summarily reject the ski, but the price should be adjusted accordingly. If you should happen to buy a ski with a repaired base or replaced edge, use the side of the repair as your outside edge when skiing. That will ease the chances of further damage because mose of the strain is placed on the inside edge of the ski. -end- Learn More! or All steps at once (printable version)