Skis are a big purchase, and we know that buying used online can be daunting. To help, our team has developed a ski grading system (used for skis and snowboards) to give you a clear picture of what you can expect when purchasing used skis from Pando Refitters.
In this guide, you'll learn about the four separate metrics we use to give you a complete picture of the condition of your skis —
- Topsheet Grade
- Base Grade
- Tuning Status
- Bindings
Let's take a look at these metrics in more detail.
Topsheet Grade
The topsheet grade gives you a clear picture of what condition the top and edges of your skis are in.
We rate the topsheet of each pair on a 4.0 scale.
4.0 (approximately 3% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
We couldn’t discern any signs of previous use. These skis were likely mounted with bindings at the resort, but then never rented.
Although they have likely never seen snow, they are out of the plastic and may show some faint scuffing or scratching from transportation and storage.
Pristine edges, no scuffs on the bindings, we don't think these skis have ever been used.
3.5 (approximately 5% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
These skis look really good, likely only used a handful of times.
Faint cosmetic scratches and scuffs may be visible on the topsheet, but overall these skis are close to new.
When we look close we can tell these skis have been used, but overall they're in close to pristine condition.
3.0 (approximately 30% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
In addition to faint cosmetic scratches and scuffs on the topsheet, 3.0 is where we typically start to see some wear along the edges, commonly on the tip or tail.
2.5 (approximately 40% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
In skis with a 2.5 rating, we start to see some nicks and chips in the topsheet material along the edges. These chips are generally considered cosmetic. Moderate scratches and scuffs on the topsheet are also common.
Some nicks or chipping present in 2.5 skis.
2.0 (approximately 15% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
At 2.0 we typically start to see more significant scuffing on the topsheet, along with a moderate amount of nicks and chips along the edges (typically several inches per ski).
Any deeper chips that expose a wood core have been filled with epoxy.
2.0 skis typically have the same edge chipping we see in 2.5 skis, but more of it.
1.5 (approximately 7% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
These skis will have heavy cosmetic scratches and scuffs on the topsheet, along with significant amount of nicks and chips along the edges.
We often see this condition with park skis, which tend to get more wear per season.
Any deeper chips that expose the wood core have been filled with epoxy.
Chipping present along a majority of the topsheet edges on these skis.
1.0 (not sold online)
These skis have significant scratching and chipping, AND this wear is no longer considered cosmetic. Wear reaches the wood core of the ski and should be repaired to prolong the life of the ski.
We do not sell these skis online, but do occasionally sell them in shop at a steep discount for people looking for "rock skis" that they can use in low snow situations.
0.5 (not sold online)
These skis may have some of the wear noted above, but the most defining characteristic of a .5 ski is severe edge damage.
"Blown edges" and other damage can often be repaired by an ambitious tinkerer with time and patience, but this sort of ski requires in-person evaluation to make a good purchase decision. We do not sell these online.
Base Grade
While wear on the topsheet of your ski is often considered cosmetic, more significant wear on the base can directly impact the performance of your ski. The good news is, bases can easily be brought back to mint condition with a fresh base grind and tune (more on that below).
Bases, like topsheets, are rated on a 4.0 scale.
4.0 (approximately 3% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
We couldn’t discern any signs of previous use. The bases may show some faint cosmetic scuffing or scratches from transportation and storage, but this will not have any impact on performance.
Clear base structure, no wear on the base or edges.
3.5 (approximately 26% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
Minimal cosmetic scratches may be visible from light use on the snow or from transportation and storage.
3.0 (approximately 46% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
Some surface level cosmetic scratches or scrapes will be visible.
2.5 (approximately 18% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
Moderate scratches or scrapes will be present, including a few deeper cosmetic scratches.
2.0 (approximately 5% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
Significant scratches or scrapes will be present, including some deeper cosmetic scratches.
1.5 (approximately 2% of the pre-owned skis we list online)
Significant scratches or scrapes will be present, including a significant number of deeper cosmetic scratches.
1.0 (not sold online)
Significant scratches or scrapes will be present, including a significant number of deeper cosmetic scratches. The scratches are significant enough that they impact performance. With a base grind and full tune, these skis could be brought up to a 3.0-4.0 grade.
0.5 (not sold online)
Significant scratches or scrapes will be present. The base has not been tuned, and some scratches are deeper and may need a ptex repair to preserve the longevity of the ski. With a base grind and full tune, these skis could be brought up to a 3.0-4.0 grade.
Tuning Status
While we all love the look and performance of a freshly ground ski base, each time this process is performed, it removes material from the base and decreases the lifespan of the ski.
Because of this, we discourage frequent base grinds, and instead list skis as "freshly/recently" tuned if we can see a clearly defined base structure on the ski. Skis that have been used and received light scratching after they've been tuned are still listed as freshly/recently tuned.
All skis are freshly waxed before we ship them to you.
Binding Status
Bindings receive an inspection to ensure the proper functioning of the heel and toe pieces.
Functionality is reported as Pass or Fail.
We do not sell skis with non-functioning bindings.
We do report expected boot compatibility, including the range of boot sole lengths (BSL) we expect will fit in the bindings, plus whether or not the bindings are compatible with newer GripWalk ski boots.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Skis are a big purchase, and we want you to be completely satisfied with the pair that you receive.
If you have any questions about the condition of a pair of skis you're considering, send us a chat and we'd be happy to provide clarification or send additional pictures.
If you receive your skis and feel like the condition was listed inaccurately, you'll have the opportunity to ship them back at no cost to you.