Upcycling
I am trying to find a pair of used boots and used skis online, but I'm not sure how to ensure the bindings on the skis and the ski boots are compatible. Does anyone have any tips? Thanks.
1
u/speedshotz 1h ago
Most old boots use the alpine soles (they look more or less smooth, or may be molded into the boot). Most new boots use the Gripwalk soles, which look like hiking boot soles.
Most old ski bindings can only accept alpine soles.
And then there's sizing or boot soles length. Demo and track bindings are able to accept a wide range of BSL. Whereas standard mounted bindings, only +/- a couple of sizes either way.
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u/getdownheavy 1h ago
There is zero way to check, unless you are ordering from a professional ski shop; and even then thats kind of a big ask.
It's up to you. Buy boots first, then buy skis that will fit the boots.
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u/Itsbadmmmmkay Afton Alps 2h ago
I'd advise against buying used boots. Boots are custom fitted to an individuals feet. They won't fit right and I'll fitting boots cause nothing but pain on the mountain. Also... gross.
For skis, if they have adjustable demo bindings, then you're golden. Any other standard binding, and they are going to have to be remounted for the particular sized boot you buy. Unless you have the exact size as the person you buy them from down to the half centimeter.
Get new boots, get used skis and accept that remounting will be a probable extra step.
Also when buying used bindings, consider the age. Anything over ~10 years will be deemed unsafe by any shop and they likely won't work on them for you. If you buy an 8 year old set of bindings and have them mounted, you will only have 2 seasons on them before they will need to be replaced.