NEW YORK – Sports equipment can be twice as much fun the second time around. You can get some great buys on used sports gear. Kids outgrow it before it’s worn out. Parents often give up on exercise gear when they see they can’t live up to their New Year’s resolutions for weight loss.
For real deals on exercise and sporting equipment search yard or garage sales, online lists, thrift stores or used-sports-equipment stores.
A good Web site is PlayItAgainSports.com, where you can search for stores in your area that sell used equipment for no more than half the original price.
When you are on the hunt for used sports equipment, keep in mind these tips:
Know what you’re buying and how it should work, and look for unusual wear and tear.
If you’re not familiar with the equipment, take someone with you who is, or don’t buy it.
For any mechanical equipment, check the manufacturer’s Web site, general consumer reports and the Consumer Products Safety Commission for recalls. The CPSC Web site is www.cpsc.gov.
When buying safety equipment, like ski bindings or bicycle brakes, you must take them to a reliable service center for inspection and tune-up calibration. Figure this cost into the price when you compare it with that of new equipment.
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