In this article, we will outline all you need to know about used sporting goods.
Used sporting goods are a great option for those who want to play on a budget, or for pieces of equipment that you'll soon outgrow or wear out. Sports Zone offers the very best in new and used hockey equipment, and we allow trade-ins so that you can maximize your dollar - visit us today to learn more.
Now, let's dig in and take a closer look at what you need to know about used sporting goods, and when it makes sense to choose used over new.
All You Need To Know About Used Sporting Goods
Used sporting goods are ideal for young players
All parents know kids grow at an alarmingly fast rate! This is true not only in terms of size, but also in their interests. As a result, it might not make financial sense to invest in brand new equipment when your child begins playing a new sport.
Used sporting goods are ideal for baseball players
Here in Canada, for example, many parents feel overwhelmed by the seemingly high cost of hockey equipment. If you're new to the sport or have a kid who desperately wants to play, you'll need to invest in a decent-sized list of gear to put in your hockey bag, which is a good starting point, by the way!
Here's what you'll need:
In our Guide To The Average Cost Of Hockey Equipment, we outlined a general cost breakdown:
- All New: $500 – $1000 (Depending on what sales you find)
- New and Used: $300 – $500
- Mostly/All Used: $200 – $300
The fact that kids grow so quickly means it's prudent to prioritize used sporting goods during younger years. This greatly lowers the average cost of equipment. Adults can invest a bit more, however, knowing they're likely to use their gear for many years to come.
Hockey can be expensive, meaning used sporting goods can come in handy!
Sports Zone is here to help. We not only offer the very best in hockey equipment, but we also offer the following used items: shoulder pads, pants, gloves, shin guards, and elbow pads. To make things easier, we offer a trade-in program so you can bring in your old equipment and get credit towards new gear.
We are a premier local leader in the sports gear industry and have approximately 15,000 square feet of inventory space filled with new and used sporting equipment. We also have a massive online store with over 11,000 items!
We carry the very best in:
As the area's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that has helped them excel in their chosen sport.
Contact us to learn more about our trade-in program!
Be smart about buying used sporting goods
The best sports stores that sell used equipment will always conduct full inspections on any used sporting goods intended to be sold to make sure they are in reasonably good condition. These items will then be priced accordingly.
Helmets
"The most important thing to keep in mind when sourcing all sports equipment is the safety of the piece," according to Active For Life.
Hockey helmets must have a CSA (Canadian Standards Association) sticker and must be free from cracks, for example. Still, we recommend purchasing new for optimal safety.
Skates
For skates, ensure there are no missing or rusted rivets, rusted or cracked blades, or cut leather. For all other pieces, look for signs of wear and tear and most importantly, make sure they fit properly.
Softball Bats
If you're looking to purchase a new softball bat, you'll have to make sure it's on the approved list while also retaining its pop. When it comes to similar items like racquets, use your best judgment as to whether the gear is in good enough condition. You can even talk to a coach or to another experienced, knowledgeable player or parent before you shop.
Other Used Sporting Goods
For other kinds of protective equipment like chest protectors, knee pads, or shin guards, you should check that all padding is intact, fully attached, and not mouldy. Additionally, ensure rubber or hard plastic parts are free of cracks and that all straps and fasteners are functional and in good condition.
Local sports leagues and organizations can be a good resource for used sporting goods. They often sell used gear as fundraisers or conduct trade-in programs as part of tournaments.
Sports Zone is a serious player in the sporting store market. Because we purchase our sports products in volume, we provide the same discount levels offered by national chains and big-box retailers. Our price match promise means we won’t just match another store’s advertised price - we’ll beat it by an additional 5%!
Get outfitted for softball season with gently used gear
Frequently asked questions
Where do used sporting goods come from?
By definition, used sporting goods come from those who've benefitted from these pieces of equipment in the past and no longer need it. Bring your gear to Sports Zone, and if it's in good condition, you can trade it in for credit on your next purchase! We then offer it to someone else who can use it.
What type of equipment do you accept?
We will accept a wide variety of quality used sports and fitness gear to flip to those who play any particular sport in our community - as long as we have room for it! That includes hockey skates, protective gear (elbow, shoulder and shin pads), softball gloves, hockey gloves and more!
How much is my used equipment worth?
There are several factors we consider: brand, condition, and demand for the items. We will assess your equipment, and let you know what we can offer in terms of trade-in value on your next purchase.
Trust Sports Zone for the best in new and used sporting goods!
Like the major chain sporting retailers, we carry all the major brands you need to play your best. The Sports Zone difference, however, is our personalized level of service. We pledge to offer the customer a personal, small-store service experience but with all the sports equipment and apparel athletes need to excel at their sport.
As Waterloo's largest independent sports retailer, we've provided thousands of athletes like you with the high-performance sports gear that helped them excel in their chosen sport and we can do the same for you.
Whether you need hockey equipment, skates, hockey sticks, goalie equipment, figure skates, or baseball equipment, Sports Zone has what you need at the best price, guaranteed!
What Sports Zone Customers Are Saying:
"The owners, staff, and products are second to none at sports zone. The customer service and family owned feel provide a great platform for their customers. Highly recommend!" (Nick Erb)
Visit us today to get the best sports equipment you need to compete and take advantage of our in-store services.
Or you can order online if you're outside the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
