Is it better to buy new sporting goods?

Many people are going through difficult times financially and are making the decision to buy second-hand sporting goods. While this can save you a lot of money on the total cost of playing the sport, it could ultimately cost you much more if the equipment is not in a safe condition. Not all thrift stores take the time to make sure that every item they sell is in the best possible condition. This means that by using used equipment, you could be putting yourself in danger.

football helmets

Many parents choose to buy second-hand football helmets for their children, believing that they will offer the same protection as a new helmet. Often this is not the case and could present a potential hazard to children wearing the helmets. Recent studies have shown that concussions have serious repercussions that many athletes face for the rest of their lives. Helmets are not designed to take the full impact when two players collide. New advances in helmet technology are constantly being made and buying a new helmet will allow you to be sure that your child has the best possible protection.

used cleats

Like other secondhand sporting goods, it is never a good idea to buy used cleats. When you wear a pair of cleats, the inner sole of the shoe will mold and bend around the shape of your foot. If children wear used cleats while their feet are still growing, it could cause significant damage to their feet. Wearing used cleats can also cause you to injure yourself while playing a sport, because the underside of the cleats can be worn down and not offer the same traction that a new pair would.

used protective pads

Protective padding is used in many different sports and can be one of the most expensive sporting goods you’ll ever need to buy. While buying used pads may seem like the most affordable option, it could cause serious side effects for the user. The pads retain moisture when a player sweats. There are many people who do not take the time to wash their sanitary pads after using them. This means that germs, bacteria and even mold can grow on or in the pads. When you use a filler of your own, you will be putting someone else’s fungus directly against your skin.
This can cause your skin to become irritated and even cause you to get a serious infection. It is worth the investment to purchase new sporting goods for each sport, to ensure that the user is as safe as possible and can use the equipment for years to come.