Rental total and net ownership cost
Rental total equals daily rental × days per season × years. Net ownership cost adds purchase, initial extras, and maintenance, then subtracts expected resale value.
Exclude costs that are identical under both choices, such as lift tickets and transport, so they do not hide the actual gear difference.
- Rental = daily price × total days
- Ownership = purchase + extras + maintenance - resale
- Exclude costs common to both
Example: 900,000-won gear over four years
A 900,000-won purchase, 200,000 won in extras, 80,000 won annual maintenance, and 250,000-won resale value produce a net ownership cost of 1.17 million won.
At 35,000 won per rental day, rental spending passes that amount around day 34. At eight days per season, that is about 4.25 seasons.
Use a conservative day count
Weather, injury, work, and closures often reduce actual days. Compare optimistic, base, and conservative plans before buying.
Beginners may also change preferred length or stiffness as skills develop, so rental can preserve flexibility during a short horizon.
Consider non-price trade-offs
Owned gear offers a familiar setup, hygiene, and less rental waiting, but adds storage, transport, and maintenance responsibility. Rental is convenient, while peak-season inventory and condition can vary.
Use break-even together with transport, storage, replacement plans, and the quality of rentals you can actually access.