READERS' PICK: Someone once said that all it takes to succeed in America is one good idea. Well, this is one great idea: recycling sports equipment at a low cost to the buyer while freeing up all this extra space in garages, closets and (been there!) car trunks. The average person uses snow skis once, for 17.8 seconds or however long it takes him to fall down the 2-percent-grade ski slope. Then the skis go into storage for ... ever! Why not sell them and get some of your money back? Then you can take that money and go buy some other kind of sports equipment that you'll hardly ever use. If this is your pattern (and for most people, it is), why not buy your stuff at Play It Again Sports? The stuff has hardly ever been used, but since it has been used at least once, it's way cheaper. Then, when you realize that lawn bowling isn't for you, you won't have lost too much money. And you can sell it back, so the next guy can give it a try without busting his wallet. One great idea.
READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Sports Authority, 4225 N. Oracle Road. Hiking, camping, fishing, hunting ... plus, they have stuff for real sports, too. This is a one-stop sports shopping opportunity. Striped socks for the softball player, cleats for the footballer, tennis dresses, golf clubs, hockey pucks, basketballs, even official scorebooks for volleyball and other sports. Huge inventory, great selection of athletic shoes, and stuff for every sport you've ever heard of (and some you haven't).