Objective: Find a Ski and Binding under 200$ with the following features:
Reason: Since I am skiing on a Beginner Intermediate Ski, I will not be able to progress in my racing handicap.
- Advanced to Expert Ski
- (Have to work the ski more, more in the shin than a beginner/int ski)
- Titanium on Core High Speed Stability, and pop
- Wood Core Stability, Pop
- Holds on ICE
- no more than 3 years old
- Under $200
- Prefer length >175 but will take 168.
-
Turn Radius 14-17 meters
No matter where you look at that price point it will be work to find it. Ebay, online, Swaps etc.
MSRP for a NEW ADV/EXP Ski with Ti Binding range is Over $1,000
Retail Range – 700 to 800
1 Yr Close out – 500 – 600
Used – 399.
STORY:
I was out posting flyers for the upcoming Zardoz Day at my retail partners.
I see a ski that fits the features above.
It is an ELAN SpeedWave 12, Advanced expert around 2007/8, for $229.00
Upon looking, base ok just a few spots to fix, edges ok, just need my love
Binding din to 12 which is plenty I go no higher than 9 Din Usual is 8.
So why are they still there? Chipped top sheet on edges here and there,
for me a great fixer upper.
The Guys at Baltimore Ski Warehouse set me up nice. I did not pay the 229$.
So what is the plan to get these babies below back on snow?
1- Sand, clean, and epoxy fill the chipped areas.
2 sand clean and apply Krylon fusion paint to match color
3 Clean top coat with Car Scratch remover, clean with acetone (phase 2)
4 top coat 2 layers of clear enamel gloss (phase 2)
5 Hand stone edges
6 Fix few ptex on base
7 Hand cut the edge bevel
8 hand polish edges diamond stone
9 Wax 3 coat with Zardoz Notwax in between
10 TEST DRIVE!!!!
11 Full binding check complete and passed
Phase 1 took 3 hours.
Phase 2 will be 3 hours to mostly touchup, painting and final 2 coats of clear enamel.
The idea is to understand the technology. Then match to your abilities.
The Elan Speedwave 12 has a ton of technology.
1-Elan invented Shaped Ski how we forget
2-RST – Race sidewall (more edge hold)
3-Wave Flex (tensional stability)
4-wood core
5 Titanium (Stable at speed)
6 Integrated Fusion binding 4-12 (Better Flex)
7 Higher base of boot to bottom of ski
8 – Binding set 1 inch forward compared to the Mt Dew.
Compared to the Volkl Mt Dew. Brg/Int
1- Same Shape as the Elan 14 meter radius
2- Regular 70 degree side
3- does have edge support
4- foam composite
5 – none
6 – Look Binding Regular
7- 3/4 inch less, so less angle in a turn, less speed generation.
It is best to go to the Elan web to find out more
Click on technology
RST, WF, Ti, CORE, Fusion
The Goodies / Video section has clips on production of skis, Waveflex, Fusion etc.
Note: Skis have been on the slope for 3 visits, no issues to report. Wow the Krylon Fusion paint holds up, even though I did not cure 7 days. 2 Days of Skiing in General. 1 Day of racing , 10 runs avg 29 secs. About as rough as you can be on a ski. Happy happy joy joy
I came in 4th overall that day.
A course that was turn heavy, new snow, and some ice.
Phase II :
Bit more time available:
Sanded to a fine finish with 150 , 220 , 400, 800, 2000 grit
Painted two coats of Krylon Spring Green, Hot room ie. a small room with ceramic heater to set faster.
The 4 light coats of spray gloss clear enamel
A few more hours in the hot room.
