Ski Tuning 101: Fixing a Core Shot
In the last two parts of the Ski Tuning series we covered how to wax your skis and how to repair a gouge in your base; simple jobs that can easily be done at home with the right set of tools. Now, let’s discuss a different beast, CORESHOTS, and the various options you have for fixing them.
THE PROBLEM: CORESHOTS
A gouge becomes officially classified as a “core shot” when it rips through the P-Tex base and exposes the ski’s core. This type of ding is especially detrimental to the ski because it allows moisture to penetrate the core, and in skis with a wooden core, this could potentially lead to rot within the ski.
THE SOLUTION
Repairing a coreshot at home is not easy, partly because there are a lot of competing theories in regards to “the proper fix” for a coreshot. Many ski bums out there will tell you that using the P-Tex Candle method described in Part 2 will work well enough to last the majority of a season. However, if your coreshot is near the edge of the ski, the dripped-in P-Tex can often be ripped out while riding, which certainly doesn’t give you confidence in the longevity of the repair. An alternative repair option that is easy and inexpensive is to use Toko’s P-Tex Powder and a waxing iron to melt the P-Tex into the gouged area. This fix seems to last longer because the hot iron works the material into the gouge and helps it bond better to the core and surrounding base material.
However, if your P-Tex patch simply won’t stay in place, then you may need to consider a Base Weld, which utilizes heat-actuated adhesives in materials like the Base Repair Ribbon to allow the weld to bond to both the core material of the ski and to the surrounding base. Performing a base weld at home is tricky/not-recommended because it involves continuously heating the weld material with a soldering iron (or other heat source) while it melts onto the ski, which requires experience, dexterity and precision. At a professional tune shop, they may have a Base Repair Gun, which effectively acts like a hot glue gun, extruding the base weld material through the tip of the gun and into the gouged area. If you find yourself performing a lot of base repair work or want to seriously consider fixing your skis by yourself, it may be worth investing in one of these Repair Guns.
Image by Lio DelPiccolo
THE FINAL THOUGHT
So, to wrap things up, we’ve discussed a number of different things you can do at home to attempt to fix your skis. That being said, it’s worth taking a second to stop and think before you dig into a home repair. To get a second opinion, bring your skis into a tune shop and ask them what they would do. It never hurts to ask, and you can learn a lot by just chatting with your local ski tech. Plus, you might just decide it’s worth the money for a professional to fix your sticks. Either way, good luck and get fixin’!
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