gpetrics
11-29-2008, 10:21 AM
So I have a classic pair of QX11s which I have enjoyed so much, and are so hard ridden, that i hesitate to even call them rock skis. They are legends. They have seen more rocks, stumps, grass patches, scree paths, and parking lots than a squirrel. They have survived many many rounds of closet cleanings and old race ski unloadings--I can just never bring myself to throw them away or send them to a home where their deeds will be forgotten.
In fact, I've been thinking about it, and I'm pretty sure I want to restore them to a bit of their former glory--even if only to take them on one last unholy mission over rock, tree and snow. The edges are gnarled and the bases are gashed (only about 45% of the original base material remains), but that springy pop, and face shot inducing 65mm width is as fresh as the day i first got on them. i want them to ski again!
what can i do to reforge these skis? you all are masters. i want to hear what your strategy would be. remember: i have plenty of other skis, so new skis are not what i'm after... i want these skis to live once more...
should i add loads of ptex where the base decided it liked a rock more than the ski?
do you guys have any special tricks for getting edges back to some semblance of order after heavy abuse? super sharp edge bevels? or should i do away with the edge and rebuild something in it's place? what do you guys think? speak from the gut!
should i dig deeper in the base material with extra heavy grit sandpaper to revive some of what lies beneath? or should i cover it all over with some new and advanced technique?
and finally, what should i do bring them up to speed style-wise.... stickers? spray paint? stickers AND spray paint?!
i humbly look forward to your suggestions. I can post pictures as the labor and reforging commences...
In fact, I've been thinking about it, and I'm pretty sure I want to restore them to a bit of their former glory--even if only to take them on one last unholy mission over rock, tree and snow. The edges are gnarled and the bases are gashed (only about 45% of the original base material remains), but that springy pop, and face shot inducing 65mm width is as fresh as the day i first got on them. i want them to ski again!
what can i do to reforge these skis? you all are masters. i want to hear what your strategy would be. remember: i have plenty of other skis, so new skis are not what i'm after... i want these skis to live once more...
should i add loads of ptex where the base decided it liked a rock more than the ski?
do you guys have any special tricks for getting edges back to some semblance of order after heavy abuse? super sharp edge bevels? or should i do away with the edge and rebuild something in it's place? what do you guys think? speak from the gut!
should i dig deeper in the base material with extra heavy grit sandpaper to revive some of what lies beneath? or should i cover it all over with some new and advanced technique?
and finally, what should i do bring them up to speed style-wise.... stickers? spray paint? stickers AND spray paint?!
i humbly look forward to your suggestions. I can post pictures as the labor and reforging commences...