Torture Test for skis?

I'd love to see some quantifiable data collected on ski durability. Edges and base material seem to be more or less standardized, but the various wood cores definitely fatigue differently over time, as some skis seem to lose their camber and rebound quicker than others. I'd be interested to see the loss of camber height of identical skis with different types of wood core material subjected to a torture test.

I'm sure companies like Rossignol or Volkl have done some of this, but never thought park skiers would care to see the reports.

Skis are pretty disposable though. It's hard for companies to justify increasing the durability and lifespan of their products with such small production numbers in the first place. Keep in mind that park skis are still a tiny fraction of the small niche industry that is skiing.

I solve the durability issue with redundancy. Buy 3 or 4 pairs at the ski swap each yr for $400 or so and mount them myself.

I put together this piece last year to analyze how my own skis hold up over time, and how certain damages can be the cause of other damage:

https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/A-Ski-Durability

I'll be writing another report later in the season on a second pair I built for him that include some construction and design changes. Testing is in full swing and I don't think my buddy is too concerned about taking it easy:

http://instagram.com/p/x-TnrYE0sY/

Good idea, you get too much information about gear life as opposed to quality. Some people do live on a tight budget and really need gear to last, even if it's standard military issue.

I dont have any videos but this is what I remember: before 2009, I would ski every weekend and after i would get over 100 days in.

Rossignol scratch 2004 - died 8 years later from the bindings ripping off. Did 4 years of park, 2 years of urban and returned to park.

Fisher Addict pro 2006- died 2 years later, broke in half. The core rotted out really quickly.

Rossignol S4 jibs 2010-2012, Both years ended up with the edge ripping of the ski in 2 seasons. The metal quality is poor and cracks quickly.

Rossignol S5 2009. Died 5 seasons later from cracking in half. They were great freeride skis that felt sturdy to the end.

Non skis:
Oakley A-frames: 2 seasons and the foam begins to peel. Lens can last up to 4 years if you are careful.

Oakley crowbars: 2 seasons and the foam rips with ice. The lens are dust magnets forcing you to throw out the set completely.

Marker baron 13 2013. 2 seasons and the heel rail tore off and cracked the binding base. I have been having problems with them since day one.

freestyler540Rossignol S4 jibs 2010-2012, Both years ended up with the edge ripping of the ski in 2 seasons. The metal quality is poor and cracks quickly.

The metal quality isn't poor, the edges are just paper thin.

My HG's are holding up extremely well. I have an edge crack on all 4 sides underfoot, but there are no signs of the edge starting to pull away. I've never seen edges as thick as the HG's either.

NinetyFourI put together this piece last year to analyze how my own skis hold up over time, and how certain damages can be the cause of other damage:

https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/A-Ski-Durability

I'll be writing another report later in the season on a second pair I built for him that include some construction and design changes. Testing is in full swing and I don't think my buddy is too concerned about taking it easy:

http://instagram.com/p/x-TnrYE0sY/

i remember reading this when it first came out. pretty cool