Replying to SKI Wood Core:: What Kind?

What makes a ski ski like it does? I know composite materials and core construction all play a role in how a ski skis but I just wanted to talk about the wood used itself.

I have the k2 recoils and I can honestly say that they are like 2x4’s, they hold up great but are notoriously short lived as far as core liveliness. I read that K2 makes their core out of a fir/aspen wood laminate, both softwoods, which does help with elasticity and flex predictability. It seems that the k2’s core is made from wood chips/shavings glued together with some sort of glue as a means for faster production. Probably why they have a damp, heavy feel and not a lot of life or rebound if any at all.

I also find it quite interesting the Moment uses an aspen/pine core for the Bibby. Pine is notoriously softwood and prone to rot, I’ve heard that mounters get a lot of spinners because of how soft this wood is. Nonetheless, I’ve heard only great things about this ski.

Paulownia: 18 lbs/ft3
Invasive species in the US. Proportionately strong, lightweight soft wood. Not as elastic as Aspen. Rot-resistent.

Aspen: 26
Inexpensive hardwood, would be the lighter wood used, combined with some more durable and heavier types of wood. Extremely Elastic, durable, however terrible rot resistance.

Ash, white: 35 - 53
Strong, heavy, hard wood with a good amount of elasticity.

Balsa: 7 - 9
Lightest of all known woods. Perishable and prone to rot. Very soft.

Beech: 32 - 56
Heavy, hard wood. Durable.

Maple: 39 - 47
Heavy, durable hard wood. Great predictable wood for skis. Usually used in conjunction with lighter woods.

Pine, yellow: 23 - 37
Fairly light soft wood. However hardest of all the pines. Elastic.

Poplar: 22 - 31
Fairly light and durable. Works well with Aspen for elasticity and lightweight.

Bamboo: 19 - 25
Lightweight, however, expensive and with the glue to keep bamboo particles intact it is quite heavy.

Which wood core do you find that you like the most?