The frequency with which you can base grind skis varies significantly, largely depending on the condition of the ski base and the amount of material removed during each service. There isn't a single fixed number, but rather a range based on different scenarios.
Understanding the Range
Based on common practices and the amount of base material available for removal, the number of possible grinds falls within a broad spectrum:
- Low End (Heavy Damage): If the ski base is severely damaged or warped, requiring significant base removal to flatten it, skis can typically only be ground 4-6 times over their lifespan. This is because the necessary flattening process removes a substantial amount of P-Tex material.
- High End (Regular Maintenance): For skis that are maintained regularly and do not require significant flattening with each service, much less material is removed. In such cases, skis can potentially withstand up to 40 stone grinds throughout their life.
Essentially, the ability to perform more grinds is linked to minimizing the amount of base material removed. If maintenance is done frequently, the drastic flattening step needed for severely worn bases is often not required, preserving the ski's base material for future services.
Factors Influencing Grind Frequency
Several factors determine where your skis fall within this range:
- Damage Level: Skis hitting rocks or developing significant base structure issues will deplete the available P-Tex much faster.
- Grinding Method: Aggressive grinding techniques remove more material than lighter passes.
- Ski Construction: While not explicitly detailed in the reference, the thickness of the base material can vary slightly between ski models, potentially affecting longevity.
- Maintenance Schedule: Regular tuning and lighter grinds preserve the base material better than infrequent services on heavily damaged skis.
By understanding that the 4-6 times applies to skis needing heavy initial work and the up to 40 times applies to skis that are well-maintained with less material removed per grind, you get a clear picture of the potential lifespan of your ski bases.
