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April, 2025

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Ski bases are not smooth?

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ImpugnCellos
Posts: 5 - Karma: 7
Hello there,

I recently purchased my very first pair of skis. It is Salomon QST 106 (181cm). One problem is, there are some graphs on its base, and it makes the base not as smooth as skis I have used before. There are very obvious lines between two colors when I touch it. I am not sure if that is normal on this particular type of skis. If it is normal, would it not decrease the speed when sliding on snow? If it is not normal, what should I do about it?

Thanks!
7 years ago
2 0
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6744 - Karma: 11,760
Graphs? The fine grooves on the bases is what is known as "base structure" and without it your skis wouldn't glide for shit. When your ski slide over the snow, it actually melts the snow turning it to water, and the base structure breaks up the surface tension that would otherwise make your ski stick to the snow. There are different patterns that can be made for different snow types and temperatures. Your skis are fine, but it is always a good idea to have them waxed before using them.
7 years ago
5 0
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ImpugnCellos
Posts: 5 - Karma: 7
I am not sure if we are talking about the same thing. What I was saying, if you check QST 106, is the lines in between two colors, blue and orange. I know that there are small tiny lines called structure in every ski. Or Salomon made that on purpose to let it glide easier on powder snow?
7 years ago
0 0
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
ImpugnCellosI am not sure if we are talking about the same thing. What I was saying, if you check QST 106, is the lines in between two colors, blue and orange. I know that there are small tiny lines called structure in every ski. Or Salomon made that on purpose to let it glide easier on powder snow?


pictures my dude, got no idea what you're saying
7 years ago
3 0
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ImpugnCellos
Posts: 5 - Karma: 7
Zypherpictures my dude, got no idea what you're saying


lol yeah pictures! So is it normal?
7 years ago
1 5
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Zypher
Posts: 2337 - Karma: 2,268
ImpugnCelloslol yeah pictures! So is it normal?


Can’t tell without pictures but from what you’re saying, you can feel the bumps between the different colors on the base. It’s normal for skis to come out like that. If it’s noticibly sticking up like more than a mm or something, there could be a problem
7 years ago
2 0
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ImpugnCellos
Posts: 5 - Karma: 7
ZypherCan’t tell without pictures but from what you’re saying, you can feel the bumps between the different colors on the base. It’s normal for skis to come out like that. If it’s noticibly sticking up like more than a mm or something, there could be a problem


It is not that noticeable, but I definitely can tell when touching it. And I waxed it twice but didn't make too much difference. So I don't really need to do anything with it or should I?
7 years ago
0 0
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BrawnTrends
Posts: 1102 - Karma: 2,440
onenerdykidGraphs? The fine grooves on the bases is what is known as "base structure" and without it your skis wouldn't glide for shit. When your ski slide over the snow, it actually melts the snow turning it to water, and the base structure breaks up the surface tension that would otherwise make your ski stick to the snow. There are different patterns that can be made for different snow types and temperatures. Your skis are fine, but it is always a good idea to have them waxed before using them.


I think he's talking about the different colored base parts used for the graphics. Kinda like on the Backland where the base is different when it's written Atomic on it (I know you don't work on skis, but seriously wtf, the base isn't even the same shade of black under the tips!!)
7 years ago
3 0
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ImpugnCellos
Posts: 5 - Karma: 7
The referenced post has been removed.


Yes I think. Does it matter? Should I do anything to it?
7 years ago
0 0
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BrawnTrends
Posts: 1102 - Karma: 2,440
ImpugnCellosYes I think. Does it matter? Should I do anything to it?


No, and no.
7 years ago
1 0
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9719 - Karma: 65,576
yeah im pretty sure he's talking about the die cut portions of the base. and no, nothing to worry about/that's normal, assuming theyre not totally botched

a good pic would seal this thread right up
7 years ago
2 0
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hot.pocket
Posts: 4237 - Karma: 10,749


If you're talking about the lines inbetween the colors, you'll be able to feel that on every pair of skis with a diecut base. Some do diecuts better and it's less noticeable, but all diecut bases will have a slightly line there that you can feel.

Bottom line, it will not affect the performance of the ski.
7 years ago
7 0
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
I don't like ski bases with excessive amounts of Die Cuts.
If you stone grind them it can get better, but best to avoid a base with too many die cuts.

Clickity clack! I have seen skis where the entire base is two inch Die Cut the whole length of the skis.

Check this for a moment here. https://youtu.be/N_aWiX_fekI?t=2h51m41s
7 years ago
2 0
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SHREDHOUND
Posts: 35 - Karma: 143
I’ve also got QST 118s as well as nordics enforcers that have this same characteristic you’re describing in the bases, it may not be perfect but unless you’re racing and trying to shave fractions of a second off your time, which is clearly not the case given the ski, it won’t matter. If you’re really sensitive to it a base grind should smooth things out but it’s something you honestly won’t even notice on snow.
7 years ago
2 0
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