Damage to ski bases - when to replace?

[snow-mark]

Hey all. I have a pair of Madshus Epochs from about 2010. The bases are pretty scratched up. See pics. My question is, how much of a difference will I notice if I bought a new set of skis? These are my primary fat skis for XCD type outings (I also have a pair of wax Glittertinds for outings with less up and down). I live in Colorado, so ski a lot of dry powder if that matters. Just wondering if it’s worth it to buy a new set of skis (while I am traditionally a gearhead who doesn’t need a reason to buy new gear, I’m trying to be more disciplined these days).

So, will I notice a big difference with new skis?

[fisheater]

If the waxless grip pattern is working for you, and you like the ski why bother? You of course realize the only reason your skiing partners are faster is because of those bases ???

Now I think more modern Asnes and I presume, though never have skied offerings from Voile are better skis. I have read guys think the Panorama 62 is an improvement over the Eon. I do not know if Madshus has improved their 78 mm underfoot ski.
As far as I know other than the ski lock addition Fischer has not redesigned their 68 and 78 mm underfoot skis in 15-20 years. Obviously because they had achieved perfection originally?

[fgd135]

With a sanding block and some wet/dry sandpaper you could smooth out the scratches in the tips and tails, or alternatively, use a sharp metal ski scraper; all you need to do is reduce the raised edges of those scratch marks, not worry about filling them in.

[snow-mark]

If the waxless grip pattern is working for you, and you like the ski why bother? You of course realize the only reason your skiing partners are faster is because of those bases ???

Now I think more modern Asnes and I presume, though never have skied offerings from Voile are better skis. I have read guys think the Panorama 62 is an improvement over the Eon. I do not know if Madshus has improved their 78 mm underfoot ski.
As far as I know other than the ski lock addition Fischer has not redesigned their 68 and 78 mm underfoot skis in 15-20 years. Obviously because they had achieved perfection originally?

I’d be a world class rando racer if not for those bases man!

I’d likely go with a waxable ski next time (my Glittertinds are wax skis and I much prefer that for Colorado’s dry, cold powder). But I can live with these.

[snow-mark]

With a sanding block and some wet/dry sandpaper you could smooth out the scratches in the tips and tails, or alternatively, use a sharp metal ski scraper; all you need to do is reduce the raised edges of those scratch marks, not worry about filling them in.

Thanks. I’ll look up some videos on how to do that.

[wabene]

Then of course after doing what @fgd135 said, my anal a$$ would probably hot glide the tips and tails a gazillion times using the buff brush on the scales every coat.

[phoenix]

Good feedback in all the replies above. Do the scratches make a noticeable difference in performance? No.
I would touch them up a bit, as suggested. Then some wax, to nourish the ptex. I would also advise checking the edges; they're probably full of dings and burrs (be careful-edges will feed on your blood if you're not careful). I like a small pocket diamond stone for that, and just touch up as necessary.

And as you mentioned, I'd go with a waxable ski for the replacement, when it's time.

[DoggParadox]

Alternative thought, you could probably have someome stone grind them and grind the fishscales right off while they're at it. Could probably have bases that looked new and have them transformed into waxable skis.

[fgd135]

Alternative thought, you could probably have someome stone grind them and grind the fishscales right off while they're at it. Could probably have bases that looked new and have them transformed into waxable skis.

I'm not confident that would remove the scales. Trying to grind em down would instead just reduce the thickness of the ptex and the metal edges. You would end up with shadowy scales that will not kick, but still inhibit glide and hold gobs of kick wax, making the ski harder to clean.

[connyro]

OP's skis have extruded bases, not ptex. This makes a big difference with retaining both glide wax and kick wax.