Ski Ties, flexing.

Ok, so i am going to try and explain this the best i can however i think a photo may better show what i am asking but as i just put my skis away i can't be bother to get them out again!

At the birmingham ski show i bought a couple of ski ties to hold my new planks together in transit or storage however i have a dilemma.

When i place the skis base to base they are obviously not flat, i.e. the bases do not touch along the full length. they arch away from each other in the middle under the bindings. You can squeeze them together though if you wish.
When i use the ski ties at the tips and tails where the bases naturally touch they have the ability to slide down the ski towards the binding as they are narrower at the waist. So i tried fastening the ski ties closer to the bindings but this has the effect of flexing the ski and pulling the bases together.

Is this ok to do? Will tying up the skis in this manner damage them in any way as they will be kept under tension.?

Personally i don't see how as it is flexing the ski in the same manner as you would when standing on them but i thought it better to ask.

I hope this makes sense

Jon

When you are storing your skis, you don't need to fasten them together. Some folks use a rack, or you can store them under the bed tips down. If you want to fasten them together for transit, use a tie at each end, and leave the ski with it's natural flex. I tend to stuff the gap with socks or thermals. Also pack out the bag around the tips and tails with soft stuff to protect them if you are flying.

The ski is like a tensioned spring. Keep it under constant stress for a long period and you will shorten its life.

Bandit:

Thanks again, you're always there with the advice and explainations. I really appreciate it. That makes sense. I got them as i bought a double ski bag (wheelie) and i didn't want them rattling about.
I will pack them out as you describe.

When you say people store them tips down do you mean upside down? laying on the bindings? bases upward?

Dorset Boy : Thanks. as they cost me a small fortune i don't want to hurt them.

Snapzzz, however you choose to store your skis, ensure that the ski keeps it's flex. So, avoid storage that makes the ski flatten. Either bindings down, or bindings towards a wall if standing up. The garage is a popular choice as it's cool (ish). Avoid the loft, they can get really hot in summer!

Are your bindings on a rail?

I think the jury is still out on the practice of releasing the binding tension when storing skis. It used to be the done thing. I still release the tension on my heel pieces, but then I'm old school )

the ski ties I have do not allow the bases to touch they start with a hd foam piece between the skis

bandit wrote:Snapzzz, however you choose to store your skis, ensure that the ski keeps it's flex. So, avoid storage that makes the ski flatten. Either bindings down, or bindings towards a wall if standing up. The garage is a popular choice as it's cool (ish). Avoid the loft, they can get really hot in summer!

Are your bindings on a rail?

I think the jury is still out on the practice of releasing the binding tension when storing skis. It used to be the done thing. I still release the tension on my heel pieces, but then I'm old school )

Hmm, the loft was my plan.

My bindings are on a rail, not sure what this means for storage though.

daved wrote:the ski ties I have do not allow the bases to touch they start with a hd foam piece between the skis

I have seen these ones, a little more expensive. My plan was to only use them whilst in my bag to stop them rattling about.