separation IM 82's

[Gary]

Well, at the end of this past season I noticed my IM82's had a bulge in the wrong place.....it was on the shovel where the metal edges follow the shape of the shovel. It looks like Head actually uses 2 pieces of metal totally disconnected from each other. That's where the one piece actually was pulling away noticeably.

So, in April I took my skis to SKi COmpany, where I purchased them but they had closed their ski operations for the summer.

I took them in today and saw my buddies that work there and some friends from our local mountain. I told Ron I was heading for the candy store. The had some new gear in including boots and skis. Very nice to see the stuff showing up.

Anyways, they looked at the edge and said no problem these are going back. They noticed where the edge had even pulled back farther down the ski than I recognized. So they took off the Mojo 80 bindings and said the new skis should be there in about 4 weeks.

Really hard seeing them go cause I GOT PROBABLY 15 COATS OF WAX ON THEM. But, it would not be good if that metal edge popped off completely in the middle of a Gary chase Jim run at Steamboat. So I bid ado to my fat friends and await the arrival of the next pair. They did say that the had another pair come into the shop that had the same problem.  So any of you that have IM82's, check out the described location to see if you have a similar problem.

Not sure if I'll end up with last years or the newer version. Probably doesn't matter, the only difference I think is the graphics.

I'm thinking I'm going to have the bindings mounted 1/2 inch forward to give more leverage over the shovels for those early morning hard snow days before things soften up by 10am. I felt I wasn't able to get enough out of the front end of those skis when adjusting my fore aft balance on a hard snow day. Should have little impact on crud and pow days.

Again, here's a good example of dealing with our local shop and they were just great to work with.

Best,
Gary

[Barrettscv]

Hi Gary,

Take it from someone with lots of experience  ... New skis are good!

Michael

[jim-ratliff]

Gary:

Thanks, because the iM78 has the same tip construction.  As you said, looks like a separate piece of metal glued into the tip to join the two edges.  I'll keep a eye on it.

Did you see the post om ski-o-pedia where they said that the weight of too much wax can cause ski delamination at the extremities of the ski?

[Gary]

Hey Michael..I always would agree....but add, safe skis are even better. It's always important to check out the edges, bindings, and laminates to make sure nothing looks unusual. Or like you and Ron...buy new gear every month....kidding... well about you anyway.

Jim, if you're seeing either lifting, separation or popping in that location were the metal edges join and continue, take them back to the shop. Don't wait for it to pull away.

ANd what about wax....come on...you can't be serious. Let me think....hmmmmm.... .

Ok, I could see that if too much wax is left ON the ski.  If the ski is properly scrapped and repeatedly brushed, there is no "extra wax on the ski. The brushing and brushing and mulitple brushing removes the excess wax and drive wax into the base.
Hmmm....maybe too much "bling" on the topskins....must think about that now!

Gary

[Ron]

I am thinking the weight of all that wax on the top sheets forced too much weight/pressure and caused the metal to pop off the sidewalls. 

[Barrettscv]

Bob Peters, The Head Rep in Jackson Hole says that the sidewall construction on the monster 88 has been beefed up this year and that older monsters were not holding up.

I imagine all the new monsters have been upgraded, but its only speculation.

Sincerely,

Michael

[Ron]

Interesting, so this must be a known issue.

[Gary]

Michael...I suspected as much...thank you for that info.

I'm going to call the guy that is re-ordering and tell him to make sure it's the new 82's they replace them with.

And Ron.....I buff the tops as rigorous as I do the bottoms....NO slag wax for me!

G

[jim-ratliff]

Maybe it's the repeated flexing of the ski as all of the buffing and waxing takes place.

Just think of it, Gary puts more miles on his skis waxing and buffing than he does skiing?

I've been busy this morning, missed you guys' humor.

[Ron]

Let us know if the shop will replace with 08's. Given what Michael has learned, this is really a good idea. You are a good customer to them so I'm sure they will.

[gregmerz]

This is a little disconcerting.? I have a new unmounted pair of IM82's standing in the corner of my office that I picked up real cheap this past spring.? Was really looking forward to seeing what these could do.? I'll have to watch for the aforementioned symptoms...

[jim-ratliff]

Greg:

Since you registered as a newbie, I just wanted to alert you.  All of our teasing about it being wax or because Gary's waxes his skis too much is exactly that, picking on him.  Everyone says he  is an excellent skier and takes good care of his equipment.

[Ron]

Greg, ski em' and love em'. I don't think this is epidemic. I had 82's and didn't have any problems. Great ski, lots of fun!

[Ron]

We're kidding??

Just heard from Gary, he got great news from his shop.

I need help... I am looking at Fischer Watea 94's........  Naah, I'll keep the 90's...

[jim-ratliff]

Ron, you need the spatulas.  You are the most likely of all of us to run into the places (or the Catskiing trips) to use them.

  How can you have a place at Steamboat and not have Spatulas (or Lotus?).  Unique man!     The chicks will be swooning at you feet in spite of the pasty stunning looks.