"Dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of skiing with wooden skis"



Buying Wooden Skis on ebay

by Jim Pugh

January 27, 2003

For the last five years I have bought and sold numerous wood cross country skis on eBay. I buy them for their current skiing abilities, which are wonderful, for family and friends and me.

My best experience has been with Bonnas, because they were so well constructed. The 1700 model warps easily in the tail, and is to be avoided. There are some excellent 1800s on the market, but the tails have often delaminated at the lignostone edges. I have a 25% success rate in buying 1800s in excellent condition. The 2000 model is more reliable - I have a 75% success rate with it. The 2400 is rarely on the market, and one has to pay attention which 2400 is listed. There is an extra wide and heavy 2400 with metal edges (I am 2 for 2 in buying terrific-shape 220 cm models), and there is a 2400 which is the same width and weight as the 2000. Perhaps this latter 2400 is an early version of the 2000. All of these models have lignostone edges. I have come across a 2200 - which is a larger 2400 without lignostone or steel edges. It is a beautiful ski, but it needs to avoid rocks because of the soft edges.

The 1700 has a clear wood top, with a brown stripe up the middle. The 1800 also has a clear top, with a blue strip up the middle. The 2000, 2200, and 2400 models are all dark brown.

I don't know if it is due to a snowy winter or increased interest in woodies, but the prices on eBay are almost double what they have been in recent years. Last week a nice pair of Asnes 200 cm skis went for $225. Most nice wood skis go from between $50 to $100, but occasionally they take off.

Many of the people selling wood skis on eBay are not knowledgeable about skis. There is one key question I like to ask: "Are there any cracks/splits/delaminations in the skis, particularly on the bottoms and in the rear?" I usually get an honest answer from the seller. I have been almost totally unsuccessful in coaxing splayed lignostone edges back into place with epoxy. A small crack can be filled with epoxy to keep water and ice out.

Why did people put their wood skis into snow banks tails down two decades ago? They have ruined so many skis this way.

Best,

Jim Pugh - North Andover, Massachussets



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