Binding reinforcement testing?

[vinman]

Yup, soft woods like fir are I good in the mount area are no good. I'm thinking of making a light weight core of mostly poplar with a binding plate of maple finger jointed in. This would be for a "light weight beefy ski" for a buddy. I told him that is a bit of an oxymoron but he wants to try it....

[skidesmond]

I use douglas fir but not in the binding area. I use ash for the binding area. My binding area is 20inches in length. I use the fir front/behind the binding area with maple sidewalls. So far it's the cores have been great. Firm under foot and flexible (but not noodley) fore and aft.

[skibum]

Anyone have a guess as to what Wagner is using? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkbr5Djt ... re=related at 2:19 there seems to be a red layer of something underfoot.