Ski Builders Forum

So I've heard the best usage of endgrain is in a static scenario, (boatbuilding, etc. where the sandwich panel is not undergoing flex). And that as a core material it does not perform well under dynamic stress (like we see in skis).

Can anyone clarify its weakness (when not static) and why it differs in this regard from structural foams?

It's light and bonds well, so it's tempting.

This comes down to internal crack propagation. Really for a ski application where you have thin cores that will absorb a lot of resin this is a no-issue. the worst about it is the machinability which depending on your machinery can vary from impossible to a pain in the ass. Furthermore it is hard to get high quality end grain balsa that has uniform density across the board which further complicates things.

Maybe have a look at the ski cores from Bcomp which will give you better machinability but with the same or better mechanical properties.