Sunlight Weakens Plastic Skis

It is a known fact that prolonged exposure to sunlight weakens plastic skis. Therefore, you should not allow your sled’s skis to be stored in an area where they are exposed to constant sunlight. UV (ultra violet) radiation slowly degrades the plastic.

This is especially of concern if you’re looking at a used sled that has been sitting outside for a year or two. It could even be a bargaining point, as the skis are very likely not going to provide as long of a service life as they could have.

Bottom line; if you know a set of plastic skis has received extended periods of UV radiation, suspect their integrity and visually inspect them closely before and after every ride for evidence of stress or structural integrity. Areas that are stressed may display a lighter area, evidence of stretching and distortion.

This can be a matter of personal safety, so pay attention. Black skis are said to be the strongest, as additions of colors tends to weaken the final product. This is why certain colored skis in the past have been recalled due to UV degradation concerns, and ultimately, personal safety. The last thing anyone wants is to break a ski because they didn’t know they could weaken with exposure of this type. We’re not talking about the sun they see while riding; we’re talking months on end of sitting in direct sunlight through the summer. Sitting on a trailer, out in the yard, or down at a dealer’s lot.

Frequent application of a UV protector can prevent this damage; like 303, a spray UV liquid that is an effective sunblock for situations like this.