What metal do you use for a ski rail?

PVC verse ABS for rail?

• i was wondering whether i should use PVC or ABS pipe for a ski rail. i've heard that pvc gets brittle in the cold temperatures while ABS lasts longer, doesn't break but is a ...show more

• Answer:

  PVC does get brittle but if you buy larger pipe it has a thicker wall. ABS is soft, Sharp edges will catch in ABS much more than PVC. PVC is relatively cheap, works quite well and can be found at almost every hardware store. ABS is soft, expensive and harder to find, you would most likely end up ordering some. If you don't want to use PVC, I would recommend HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Its more durable than ABS, has a better temperature range and resists cracking much better. HDPE is very similar to UHMPWE which is what ski bases are made out of. P-Tex and Durasurf are name brands of UHMPWE. Many skis use ABS as a sidewall in sandwich construction because its easy to work with and soft.