LTEs are literally the most bombproof ski you can buy. the whole season skiing in the east coast, my friend has 2 pairs and he skiied on his turf drop-in, tree skiing with no base of snow, and jibs rocks all the time and the sidewalls and bases are in great shape. just yesterday we went to the local hill to set up some rails and when we were done he went rock skiing across the grass and rocks and jumped onto a sharp rock and was amazed to see no damage to the bases. whatever they use they should never change because it is amazing. not one core shot or even base scratch. I honestly dont even know how. the edges are also really durable. not one edge crack and he is big on rails