just got back from the shop. my guy said hes been dealing with the rep from blizzard for awhile and has had little to zero problems in the past. he sent them the pics and the rep said by looking at them and the gap created that it should be no problem to exchange them after this season and get a new set of next years bonafides during the first shipment of the year. i am pretty happy as you can imagine and this is the reason why most ski stuff i buy for myself and family is through my local shop. it is nice to see when your loyal to a business they are loyal in return. the repair does look pretty good but well see how it holds up. i guess i just have to get through the season with them. thanks for the help from my fellow azers.