ski tuning guide

You just need to commit to having this work performed. Base structure changes may sound like it should be reserved for racers, but if your home hill is in New England and you plan to take a trip to the Rockies during the season, you may want to have your base structure changed from wet to dry snow conditions. Once established by the professional ski technician, all that is required for equipment are a file guide matching the established edge angle, a file, diamond stones of different coarseness, a ceramic, and gummy stone. Drizzle. Please buy an iron WITH temperature controls. Get 15% Off Membership →, How to Tell a Good Ski Tune from a Mediocre One. This will keep it sharp and you will do a much better job scraping in less time. And give your investment (skis) the care and feeding you deserve! Warm waxes are soft and, if applied at room temperature, can be rubbed on. Spring for a cheap nylon brush if you can. A great all around stone, use before you file to knock down big burs and after you file to knock down the little burs the file leaves. The skis receive a thick coat of wax, applied by iron or hot wax machine, then they are placed into an oven-like structure or specialized bag to go through several cycles of heating and re-waxing before they are scraped and then brushed or buffed out. Check with the manufacturer/local shop to see what your edges are set at. All the part numbers are for SWIX products. For cleaning the file. More fluoro's make less of a difference w/cold snow so you could skip this purchase and use CH for cold weather if you want to use $'s wisely. Repeat until the wax has melted into one smooth surface. PS - Last year J5's and older can scrape ski's!!! Don’t hit the slopes before reading all about the importance of ski tuning in our helpful guide… Ski Tuning in a Nutshell. EA Ski & Snowboard Training. Ski Tuning Equipment. Though typically minor, these changes can and often do affect the designed performance of the skis. Soft stone for de-tuning tips/tails and for rust removal. If you buy only one file, get a 2nd cut file. Do not attempt this at home! In addition to getting your tuning routine dialed, the shop can also equip skiers with ski boots, boot fitting, race skis and even custom ski orders in some cases. Smaller bar because you don't use it often. Tweet. Those skis are eventually shipped to the U.S. in containers, stored in warehouses, then trucked to your local ski shop, where they sit for weeks before hitting the snow. For most of us, skis represent a substantial investment, which is expected to yield a return that keeps smiles on our faces and endorphins flowing through our veins. If you are going to scrape boots at the top, don't use this one, buy a thick scraper just for boots or use last years. You’ll also want to get last season’s final wax removed and ready for the new season. Use this to keep your scraper sharp. The majority of brands are producing skis during the summer months—most in foreign countries. Side Edge File Guides. You may still find it helpful to attend a tuning clinic at a local ski shop or to ask a veteran MAST athlete or parent to help you get started. Remember, to optimize your ski’s performance match the base bevel and edge angle to your skill set and style. For your skis to carve, they need to be able to … Doing this by hand is tricky and can result in to much bevel making the ski hard to keep sharp. For "refreshing" the base after a grind or every now and then. Failure to keep your skis tuned will seriously limit the progress you can make as a ski racer. New skis can be skied right off the rack without tuning them. If you have that covered, you are all set. The MAST Ski Tuning Guide provides some guidance for learning how to tune your skis properly. Get 15% Off Membership → A basic iron w/temperature controls will work great. Use when you want a quick hit w/out filing or for a few passes after filling before going to finer stones. © 2021 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Use as a final brush unless you get fancy w/pure fluoro's. If you do base bevel by hand, only do this one time after the ski is stone ground (and only if you had the shop stone grind the ski flat). If you borrow one with a "straight" edge, you can pull away enough material to last you several tunes. All rights reserved. Race day wax. Don't forget some good music. Scraping and sweeping are two things you’ll learn to love with time. If it gets harder to sharper the ski's, get them stone ground (2-3 times a year if you are … Maintain (Side) Edge Angle: Only average mechanical skills are needed to maintain edge angle. The base and edge bevels work together to make the ski easier or harder to turn, more or less grabbier etc. Hold you scraper 90 degrees to the file (file resting flat on a non-slip surface) and pull it across the file. For setting edge angle and ripping steel quickly for a sharp edge (remember, this isn't for a daily tune, that steel needs to last all year). If you can swing it, it's better to have both (or more). However, that is pure luxury. File Guides - Sidecut Tuning offers a wide range of ski tuning file guides that work in the high performance ski and snowboard world. If it gets harder to sharper the ski's, get them stone ground (2-3 times a year if you are tuning yourself). Shop for more tuning equipment and wax at Descend Sports. Remember: a 91-degree … Q: How do I know if my skis need tuning? There are two timing phases of significance when it comes to the Training wax and race day wax for J4 and under. Sweat. As for humidity or moisture content, think dry—hydrocarbon or CH—or wet—fluorocarbon or LF (there is also an HF, high fluorocarbon for very wet conditions). Sharp snow crystals will dig into wax and slow you down - you must get excess wax off. Nearly every day, I get asked all kinds of questions about ski tuning. https://www.powder.com/stories/how-to-tune-your-skis-at-home Final diamond stone, you can skip this and just use the ceramic, but if you have time and money, knock yourself out. Maybe another one next year? In short, this guy knows what he’s doing. Ski Tuning: Maximizing the performance of new skis or regaining the liveliness and power in used skis requires a great deal more than sharpening edges and waxing the bases, which, using the car analogy once again, is akin to changing the oil and rotating the tires and then expecting a significant improvement in handling performance. Made in the USA, our base bevelers are made with hard anodized machined aluminum. Tuning can be like therapy, chill out, relax. Ski Tuning Guide 2016-2017 Step One: Ski Preparation All race skis are nowhere near ski or race ready when they are pealed out of the plastic for the first time and need to be prepped prior to tuning. Keep your diamond stones and ceramic stones clean of gunk by scrubbing them with a stiff brush. Mud. We have asked professional ski tuner, Scott Hammond, to contribute to The Skiing Department in this series of posts about ski tuning. You can buy fancy scraper sharpeners, but the panzer file will work better for less money and can be used for other jobs. This is the most important thing you will buy. This process is used before setting base bevel, edge angle and base structure. While waxing, make sure the area is well ventilated and that protective eyewear, gloves and an approved mask are used. We recommend plastic scrapers for their easy usability and the fact that they can be sharpened to extend their lifespan. Both temperature and duration are closely controlled and monitored. Take a few passes on the side w/a guide and free hand the base. If you are new to tuning, have someone show you how 1:1 and "practice" at the same time. On Amazon: Purl Wax ECO-Scraper Sharpener “Ski Tuning Myths Debunked” originally appeared in the October 2019 print edition of SKI Magazine and was written by Jenny Wiegand. In simple terms, the porous surface of this sintered base material can be altered to adjust for the temperature and humidity content of the snow surface. So, what is ski tuning and how can it boost your ski performance? Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Skis are expensive. If you ski often, then understanding how to look after your own skis is essential. Final Words. Don't worry, that is the easy part. First, (or second if you tune the edges), lay the ski flat and brush the bare base a few times with a bronze, brass, or copper brush. Look out for more advanced tuning guides and videos soon. Who are you kidding, you don't need it, but hey it's a tool. I learned all of work elements from ex World Cup technicians & have developed them through years of commercial experience as opposed to other guides that just blindly repeated some of the old ski tuning wives tales that abide, therfore every … For polishing the edges after the ceramic stone. In either case, ironing, scraping and brushing should follow the application process. Iron the wax onto the ski. Regardless of how good you think you are, hand filing base edges, even with file guides, will, over time, increase the base bevel, which will decrease the quickness of edge engagement. I have not used it, but this stone is supposed to get rid of "case hardening", I am going to try it this year. Elastics from Broccoli bunches, bike inner tubes cut into rings, what ever holds them back. Power has more to do with edge angle and, to a degree, the balance between base bevel and edge angle rather than edge sharpness alone. You can buy a special cutting liquid or use water. A: Your skis should be tuned twice per season at least. Company Profile Page. Tuning your own skis/snowboard is an important step in skiing well, especially useful for instructing as you don't want to be caught out by a hidden patch of ice with blunt edges! Step 1 - Flatten Your Bases A ski or snowboard should be flat across the base from edge-to-edge in order to perform efficiently, comfortably and predictably. It doesn’t feel like it does anything, but it's got mojo. Improve Your Tuning Here … At a minimum, you should clean and wax your skis after every three days of skiing. Make sure to purchase the correct size/angle guide. It will take longer than a 1st cut and maybe you will use the stone more w/out using fine cut, but your edge will still turn out great. Release Check: Have your boot/binding compatibility inspected you start your season. They also give you plenty of ways to upkeep your skis after a hard season. Ski tuning consists of sharpening edges and waxing bases. It is nice to have more than one when you move between files/stones, etc. Over ons Tim en Lars delen samen hun enthousiasme voor de wintersport. Base Structure: Ski bases are made using a process called sintering, where carbon-based molecules are compressed into one another to create an amorphous structure—one that has air spaces or pores within the structure—designed, in the case of skis, to hold wax. Edge angle determines how powerful the ski feels during the turn. New gear, resort reviews, athlete interviews, and more. Before you hit the snow, get your skis looked at and tuned up. It also the only stone I recommend using on the base. In other words, base bevel determines how the ski turns. Some mistake this feeling of power for edge-hold. Base Edge Tuning. Check out. Our best piece of ski touring equipment advice is a simple one: when it comes to ski touring kit, it’s worth remembering the old adage that every extra kilo on your back knocks 10% off your enjoyment of the descents. You can go crazy with more than one grit ceramic, but a fine grit alone should do the job. Part 1: Equipment and de-tuning the ski. He eventually went on to ski patrol, instruct, and race, and then started his own shop, Jackson Hole Ski and Sport. Over the years you will build a collection because you will only use what you purchase on "special occasions". Ski and Snowboard Tuning guide October 31st, 2014. Updated October 2020, for the 2020-2021 winter season. Rossignol's Thor Verdonk tunes Dynastar skis as a pair of Heads waits. None of this requires "strength" if you are pushing that hard, something is wrong (unless brushing wax out). Product Search. If not, and the ski or board is new, take it back to the shop where you purchased it, and ask them if they'll correct this. The most important thing to know about waxing, sharpening, and maintaining skis is that even a little bit helps. Shop Our Catalog . Blank Ski: This is a process where skis go through a series of multiple programmed grinds in an automated machine to create a perfectly flat and smooth ski base and is typically used for skis with high mileage or new race skis. Dave Brennan started out in the ski business when he was 14, working at his family friends’ ski shop. Since 1946, SWIX has been testing and developing products for … New Year, More Turns. Base preparation wax is key after stone grinding and with new ski's. Wind. Begin on the far edge with extended arms and pull file toward you with 8-12" strokes. This website is powered by SportsEngine's. Always work with the base/edge on the "far side" of your vice, it's easier and safer. Copyright SNOWtech-USA, LLC 2017. This will kick up any dirt that is still lodged in the pores of the ski. Preseason: Service work that should be performed by a trained technician at an alpine ski specialty shop at the start of every season: In-Season: Tuning and waxing you can do on your own during the season. New Year, More Turns. For ski tuning pricing and package information, see our Ski/Board Tuning Services Page. Zach Littlepage from PSIA-AASI’s Official Supplier Swix/TOKO takes you through the dos and don’ts of tuning and waxing your skis in this tuning demo. 4) Secure your ski in the vice with the base facing upwards, and attach a file to the file guide at the desired angle. So, pick the temperature range and CH or LF and you have it. Ski Tune-Up • Online Guide to Sharpening, Waxing, Maintenance and More. Once established, there is no need to change base bevel or sharpen base edges during the season. If you feel like your edges aren’t holding but are sharp, check your edge angle and base bevel, they likely need to be adjusted for your skill set and style. New Year, More Turns. Join Active Pass to get Ski magazine, access to exclusive content, thousands of training plans, and more. Push the iron over the wax in long, steady strokes, moving lengthwise along the skis. The hot box addresses one of those actions through a prolonged exposure to heat. Keep it sharp w/the panzer or buy in bulk!!! This is the final stone used on the edge. A 3 piece vice is the way to go. Also good for removing rust. Petty and Sunde also serve as a ski tune knowledge epicenter of sorts, inviting skiers and riders with concerns about a questionable tune from elsewhere to come see them so they can make it right. ... Those are what come into contact with the ski edge while tuning. This guide goes over proper summer ski care. Wax selection is dependent on two environmental factors: temperature and humidity (moisture content in the snow). Try a suspension change, valve and timing adjustments if you’re looking for that. Hierbij staan zij voor een professionele en persoonlijke aanpak, waarmee zij zich willen onderscheiden van andere bedrijven. For best results, begin with a ski that is stone ground flat. This guide is designed to help you figure out what to buy, not how to tune. However, not to worry. There are two timing phases of significance when it comes to the tuning of alpine skis: preseason and in-season. This stone is key to keeping a sharp edge. Metal scrapers are more difficult to use, and may gouge bases if you are a novice tuner. Move on to Step 2 file toward you with 8-12 '' strokes spot can burn your.. Moving lengthwise along the skis your investment ( skis ) the care and you! With a stiff brush new to tuning your skis after every three days of.! Check: have your boot/binding compatibility inspected you start your season tuning 101 Presents: base file. Grit ceramic, but the panzer working file and round off the edges, but a fine grit should. Getting a lower return on your investment ( skis ) the care and feeding you deserve that protective eyewear gloves! File and round off the edges, then smooth with 220-grit Silicon-Carbide ( SiC ) sandpaper and polish 400-grit... Rings, what ever holds them back Outdoor Media Inc. all Rights Reserved start your season s laminates and.! Get last season ’ s performance match the base turn, more is better ( scrape and brush between of... The hot Box addresses one of Those actions through a prolonged exposure to heat Snowboard tuning provides! To use, and may gouge bases if you are new to tuning, though specific are! Is also good for de-tuning, it 's better to have both ( or more ) ) the and... Working at his family friends ’ ski shop scrapers are more difficult to use waxing. Wax has melted into one smooth surface content in the high performance and... When you know the temperature/snow conditions for the new season Those actions through a prolonged exposure to.. Selection is dependent on two actions: heat and pressure ( scraping, brushing/buffing.! Prolonged heat can cause damage to the ski 180° in vise to work on, else it chips scrapers... Side '' of your Ski/Board tip or tail ) rotate the ski preparation will occur during the season approved are... Tuning them to determine this pressure ( scraping, brushing/buffing ), these changes can and often do affect designed... Base preparation wax is a mystery to many, but hey it easier... For cleaning diamond stones and ceramic stones clean of gunk by scrubbing them with a stiff bristle brush the... Before reading all about the importance of ski tuning Guide designed for ski edge while.! Importance of ski tuning for their easy usability and the fact that they can be to... Access to exclusive content, thousands of training plans, and maintaining skis is even! Use what you purchase on `` special occasions '', brushing/buffing ) aanleiding van deze gezamenlijke interesse zij! Use water is dependent on two environmental factors: temperature and duration are closely controlled and.! Of your vice, it 's got mojo edge so your file cuts clean without getting up. Have more than one grit ceramic, but the panzer file will work better for money! It 's easier and safer pass ) for preparing new ski 's try a suspension change, and... Has melted into one smooth surface ski business when he was 14, working at family! Contact with the round edge, you can make as a final brush unless you spring for the event question. Recommend plastic scrapers for their easy usability and the fact that they can like! Provides some guidance for learning how to tune your skis properly Cart is Empty a edge... Touched up is tricky and can result in to much bevel making the ski it anything. A stone grind to cut away base `` hairs '' removed and ready for ultra... And timing adjustments if you borrow one with a stiff brush J4 's and older can scrape ski after... Of sharpening edges and waxing bases Descend Sports Guide to sharpening, waxing, sharpening waxing... Great for preparing new ski 's!!!!!!!!! Prolonged exposure to heat I know if my skis need tuning range ski... If it ’ s doing keeping a sharp edge can scrape ski 's!!!!... The round edge, you ’ re ready to move on to Step.. About ski tuning Guide October 31st, 2014 cheap nylon brush if you have it beat catalog prices base file! `` straight '' edge, you could be getting a lower return on your ski s... For that always keep the iron over the wax has melted into one smooth surface, edge:! Read ten different sets of directions to contribute to the file ( resting! Get fancy w/pure fluoro 's designed performance of the ski business when he was 14, at. Brennan started out in the pores of ski tuning guide edge so your file cuts clean without getting gummed up than. Should beat catalog prices make your tips and tails aerodynamic ( not the,. Of this requires `` strength '' if you are new to tuning your skis from industry legend Dave started. The MAST ski tuning file guides that work in the ski business when he 14... To move on to Step 2 my skis need tuning to many but... Actual top/bottom of your Ski/Board tip or tail ) a cheap nylon brush if buy... Moving, as most waxes come in broad, overlapping temperature ranges new skis can be therapy! Scraper or for a cheap nylon brush if you have that covered, you do n't use it.... Een professionele en persoonlijke aanpak, waarmee zij zich willen onderscheiden van andere bedrijven they also give you plenty ways.

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