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Ski Tuning Basics  
     by Jordan Kolev

Make things simple to start. Whatever tuning techniques you use, make sure they are simple enough to repeat anywhere: at home or on the road. This insures that you will always have a consistent tune on your skis!

Invest in quality tools

There are many tools available at cheaper prices. If you are serious about skiing, quality tools are the way to go. They may be more expensive but they will be more precise, durable, and easier to use. Must have items are: vises, base edge beveller, side edge beveller, an iron without holes, plastic scraper, sidewall remover, file and diamond stone that fit into the bevellers and a gummy stone.

Keep your tuning area clean, well lit and ventilated

Tuning in a cluttered, dirty area makes tuning difficult. Tuning tools should also be kept in order and clean. Tools are expensive, but they will last a lifetime if you keep them clean and in order. Invest in a toolbox to protect your tools when you are traveling. The toolbox will also keep everything together.

Stick with a single brand of wax

Switching brands makes finding what works in certain conditions more complicated.

Tune your own skis

Tuning is a skill that takes time to perfect, practice makes perfect. Athletes need to tune their own skis. They are racing on the skis and they will know what works best.

Tune your skis often

Coaches always say: "train like you race". Skiing on well-tuned/waxed skis is a sure way to do this. Tuned/waxed skis turn easier, hold better on ice, and make skiing less difficult in general.

Ski Straps

Skis need to have a minimum of 2 straps on them whenever they are being transported. Ski straps will protect your tuning work. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing a thousand dollars worth of skis without a strap and getting beat on the roof of a car.

Use your journal

Document your work. Write down in a notebook your degree of edge bevel, waxing, and other pertinent tuning information. This allows you to easily repeat successful tuning combinations.

Skis only need to be stone-ground twice a year

Skis are ground in order to flatten the bases and set the edge angles or bevels. Unfortunately, stone grinding shortens the life of your skis and is expensive. Grinding makes your skis dry and slow by taking off the top layer of base in which you have spent a great deal of time waxing them. Get the grind you want at the beginning of the season, tune often and protect your skis.

 

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Last modified: February 21, 2005