How To Tune Your Side Ski Edge For More Performance!

Why should tune and sharpen your side ski edge.

The side edge is responsible for providing grip and control when turning. It is typically beveled at a steeper angle than the base edge, which allows for better grip on hard-packed snow and ice.

The ideal edge angle for your skis depends on your skiing level, the type of skiing you do, and your personal preferences.

• Beginners: 90 degrees
• Intermediate skiers: 70-90 degrees
• Advanced skiers: Less than 70 degrees

For racing, the edge angle can be as high as 87 degrees.

It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the ideal edge angle for you may vary based on your personal preferences and skiing style. If you’re unsure about what edge angle to use, it’s best to consult a professional.

According to www.shop-raze-cat.com

• 89° – This angle means only slight relief-grinding of the edge and is suitable for kids and newbies to skiing.
• 88° – This angle is suitable most for advanced skiers because you will need less effort to ski on the side edge.
• 87° – This angle of the edge is suitable for athletic skiers with more skiing experience. Because of the sharper edge, curves can be skied even better. But more effort and technique are required to ski this angle.
• 86° – This angle is often used by professional ski racers. Depending on the discipline, slight differences in the angle of the edge can give the racer a little advantage in a race.

 Tuning and setup

To sharpen the side ski edges, you will need a few tools such as a metal file, diamond stone, gummy stone, and a file guide.

According to www.theskisource.com, steps to follow for tune and sharpening your ski side edges.

1. Prep your skis: Place your skis on a workbench or any other stable platform. Check for rust and burrs by sliding a towel along the edges and feeling for snags.
2. Remove rust and burrs: Place your diamond stone into your file guide, which should be set to the desired edge bevel. Typically, the side angle is set to 89 degrees. Using smooth, overlapping strokes, sweep your file down the edge working from tip to tail. Start with your base edges and then transition to your side edges. Complete the full length of the ski 4-5 times, with any additional laps necessary for areas with more burrs or rust.
3. Polish your skis: Rub your gummy stone over any lingering rust or imperfections for a smooth polished finish.
4. Wipe your skis clean: Clear your skis of any removed material or debris by wiping your edges with a towel and a small dose of rubbing alcohol.

Tools and equipment.

Diamond stone.

A diamond stone is a tool used to sharpen the edges of skis. It is less aggressive than a file and is great for deburring the base edge.

A side Edge File Guide.

According to www.skimag.com

To use a side edge file guide, follow these steps:

1. Secure the ski in a vise or clamp to keep it steady.
2. Determine the angle of your ski’s edge bevel. Most recreational skis come with a 2-degree factory bevel, which means you’ll need an 88-degree side bevel guide.
3. Choose the appropriate file guide that matches the bevel of your edges.
4. Place the file guide on the edge of the ski and adjust it to the correct angle.
5. Hold the file guide firmly in place and run a file or diamond stone along the edge of the ski, making sure to maintain contact between the file or stone and the file guide throughout the process.
6. Repeat this process for each edge of the ski.

Learn more in this video from www.sidecut.com:

Ski micro-fibers with a soft steel or brass brush.

Gummy stone.

On the other hand, a gummy stone is less aggressive than a diamond stone and is therefore great for polishing and removing micro-burrs and light rust.

Important things for differentiation between base edge from ski edge.

The base edge and the side edge are two different parts of a ski’s edge. The base edge is the edge that runs along the bottom of the ski, while the side edge is the edge that runs along the side of the ski.

The base edge is responsible for providing stability and control when skiing in a straight line. It is typically beveled at a shallower angle than the side edge, which allows for smoother turns and better control on flat terrain.

The side edge, on the other hand, is responsible for providing grip and control when turning. It is typically beveled at a steeper angle than the base edge, which allows for better grip on hard-packed snow and ice.