ski tuning

Ten years ago this month we bought an old bread truck and our first stone grinder, and just like that Smooth Rides was officially tuning skis door-to-door. This picture was right after we had the logos installed and we were ready for business. Things have changed like crazy over the years with...

I know the pattern of a base grind makes a big difference in how the ski performs. While looking for an image of the AM Bell Grind from @smoothrides I stumbled upon some images from their FB page and I needed to share these here. Aren't they beautiful? :drool: Grind of the day: AM Bell. We...

Hi Two seasons ago I learned how to wax my own skis. Now I am thinking about tuning. Is it possible to do some basic tuning with some basic affordable hand tools? If so, any good youtube videos anyone recommends? I am trying to stay away from investing in a bunch of $$ tools. However if...

Hello All, I purchased a new pair of Stockli Laser AX at the end of the season. I’ve not skied them yet. I’ve read several threads here on new ski tuning, but I’m not clear on something: do Stockli skis need a new ski tune or is the factory tune good to go? Thanks!

I have a pair of skis I bought sight unseen and they have an unbelievable bottom bevel of 7, yes 7 degrees. Is there a fix to get them to 1?

Some people get a special base structure put on in the spring to battle sticky snow. I've never done this. I've been worried it would shorten the life of my skis, if not the base itself then the metal edges. That structure needs to be replaced again before the next season, doesn't it? This...

Is it appropriate to request an exchange if I received new skis with concave (maybe 1 mm) bases? They are not mounted with bindings.

Ok, I said I would post a simple and inexpensive way to measure base bevel angles. I will discuss side bevel angles measurement too. There are several tools out there that do the job well, but are in the $300 dollar range, roughly. If you have a true bar, or straight edge, you can do it for...

I'm thinking about buying either a Swix EVO Pro Edger or a Razor-Tune. My friends all like the RT, but I want to compare it to an EVO before I buy. Does anyone have any experience with either machine? Which is easier to use? Which could do more damage? dm

Just starting out on tuning and waxing and looking for some clarification regarding the dominator wax for my Renoun E98s. Only skied them 4 times and just had a machine wax job done before heading out so they are basically new. Already hit up tuning tools questions in the last thread, but want...

I’m going to get the bases ground as I have a few base high & edge high spots on both skis. It’s time to fix it. I was going to request a 1deg base, but torn between 2 or 3 deg edge. I’ve never touched these skis (new this year). I use a 1:3 on my Brahmas. This is for use in VT in varying...

Hi folks! I've been reading these forums for a couple seasons & finally decided I need to make an account. I've recently started tuning my own edges & I've run into an issue someone here might be able to diagnose. It's somewhat hard to describe, but I'll give it a shot. I started with my older...

Hi all Where are Canadians buying their tuning/waxing tools? I've been looking online, and the prices stores charge up here seems to me offensively expensive for what you get. Do these items ever typically come on sale? Matt

Well, I did it! Razor-Tune Full Race Kit coming. Swapped the 2 degree plate for a 4. Should be here Wednesday! Will report back! Part of my motivation was, I just can't bring myself to diamond stone off the amazing ceramic disc finish on my new Enforcer 100's! By the way, they skied...

Is a light deburring desired after a "light" maintenance tune, using only stones (no filing)? I don't want burrs, but I do like a sharp edge. Thanks!

Hey Guys/Gals, I'm new to the self tuning / waxing but after reading a ton in this forum and watching a lot of youtube videos, I gave it a go at my first tuning session over the weekend. My question is that I bought a cheap Wintersteiger iron and it seems to take forever to melt wax on the...

I'm needing to get a tuning kit and am working on a very limited budget. Looking online, there are the usual brands and retailers however, I have seen a few Chinese brands pop up online that are far cheaper than any of the US or Euro gear and I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with...

I have recently taken the plunge toward starting to do my own tuning at home, and am looking for some feedback on my routine. As background, I am a recreational skier getting about 30 days a year, all out West, in 5-7 day trips. I currently ski Blizzard Bonafides and Brahmas. Edges set at...

Before: And after: I suppose I could have hand brushed these a bit more. :-o

I just bought 3 year old GS trainer skis from a friend, for my U16 kids. He said "there's not much edge left." Looks like about 1-2 mm, and pretty rusty. Does such a thin edge affect performance or safety? I know it will limit the life of the ski, just wondering if it'll affect performance. And...