Ski Tuning Awareness
|
Did you know that the vast majority of all ski shops in the U.S. do not know how to identify or properly install a true .5-1.0 degree base edge bevel, or a true 2-3 degree side edge angle? There is not a single ski manufacturer in the world that recommends a base edge bevel to exceed 1 degree, when re-servicing your product. However, a true 2.0 degree base edge bevel, which is not recommended, may be the maximum allowable base bevel before problems with control become an issue.
Make no mistake, letting just any shop with a lack of knowledge and professionalism in it's back shop, is like having the same people work on the brakes and steering in your car! Regardless of your abilities from beginner to expert, the proper standard of preparation is critical to your safety, progress and fun!
If your shop does not have a proper calibrated true bar and know the geometric formula for diagnosing and siting a true .5-1.0 degree base edge bevel, you must look elsewhere. They must show you the present status of your product in order for you to understand what it needs to be "fixed" properly. The majority of product that comes in needs to be "fixed" not "tuned." Just like a car goes to a mechanic to be "fixed" not "tuned."
Side edge angles are diagnosed and verified with the use of a 2 or 3 degree file guide and a true bar. Once again, if your shop is reluctant to show you these parameters and verify their correctness, you're in the wrong place.
Be aware! Be informed! Be an advocate for your expensive product and its care!
Unfortunately, most skiers assume a ski shop with green, white or blue machines is automatically infused with the proper math and diagnostic knowledge required to safely prepare your skis or snowboard. The UGLY TRUTH is that no one realizes that many people get seriously injured or possibly have a fatal accident on the slopes every year as a result of poor ski preparation!
If you experience difficulty in turning your skis or poor edge hold or difficulty stopping after a fresh tune-up or stonegrind, please don't blame yourself. Go directly back to the shop and ask for verification. Make sure the texture on your base is very smooth as opposed to rough or feels like it has ridges. This type of structuring inhibits a ski's or snowboards ability to go right and left. It may look pretty, but it has been improperly finished which creates a lack of swing!
The SAME STANDARDS that apply to boot sole dimensions and binding release/retention settings known as DIN, truly need to apply to the business of ski and snowboard preparation!
The best thing any skier can do when getting their product serviced is ask questions about how they prepare the skis and who does it. Before you take your skis or snowboard away from the shop, make them verify to you that they have installed the proper parameters on your edges. These parameters reside at .5-1.0 degree of base edge bevel, and 2.0-3.0 degree of side edge angle. Please refer to the "Parameters Page" to see what a proper base edge angle actually looks like.
Shops that value quantity over quality will be the demise of your ski or snowboarding progress. SkiMD's mission is to allow ALL participants to excel AND be safe in snowsport. Achieving this goal requires proper time , tools and most importantly KNOWLEDGE.
Cheap or bargain priced stonegrinding is a sure recipe for disaster. However, many shops are charging substantially higher prices out there in hopes that you perceive you are getting the best service. REMEMBER, only the best service shops with the proper pricing should be willing to show you their work, then diagnose and verify your product for true correctness after completion!
Look at it this way, Improperly serviced product has a profile similar to the bottom of a canoe. Now, place the canoe at the top of a steep icy slope and put yourself in it. End of story.
Take control of your fun out there on the slopes, your overall safety depends on it!
CALL SKIMD @508 981 4608
|
|