Steel Files for Ski Edge Filing
For newcomers to ski edge filing, knowing the type of file to use is an important first step. Mill files are the traditional file of choice for edge filing. Steel mill files from six to eight inches are a relatively low cost and are best for side edge filing. If you are filing base edges, you should look to go a little larger, up to ten inches. You can go even longer still if you need to file fat skis or snowboards. Hand ski edge filing is something that takes a lot of practice to master.
For newcomers, try to get a routine worked out on an old ski. Steel files can do a lot of damage if not used correctly, so here is a great tip. Find a used or broken ski from a second hand store. Use this ski to hone your ski edge filing skills. Practice makes perfect, so don＊t threaten your skis without getting the right amount of practice at ski edge filing before trying it on your main set.
Kick - Ski Wax For Cross Country Skiers
Cross country skiing requires different types of gear and supplies. From skis to bindings, cross country skiing has its own industry. Ski wax is also something that cross country skiing has its mark on, and kick wax describes a variety of waxes that are specific to cross country. Kick wax comes in a couple of variations, ＆hard＊ or ＆klister＊.
Klister ski wax is a semi-liquid wax that typically comes in what looks like a tube of toothpaste. This stuff is extra-sticky so be careful when using it to not let it get everywhere. It is difficult to apply and is not for the beginning skier. Hard ski wax is a lot easier to handle and apply. It is a more tar-like substance that comes in a can and is best used for fresh powder and below freezing temperatures. If this is your typical skiing condition, use hard ski wax for your cross country skis.
The main advantage of kick waxing is that it provides additional friction to skiers who need to propel themselves through rugged terrain. This is what makes it so great for cross country skiing where a skier will often need to accelerate when nature and the elements say they shouldn＊t. If you are a cross country skier, learn more about kick ski wax before you hit the trail.
All Natural Ski Wax
Advances in chemical processing and compounds have made many ski wax manufacturers introduce new makes of ski wax that are not so ＆green＊. For the environmentally conscious skier, you can fulfill your ski wax needs with all natural ski wax. Using all natural ski wax will give you a good waxing and a little peace of mind that you are doing your part for the environment. Many manufacturers are providing all natural ski wax as an option. There is one that has been around for a long time and produces ski wax, as well as surfing wax and wax for other sporting gear.
All natural Bee＊s Wax is a leader in environmentally friendly ski wax for the mass market. The benefits to bee＊s wax are a string hold on your skis and a completely biodegradable chemical makeup. If you want to try Bee＊s wax on your skis, check your local ski shop to see what they have to offer. There are other brands and types of all natural ski wax, so try a few to see which works best for you. Costs will vary for all natural ski wax, so keep an eye on your pocketbook as well as your skis.
Essential Ski Tuning Supplies
For the skier who prefers to do their own tuning, there are a few essential ski tuning supplies that you will want to have handy. Some are easier to think of than others, so here is a quick list that you can use for reference. Obviously, you will want some quality ski wax. This should go without saying. You will also want some varied grains of sandpaper. You may want to sand before you wax to get off old wax and chips that show up in the ski. Another important ski tuning supply is a flat file.
Get a heavy grade file since the file should be used for tough jobs that the sandpaper cannot tackle. Also, do not forget to have some clean, lint-free rags around. If you get any lint in your wax, your ski tuning will not go so well. There are many other ski tuning supplies that you can get based on what type of tuning you need. If you need serious help, check with a professional who can help you tune your skis. No matter how many ski tuning supplies you have, if the job is too much for you, you will want their help.
Using Hot Wax on a Snowboard
There are four main steps that you need to follow when applying hot wax to your snowboard. Here is a quick guide to help you apply hot wax to your snowboard without hurting yourself or your board.
- Dripping 每 First, cover your area with a cloth or newspaper. Getting wax everywhere will not help. Get your board propped up with vices to keep it steady. Use a heated iron to melt your hot wax. Get it hot, but not too hot, too much heat can destroy the wax compound. Lay the bar of wax onto the heated iron until it begins to melt and then gently flip the iron over to begin the drip onto your board.
- Ironing 每 Next, use the iron to gently massage an even coat of the wax across the entire board. An even coat is essential with hot wax on a snowboard because one missed area could result in a terrible spill. To avoid damaging your snowboard, keep that iron moving constantly.
- Scraping 每 After you have let the hot wax cool for a bit on the board, get a scraper and begin evening the coat out. Move from nose to tail and get as much of the hot wax off as possible. You do not want too much hot wax to remain because it will just slow the rider down.
- Buffing 每 To finish the job, get a god glide by buffing the board. All the excess hot wax should be removed at this point and the finished board should fly through the powder.
Conditions that Affect Your Ski Wax
Many different weather and terrain conditions will affect your need to wax and re-wax your skis. Ski wax is a compound that is often made from a combination of synthetics and natural substances. Because of this delicate combination, you may find your ski wax needs will depend greatly on the conditions in which you ski. For skiers who are skiing in temperatures below freezing, ski wax will be affected by snow structure, snow temperature, the speed with which you ski, and the humidity of the air. Each of these factors in sub-freezing temperatures will influence your need for ski wax and regular waxing. In temperatures that are above freezing, ski wax is influenced by other factors.
Snow structure and skiing speed remain important factors, however, a new issue comes into play when temperatures are above freezing levels. The moisture of the snow will now play a large role in your ski wax needs. Because the temperatures are higher, the snow will be constantly melting. This will make for different levels of snow moisture. Not only will your quantity of ski wax be affected by this, but also the type of wax you use. Choose between a hard and soft wax carefully when dealing with moist conditions.
Do It Yourself with a Ski Tuning Kit
The regular skier will find that their skis need a tuning more often than most. If you fall into this category, you really have two options for your tuning; you can bring your skis to a professional, or you can try the job yourself by purchasing a ski tuning kit. Professionals are an easy choice, however, a good one will often be rather expensive for a tuning. Most of them will tell you the same thing anyways＃ if you are a serious skier, you should learn how to tune your own skis.
So there is the second option. Tuning your own skis can be very rewarding and save you dough at the same time. You can buy ski tuning kits from many ski retailers. The internet alone has tons of different places where ski tuning kits of all shapes and sizes can be bought for a low cost. Be sure that if you are purchasing a ski tuning kit, it comes with detailed instructions so that your little investment does not destroy your major investment in skis. Anyone can learn how to tune their skis with a ski tuning kit. Look for one that matches with your type of skis and tuning needs. Your manufacturer may even provide ski tuning kits that are specifically made for your brand and type. If they do not, there are many generic ski tuning kits that will work great. Give it a shot yourself.
Because You Really Want to Ski, Right?
This message is best written simply. Keep your skis tuned. You will ski better. Your skis will last longer. When you go into a turn, you want the cleanest edge and base under your feet. You don＊t need rust, pits, and gouges hampering your descent. Ski season begins well before the first snow, with a trip to your shop for a tune.
All Temp Wax for Various Skiing Conditions
With so many variations of ski wax on the market, how do you know which type to use? Variations for temperatures, skiing terrain, and so many other factors make choosing a wax difficult for any weekender or beginner.
If you are not sure what the skiing conditions are going to be when you decide to hit the slopes, use an all temp wax on your skis and you will have a good ski no matter what the conditions. All temp wax is made from a different compound than other ski wax. The mixture of natural and synthetic materials in the wax allows skiers to use all temp wax for all different skiing conditions.
There are many manufacturers of all temp wax that provide great protections on the slopes. If you are not sure of the forecast for your next ski trip, bring some all temp wax with you if you want to be covered no matter what.
Finding the Best Ski Tuning Tips
The dedicated skier is always looking for an edge. If you think of yourself as an avid skier, you can find great ski tuning tips all over the place. Here are a few resources that you may not have checked out yet. Take a look and maybe you will find some ski tuning tips you hadn＊t thought of yet.
- Mags 每 There are more skiing magazines being published today than I can possibly list here. From the large publications to the small ones, you can always find great ski tuning tips from the best professionals and the keenest amateurs.
- Online 每 In case you have spent all of your time on the slopes for the last decade or so, there is this great resource called the Internet. You can find ski tuning tips that maybe only one person on earth has ever thought of by checking out skiing message boards and websites.
- Manufacturers 每 This is the most overlooked resource for ski tuning tips. It is also the most obvious. Each ski manufacturer will have their own tips and advice for tuning their skis.
After all, they made them. Check with your manufacturer to see what they suggest for your particular model of ski.
Simple Guide to Edge Tuning
Skiers who want to tune their own skis need to master all steps involved in the full tuning process. Edge tuning is an important step to get right, so here are a few quick steps to help you get your edge tuning down pat. First, use a steel file to flatten any burrs or nicks in the edges. This process is necessary to get a smoother surface for your sharpener.
Once these are taken care of, use a 90-degree edge sharpener along the length of the edges. The best technique is to start from the tip and to pull the file in one direction using overlapping strokes until you reach the tail. Most edge sharpeners only file in one direction, so when edge tuning, this single stroke method is essential. Once you have a few good passes with the sharpener, the final step in edge tuning is to get out the wax.
Apply your wax according to your style of skiing. Just be sure, no matter what type of skis you have, to get an even coat that will give you a good ride and keep you safe. Professional edge tuning is available in most ski shops, so if you are not up to the task, bring your skis in and let a pro do it for you.
Ptex - Repair Your Skis With Ease
Avid skiers will often find that they do some damage to their equipment. Skis in particular are subject to massive amounts of abuse on each run down the slopes. If you find that you have chipped or cracked your skis, but not so bas as to warrant getting a whole new pair, Ptex repairs just this type of problem.
Here is a quick guide to Ptex repair for nicks in skis.
- Once you have found the spot that needs repair, get some Ptex repair solution and a stiff metal scraper. You will want to brace your ski with a vice to hold it firmly in place.
- Set the scraper near the area you will be using the Ptex repair solution on.
- Use a lighter or match to light the Ptex until it begins to melt. When it is lit, Ptex repair solution makes an unmistakable color of orange.
- Once the Ptex begins to drip, get a few drops into the area that needs repair.
- After a few drops have fallen into the area, set the lit Ptex repair solution aside and begin smoothing the surface with the metal scraper.
- Do this gently as to not do further damage to the ski.
- You are done when the Ptex remains in only the damaged area and not in the surrounding spots.
- Finish the job with a good coat of wax and your skis should be ready to ride.
You Might Wish You Had
On the side of a steep trail, you push your boards 每 cutting nice, hard turns in less-tracked snow 每 when suddenly, your inside edge slips! You crash! Awkwardly! Has this ever happened to you? Regular ski tuning can help skiers avoid such mishaps.
Types of Ski Wax Brushes
Skiers who wax their own skis are always looking for more efficient ways to apply their ski wax and get the job done. A great way to help the process go quickly without losing effectiveness is by using a ski wax brush. A ski wax brush is a handheld, stiff-haired brush that can help you strip off old ski wax as well as applies a fresh layer. There are several types of ski wax brushes and here are a few to take a look at.
First, a nylon ski wax brush is a good option. These are typically the lowest-priced brushes for ski wax removal and application. The nylon hairs will ensure a long life from your brush through several re-waxings. Another popular model of ski wax brush is a horse-hair brush. Horse hair is a natural alternative to the nylon brush that has all of the sturdiness. Horse hair makes for bristles that are stiff and will hold up under extreme conditions. The costs of a horse hair ski wax brush will be slightly higher, but the quality won＊t let you down.
For more information on ski wax brushes, you can check out popular ski magazines and websites. You can find plenty of opinions on different types of wax brushes, but the best bet is to try them out for yourself. You will find the grip and bristle type that fits with your comfort and needs.