Grinding edges on freeride skis
Ex-ski racer and freeride professional Matthias “Hauni” Haunholder reveals insightful tips and tricks for sharpening the edges of freeride skis in this video. Edge tuning for a freeride ski is fundamentally very similar to that of a racing ski or touring ski
Matthias Haunholder recommends an edge angle of 88 degrees for a freeride ski, as freeriders mainly ride on soft surfaces.
But more on that in the video!
When should you sharpen the edges of a freeride ski?
For freeride skiers and their ski edges, special conditions apply. Sharpening the edges is crucial for maintaining control in the depths of untouched terrain. It is recommended to sharpen the ski edges before the start of the freeride season to ensure they are functioning optimally
However, sharpening becomes particularly necessary if the edges have been damaged through contact with stones or hard surfaces, as a result losing their grip and gliding capabilities. An adjustment of the edges may also be required when snow conditions change, especially if one frequently skis on hard slopes and desires a slightly more aggressive edge angle for increased grip.
In summary, freeride skiers should grind their ski edges:
- Before the start of the freeride season, to ensure that the edges are in optimal condition.
- If the ski edges are worn or dull and the skis lose grip.
- After intensive freeride descents or several days in the backcountry.
- If the snow conditions change.
- After stones or hard objects have damaged the edges.
- If changes in driving behavior or in the curves are detected.
- If the edge angle needs to be changed to suit the specific freeride conditions.
- Before important freeride adventures, to ensure that the ski edges are optimally adjusted.
Grinding ski edges – an edge tuning guide in 7 steps
Whether you are a professional racer or an avid recreational winter sports enthusiast, sharp ski edges are critical to a fun, safe and successful on-piste experience. We’ll explain how it works!
The Tyrolit Life Edge Tuning Set for Freeride Skis in Detail
The Tyrolit Life Edge Tuning Kit offers an optimal assortment of tools to ensure sharp edges. It includes two stainless steel, three ceramic, and two flexible files that work together with the provided stainless steel angle to produce optimal results. Tyrolit Life presents three different grinding angles: 86 degrees, 87 degrees, and 88 degrees. An edge angle of 88 degrees is recommended for a freeride ski. The ceramic combo file, usable without an angle, is perfect for on-the-go adjustments, and the hand-held edge rubber excels at removing rust, deburring, and cleaning.
Various files are available for precise edge preparation. Stainless steel files are used for preparing the edges of skis and snowboards. They enable efficient material removal and precise setting of the edge angle. The coarse “coarse” stainless steel file is ideal for significantly damaged edges, while the 2nd-cut “fine” file is used for smoothing worn edges
The final tuning is accomplished with the three Tyrolit Life ceramic files. These files progressively deburr, smooth, and sharpen the edges. With the grit sizes “coarse,” “medium,” and “fine,” you can tailor the sharpening to the snow conditions and ensure a high-quality surface finish. The coarse and fine elastic files are ideal for polishing and perfecting the edges, serving as an excellent alternative to traditional diamond files. Their elasticity allows for a uniform contact area across all ski radii.
The stainless steel angle included in the set allows precise application of the files and offers different edge angle options from 86 to 88 degrees, depending on the selected set. All parts of the set can also be purchased individually. The Tyrolit Life edge tuning set, made in Tyrol, ensures a perfect grip thanks to an exact edge preparation.
New in the Edge Tuning Range: The Sidewall Planer
The Tyrolit Life Sidewall Planer or Sidewall Cutter for Ski and Snowboard is an indispensable tool for DIY edge sharpeners. It enables precise stripping of the sidewall, which is crucial for accurate filing work on the steel edge. This premium product can be perfectly combined with the edge tuning sets and offers the following features:
- A depth stop controlled by a brass set screw.
- Two cutting blades with different radii for versatile applications.
- Premium quality for reliable results.
- The sidewall planer is not included in the edge tuning set.
Enjoy sharpening your ski edges - and, of course, even more fun with the results on the slopes!
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