Ski edge grinding | Which angle?

Setting the angle on the ES 2000 ski edge grinding machine from raze-cat

When grinding the ski side edges, the question of the correct angle often arises. Especially for beginners in ski service, it is very important to carefully consider the correct angle before grinding the skis.

Grinding Ski Edges – Why?

Why is it important to consider the angle of the edges? Depending on the grinding angle, the ski's behavior changes. In the past, a ski typically had an edge angle of 90°. By beveling the side edge, the ski becomes more aggressive because the edge gets sharper. This allows it to grip the snow or ice better, significantly improving control over the ski. Generally, the ski's behavior becomes more aggressive as the angle decreases. The most important reason for grinding ski edges is safety. Who hasn't experienced this? You are skiing down a slope and suddenly enter a shaded forest area. An ice patch appears and the skis immediately slip. In such a situation, a fall can happen very quickly. This is especially common in ski areas where artificial snow is frequently used. This can be prevented by always ensuring that the ski edges are ground so that the grip on the slope is optimal. This not only improves the skiing experience but also increases safety.

What angle does my edge have?

If you are not sure what angle your ski or snowboard edge has, you should measure it. This is not easy, as very little material is available to measure the side edge of skis or snowboards. That is why we developed an angle gauge that is fine yet handy enough to measure the angle of the ski edge and snowboard edge. By knowing your edge angle, you can make sure to maintain the existing angle during ski service. If you decide on a different angle, you can use the angle gauge to check if the new angle is present on the edge and, if necessary, grind again.

TO THE ANGLE GAUGE

Which angle for which type of skier?

Of course, individual characteristics of the skier also influence the decision about the side edge angle. That is why professional racers also have their personal service staff. Since ski service in ski resorts often cannot cater to such individual needs, this is the main reason to perform the ski service yourself

89° - This angle means only a slight bevel of the edge and is suitable for children's skis and beginners
88° - This angle is especially suitable for advanced skiers, as less effort is needed to ski on the edge
87° - This angle is suitable for sporty skiers with more experience. The sharper edge allows better cornering, but more strength and technique must be applied. The sharper edge grips better into the snow/ice
86° - This angle is often chosen by racers. Depending on the discipline, the sharper edge can be used for an advantage in racing

There is a rule of thumb: The more skilled and faster the skier, the smaller the edge angle should be. Because the sharper the angle, the better grip it provides on hard slopes. This makes the ski more aggressive and gives more grip, which increases safety.

There are different tools with which you can give your edges an individual angle. Two things must be considered when choosing: fixed or adjustable angles? Hand or electric grinding?
For this, we have developed various products. With the electrically powered ES 2000PLUS, you can set individual angles. If you decide to file by hand, you can choose between the CF-4, which also allows you to set the four angles described earlier, or the FG100, which has a fixed angle.

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