Tuning Tips Overview

Video

Videos are dispersed throughout the Tuning Tips section, organized by topic. To view a complete compilation, visit our Video Archive via the link above.

The video below demonstrates an advanced ski waxing technique. For recreational skiers, we’ve included shorter and simpler videos throughout the section.

Safety Tips

• Ensure your work area is well-ventilated with exhaust fans or a fresh air supply.
• Keep waxes away from open flames such as torches, heat guns, space heaters, or fireplaces.
• Avoid smoking while using fluoro waxes.
• Be aware of the chemical dangers associated with fluoro waxes when overheated. If exposed to temperatures above 570°F (300°C), fluoro wax can release poisonous gases. Never use these temperatures on any RaceWax.com product.
• Safety glasses are recommended.
• If you are sensitive to wax vapors, use a respirator equipped with a cartridge for organic vapors.
• The greatest inhalation risk comes not from fumes but from particulates released during brushing (especially roto-brushing) or edge grinding with an EVO tool.
• Use a mask or respirator (e.g., RX-1254) with a particulate filter (e.g., RX-4837) when working with these tools.

Tuning Basics

Before you sharpen edges or wax...

• Terms that need greater explanation (e.g., structure ) are defined or explained in greater detail at the bottom of this page.
• The word "skis" will be used throughout, but much of the preparation applies to snowboards. The information on structure and edge tuning is universal to both.

Expert Advice:

• Seek expert guidance when selecting skis.
• Match the ski’s flex to the skier’s size, weight, and skiing style. Skis have a flex number—the higher the number, the softer the flex.
• Have the base flatness checked before purchasing skis. Some bases are too thin to achieve complete flatness.

Waxing Tips:

• Avoid using natural or synthetic cleaners on your ski base; they are not recommended by manufacturers and can dry out the base, which is counterproductive to improving speed. Instead, use hot-wax scraping to keep your base saturated with wax for better performance over time.
• Use cleaners like these only for cleaning tools and scrapers.

Tool Maintenance:

• Keep all tools clean. Wire brushes can be used for files, and diamond stones clean well with sink cleansers like "Ajax" and water.

Iron Temperatures:

• Unless your iron is calibrated (i.e., its temperature setting matches its actual temperature), you may not know if you’re using the correct heat. Make observations, take notes, and adjust accordingly based on experience.
• Use the temperature chart as a starting reference.

Tuning Concepts

If you're tuning new skis or preparing for a new race season:

1. Structure your base.
2. Clean your base by brushing out old wax and performing a hot-wax scrape (avoid chemical cleaners).
3. Sharpen edges (see Edge Tuning).

The key idea behind waxing is to allow your base—like a sponge—to soak up wax, creating a reservoir that enhances performance during racing. Wax frequently to prevent oxidation (base burn), which appears as white areas on the base where wax cannot be absorbed.

Terms

Stone Grinding:
Performed with specialized machines in ski shops, stone grinding is similar to wet belt sanding but more precise. Unlike belt sanders that "plow" through a base, stone grinders slice off microscopic pieces for a clean and smooth finish. This process flattens the base and imparts structure.

Structure:
Structure refers to patterns in the base material that reduce drag caused by friction or suction between the snow and ski base. In colder conditions, snow crystals become sharper and more abrasive, increasing drag. In warmer conditions (>32°F), water from melting snow creates suction that slows down skis. Structure helps mitigate both friction and suction forces. While wax is important at all temperatures, structure becomes especially crucial in warmer conditions.