J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Dshenberger

A base grind is not an automatic step in tuning. If you specify an edge tune, and wax - they aren't going to grind your base. Of course, if you have gouges, or a non-flat base, it would be a good idea to get it flattened out.

Skiers aren't necessarily prone to knee injuries from a simple fall. Either way you fall when on a board, your first point of contact is, usually, your hands. (Well, in my case - my ribcage took quite a beating last time!) ;) My snow specific braces are not quite so stiff as a skate protector, so I don't see a real risk of injury from the brace. It is kind of like boxers taping their wrists. :)

I don't think it is any trouble for your knees unless you fall on them a lot. If you give it a try don't be expecting an easy time of it. The one thing in common with skiing is: put it on edge, and it will turn. Theoretically, anyway. :) I think it is pretty much universal that everyone will crash and burn the first few times they do it. If you don't understand the basic principles - a lesson is probably a good idea. Oh, and get some wrist braces! Something like 95% of all snowboard injuries are related to the wrists.

Well, now that we have that out of the way!!

I'm curious how old all of you are. . . I am thinking I may be one of the youngest here at 27? Of course, I am one of the few representatives from the US. :) I feel so blessed to live 7 minutes away from my little 935 vertical feet of snow. :P

Yeah, I know, I'm not really a newbie on here, but. . .

Oh, and, I'm a male, but you won't find me in any wigs! :shock:

I just got a pair of Volkl 12 foot Tigersharks w/Powerswitch! I can't wait to try them out in Lake Tahoe this weekend! I'll be sure to let everyone know how awesome they are. :)

It wasn't possible to resist the $710 price on Tramdock.

Just getting them further on edge is a big one. For me, getting my knees lower is really important as the speed increases. Also, make sure you have clean, sharp edges. :)

Try racewax.com they sell most anything for ski tuning. I use their wax, and it works fine for me. Price is pretty good too.

I have talked to the owner, and I know he ships overseas a good bit, so shipping will probably be quite fair.

Maybe I go overboard on perfection, but here's my feeble recommendation.

Get a good vice. If your ski isn't mounted solidly, it will be a pain to scrape and brush the base. Just spend the money, and make your life easy.

An edge angle guide is a good idea if you are concerned about edge hold. I use this one: http://www.fktools-us.com/ProductDetail.asp?PartNumbNew=3000

I use a diamond file guided by hand to remove any major burrs/dings, then use the carbide cutter to make sure my edge angle is correct, and finish with a ceramic stone. Sometimes I detune the tips and tail with a gummy stone, but it's not a huge deal. Here is the original kit I got: http://www.fktools-us.com/ProductDetail.asp?PartNumbNew=DSK3000#

Also, you will need to get at least one diamond file, I don't even use a regular file.

I've never had a problem with P-tex falling out - make sure you don't try to drip it on, bring the burning stick down to the ski surface.

Waxing really isn't hard - I use a universal most of the time since weather is so unpredictable here. My current wax won't run off the iron, so I dab the stick onto the iron, then rub on the ski. When the ski is covered I run the iron over it until the wax is evenly melted into the surface. Let it dry, scrape it off, brush it with a nylon brush, then finish it with a horsehair brush.

Here is a link for a good look at what a pro race tune would be: http://www.racewax.com/category/tuning_tips.wax_application