Ski edge angle: what it is for and how to set it

Two angles not to be confused

The side edge angle is the angle between the base and the side of the ski: it is the one you sharpen to get a keen edge back. The further it is from 90°, the more aggressive the edge on hard snow, but the more maintenance it needs. The base edge angle (bevelling or tuning) shifts the edge slightly on the base side to make the ski easier to engage and more forgiving.

The right setting depends on the discipline, the skier's level and the snow conditions: a workshop must be able to change the angle from one ski to the next.

Adjustable ranges on the catalogue machines

• DTS-U II Race: side edge angle from 86° to 90°, base edge angle from 0° to 2°.
• KSM: grinding angle from 86° to 90°. KFM-U: side edge sharpening from 87° to 90° and edge tuning.
• Chatex CUB: adjustable sharpening from 87° to 90°. R.off.B edge sharpeners: from 85° to 90° for the LA14S R30 Newedge and the TP25-R45, from 86° to 90° for the AC28-R.

Touch-ups and hand finishing

For touch-ups or a small workshop, manual edge sharpeners exist: the catalogue models are adjustable from 85° to 90° or fixed at 88° and 89° (Ergo Easy). Gummi stones, stones and diamond files are used for finishing. Find them in the edge tools.

To choose a machine, see the edge sharpening machines and our general guide to ski servicing in the workshop.

Which edge angle should you choose?

There is no single value: it depends on the discipline, the level and the snow. A good workshop machine lets you set the side edge angle and the base edge angle separately. We advise you according to your customers: contact us.

Can you sharpen a snowboard with the same machines?

Several catalogue machines also handle snowboards, for example the DTS-U II Race or the KSM with its optional double support roller. Check the sheet of each model.