Sharp Edges

[NtrentT]

I know there are alot of tuners out there so my question is this.

Do you use a free hand file, or a variable edge bevel?

Also anyone know what the recommended bevel is for Atomic SX9's?

I really never got into the tweak/tune process, but would like to.

I figure while im not skiing, I could be at least tuning them.

[Justin]

I know there are alot of tuners out there so my question is this.

Do you use a free hand file, or a variable edge bevel?
I file the base of my skiis free hand if that's what you are refering to? Most ski tech will do the same aside from stone grinding. I also do use a 90degree file guide which runes along the sidewall to achive an even grind for the 'sides' of my edges.


Also anyone know what the recommended bevel is for Atomic SX9's?

I really never got into the tweak/tune process, but would like to.

I figure while im not skiing, I could be at least tuning them.

I don't bevel -- It's a bit of a waste of time unless you're a racing. Racers will tune a 1,2,3 degree bevel to hold a edge on ice and hard pack. You COULD do the same and with the skinny waist on you stix you'd have a pair of ice skates. note that a belved edge will 'round' faster than a 90 tuned edge.

[PWDR8S]

I agree with Justin..... also tune to the conditions you anticipate.

[ATP]

I use bevel guides to match the Atomic specifications of 1-degree base, 3-degree side. I generally don't touch the base edge and sharpen only the side edges. I file rarely, but use diamond stones fairly often.

The above Atomic specs are for their Beta series. I'm guessing but am not certain that it also applies to their SX9's.

[Sledhaulingmedic]

I'd skip a "vaiable" or adjustable edge guide. Use a fixed guide.

I used to side file everything at 90 degrees, but since skiing on M11's and now B5's, I've converted to the dark side. Atomic spec's on these two (I can't speak for others) are 1 degree base, 3 side. I've found that these carve like you're riding on rails, so I stick to the factory angles.

In theory, the edge shouldn't last as long as a 90. My experience is that they don't, but "Sharpness" is a very subjective thing. It may be that I'm just a little more spoiled to a good edge, particularly in this season of El Suck-o-rama conditions.

[Justin]

My experience is that they don't, but "Sharpness" is a very subjective thing. It may be that I'm just a little more spoiled to a good edge, particularly in this season of El Suck-o-rama conditions.


True! Let's not forget that there are alot of conditions where razors edges are not only useless but unwanted!