The new Micro 91, and Trim Disc machines at Ski Center have made board tunes at our shop the most tecnologically advanced available. We have been tuning boards for over a decade and previously used the Grindrite machines that are prevelent at the majority of shops around the country, but with the prevailing use of complex stone ground structures being used at the manufacturing level, the use of our new wide stone is essential to returning a board to its factory specifications.

The precise edge feel and grip created by the ceramic disc grind of the Trim Disc
is also essential to the way all boards should ride. The edge geometry and polishing characteristics of our tunes ensures a great ride, and now lasts longer than ever.

For some reason, snowboards don't get tuned as often as skis do, and they don't get tuned as often as they should. There is a lack of interest in board tuning; some riders don't know they should get their board tuned while others feel it wouldn't change the way they ride. The truth is, snowboards need frequent and regular tuning, and only work well when properly tuned and waxed.

A flat, or relatively flat, structured base and a sharp edge are essential to a snowboard's ability to carve turns and track properly on the snow, as well as being essential to a smooth float without erratic or choppy behavior.

Some riders prefer an edge with no bevel, while others like bevels on both sides of the edge of up to two degrees or more. The most notable common idea is that despite what bevel is chosen, the edge is still sharp and usually at a 90 degree angle.

Without a near flat base, a snowboard is likely to feel "spinny" if the base is high in the center of the board. Conversely, the board will feel "grabby" and erratic if the edge and base near the edge are high. These convex and concave states occur with regular use and hinder the board's ability to track in a smooth manner.

A dull edge on a board is like not having an edge at all, since all the rider's weight and power are positioned over one edge at a time. A dull edge will allow the board to slip against itself, and on any surface but powder, will fail to hold the carve of a turn.

Boards may be tuned in a variety of ways. They can be tuned by hand, which requires tools including files and texture pads, and most importantly, a lot of skill. They can be tuned by an ordinary orbital sander for a decent at home board tune.

Boards are generally tuned in a shop by a spinning belt sander, or by a spinning stone the width of a board. Factory tunes are usually finished with a stone grind to give specialized structure to the base.

The edges are tuned either by a hand file or by a spinning belt sander. As edge beveling on a snowboard is a personal preference, we advise people to use the standard 0 - 0 or 1 - 1, or come to the shop so we can help you determine what would help your board and riding style. Of course, experimenting on your own is always a good way to figure out what works best.

As a final part of any board tune, a deep base wax is essential. The base of the board needs wax to protect it from oxidation (drying out). The base also gets protection from scratches and dings when it has a good wax. Ultimately the wax provides the glide and float a board needs to work in harmony with the snow.