How to detune your new snowboard or skis

So you’ve taken the plunge and purchased a new board or a pair of skis. Before you hit the snow with your new axe(s) its important to detune the tips and tail edges to prevent catching.

The reason to detune your board or skis is simple: the tail and tips aren’t used when you make a turn and you don’t want it to. Catching an edge on your new planks isn’t going to be a good look out on the hill.

To dull the tips and tail you’ll need to find the contact points on your skis or snowboard. This is the the area that first touches the snow. Mark or remember where this area is and use a metal file at roughly 45 degrees to dull edges past the contact points on the tips and tail.

Once they are dulled, use a buffer to smooth out any metal burs.

Depending on the make and manufacturer of your ski or snowboard you may want to soften the edges to take the ‘hook’ out of your turns. Personally, we think its best to ride your ski or snowboard first before you further detune your edges. It’s always best to keep your edges in tact rather than having to sharpen them up again via tuning.

If you’re not sure how to detune your board or skis then ask the shop you bought your gear from to do it for you. If they’re a reputable shop they’ll know exactly what to do and help you out. If not, take it to a shop near your favorite ski slope and the experts there can help you out on on the hill.

Posted by Brendon on July 16th, 2009 in Ski Tips and Snowboard Tips

Brendon @cherrypow

Hi, I'm Brendon, editor and one of the co-founders of CherryPow. When work isn't calling I'm planning the next snow adventure and writing about it.