Hey guys,

I'm looking to get my board tuned... it needs a massive workover, the beginning of the NZ season was not friendly off piste

I live near maroubra (Sydney eastern suburbs) and am curious where the best place near me to take my board is...

Any help would be appreciated!

Cheers

STM Bondi Junction
426 Oxford St
9386 0430

rider26 - 02 July 2009 01:25 PM

STM Bondi Junction
426 Oxford St
9386 0430

is that the place where you get a free waxjob if you buy something before July 14th..?

Yes it is

How long does a typical belt wax normally last for?

I would estimate a day. Better than a rub on, not as good as an iron on.

Ok, so new board is a 'park' board. K2 VaVavoom (Look at board here http://k2snowboarding.com/boards/vvv )

I've done 5 days on it this season and the edges are a little dry (am going to wax them).

When riding on Friday at buller I was finding that the board was sticking to edge too well it seemed to be coming out from under me a little, not too sure if this is due to 1) me being tired and lazy, 2) the ice, 3) edges needing to be done.

Not too sure I really want razor sharp edges on what is a park board.

??????

Hey Tobi, what do you mean the edges are dry? Not sure I know what you mean.

You are right about those three options. If your edges are slipping out from under you it could be any combination of technique, snow condtions, and edge sharpness. It's likely a combination of all three.

You can still have sharp edges for park as long as you have a bevel on the base edge (at least 1 degree). The bevel is what makes the board's edges forgiving for rails/park. Check out this article for more info on edge bevels: http://www.boardworld.com.au/content/category/your-tuning-shop/ (read the section on edge angles).

I wouldn't suggest sharpening your edges after 5 days of riding. If you keep going at that rate you will be peeling too much steel and shortening the life of the board. What's better is just using a diamond file to deburr and keep the edges clean and sharp (this won't remove much steel). Do you have a file guide? Do you have any edging tools (gummy stone, diamond stone etc...)?

If you have any questions let me know.

Also good info on edges here: http://www.boardworld.com.au/forums/viewthread/275/ (towards the bottom).

Edges dry as in the base of the board is dry and in need of a wax but only within the area near the edges. I.e. - only the inch or so near (both) edges is dry the 'middle' of the base seems like it doesn't need a wax. Does that make sense?

I think the edge is 3 degrees, this would be the base bevel yeah?

Nope, don't have any real tuning equipment, besides iron and wax.

Yeah that makes perfect sense. It's normal for that to happen. The wax around the edges always gets stripped first, it's where all the pressure and abrasion is happening. It's a good time to wax the board, as it doesn't perform well when certain areas are waxed and others are not.

Yes that is the base bevel. 3 degrees is definately a park/jib setup. It could take some getting used to, if you haven't used a 3 degree bevel before it could explain why you are slipping out. Remember the board needs more angle to engage the edge. With a 3 degree bevel keeping the edges well maintained is a good idea. The bevel is what makes it suitable for park/jib, not dull edges.

I would recommend you invest in basic edging tools, a diamond and/or gummy stone would be a good start. The cost of the tools will be saved in unecessary shop tuning and extending the life of your snowboard, not to mention the board will ride better.

I guess the base bevel could be it, have tried to find the base bevel of my other board (feelgood es) and can't find it.

Any ideas on where I could find the info?

I've never bothered with tuning equipment as whenever I normally need my edges done I just take it to freezer and get one of the guys there to do them for a beer.

1 degree on the Feelgood. Standard on most all mountain freestyle boards.

Is the change in base bevel degree going to need a change in the way I ride?

I assume it's going to be harder to 'get' an edge as I need more angle to obtain the edge?

This could also explain why when I tried to turn in a bit of fresh at Hotham with Azz I rag dolled, this also may explain why I'm not having much 'fun' riding mountain at the moment.

Hrmm maybe I should keep this board purely for park.

Maybe I should just have a glass of HTFU and stop complaining and start riding.

Technical answer, yes you do. You need to be 'lighter' on your edges, don't apply as much pressure. It becomes more important to have proper body alignment (body aligned directly over your snowboard).

Yes you do need more angle to engage the edge.

You will get used to pretty quickly and you will find it a lot of fun to ride, maybe just not on icy conditions. Technique will play a factor.