Deb as someone who maintains/edges and waxes mine/my wife’s and both my children’s skis all season every season, I can attest to your advice that maintenance of your equipment means better performance on hill...as usual excellent content and advice. Thanks!!
The videos are great! Apropos of nothing, in your ski lineup, I recognize my old Kneissl RS, and my old Blizzard Firebirds, which I managed to save for collection 40+ years after use.
Your equipment is only as good as you treat it. Proper maintenance keeps you and your tuner happy. There are so many variables in tuning pls talk with your local shop.
Having worked in Ski Shops for many decades I would recommend dropping your skis off at your local shops for a sharpen, wax and stone grind. My shop uses a Montana Crystal S machine which will true your base and put a nice structured finish that will help hold wax and enhance performance. Putting the correct factory bevel on the edges is always part of a stone grind. I would recommend doing this at the beginning of the season then doing regular touch up work and waxing your bases as need throughout the season. The snow conditions that you ski affect the condition of your ski base. On frozen granular you will wear off the wax in a days skiing. I soft snow conditions wax will last several days.
Hey fellow pack rat, I've seen a lot of videos about skis. Mostly yours, again, you make it easy to understand. I've seen different opinions. Guess who I'm going to listen too? .... The girl that's won the gold medal, that's who!! Thanks for teaching me!! Barry
Nice vid explaining the edge angles. True bars are nice to have so you know what to be asking for on a tune/base grind. Some of the tuning machine operators are like gods on what they can do...others just grind away. lol. The right wax is a great tool. Storing off season with them waxed and not scraped is good too! Unless you are top racing material, I don’t think the reward value is there for expensive waxes or Floro adders. Those Floro adders have toxic fumes when heated too, beware! 12 days till Steamboat trip! 🤩⛷
Wow, enfin ! Je viens d'arrêter la vidéo pour écrire mon mot, juste pour étirer le plaisir. La cerise sur le sundae arrive. Je viens de terminer de regarder. C'EST TROP COURT ! J'aime, j'adore, je cajole mes skis, ce sont mes outils de plaisir. J'aurais aimé en avoir davantage.
few weeks ago got my new Head WC Rebels i.Shape Pro AB+PR 10 GW 13.4 radius too them to my trusted tuner for new ski prep he said they were pretty much right on so a very hot wax and detune the tips and tails. I live up here near Mt Baker so no local shops sell a ski like this just wide and fat for that Baker Powder dude!!!!
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thanks Deb. It is more due to my lack of ski knowledge. I'm relatively new to skiing and not a racer etc..the ski edge is easy to grasp. Not sure about the base talk. Someday it will make sense.
Why the base edge level isn't taken at zero? It will react promptly. I love the way you explain everything around ski. I come here to be a better monitor, a better understanding skier. You are our inspiration resource.
I know this comment is old but I can answer your question. The reason no one keeps their base edge at zero degrees is because that makes the skis too catchy on the snow. It makes it impossible to do slight adjustments and it makes your skis bite into the snow way too soon. As soon as you tip your ski it takes off! No one likes it when their skis run away from them, because then they lose control and it can be dangerous. This can be especially dangerous for beginners who don't know edge control at all, or intermediates who are just learning more advanced edge control with parallel skiing. You want them to have a little wiggle room so it's easier to maintain a flat ski, and easier to tip your skis on edge gradually. I hope that made sense lol
Hey, Deb. Any references / primers you can recommend for ski tech fundamental knowledge? I wanted to dive deeper on the edge angles. What you said makes sense; thanks for posting the video. I need more reinforcement.
Good question. Look around on the internet. I don't have any specific recommendations. Wax companies like Swix, Holmenkol, Toko - may have videos on their sites.
You can find the factory recommendations with a google search. I found a web site www.the pisteoffice.com. The most common combination is 1 degree base and 1-2 degrees on the side edge. If you tune your own skis go to RUclips for a how to video. Unless you are racing I would go with factory recommendations. The more radical you go with bevel angles the more sensitive your skis will react. A lower base angle and higher side angle can be demanding of a very high skill level and unforgiving of operator error. If you’re a recreational skier stick with a 1 base and 1-2 side unless the factory recommendations are different.
Hi Deb, I learn something from all your videos love em and now I'm edge aware so thank you! Question on waxing - I bought my new skis this summer and had them apply the DPS Phantom 2.0 Base Treatment. Are you familiar with this product, would you recommend waxing for their first use or not needed? Thanks in advance!
Hello Deb! I hope to ski with you someday. I got a pair of Head Total Joy skis for the coming season (85 mm under foot), after learning to ski on a pair of Elans that I rented last season (75 mm under foot). I was in a development program last season and progressed quickly to an advanced-intermediate frontside skier. I plan on taking season-long development again this season, but I’m wondering if I should have gotten a pair of skis that are skinnier under foot while I still learn and progress? I’m nervous about the 85 mm width. I ski in the northeast by the way- lots of hard pack and ice. If you could let me know your thoughts I would really appreciate it! Thanks for all that you do and for helping to make the winter my favorite season ☺️
Well you now own the 185. Yes, I'm may be wider that what is ideal for your hard pack conditions. The 185 is at the wider end of the spectrum of ideal. That said, they may be just fine for you. They are ballpark. Give them a shot with confidence and have fun!!!!!!!
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I’ll give em a shot for sure! I appreciate your guidance ☺️. If they’re a bit too wide I’ll keep them and add a skinnier pair to my quiver (I’ll never say no to an excuse to get more gear!). Once it’s safe to do so I’ll plan a trip out to Steamboat for a few days of fun 🤩
why would u make skis less reactive and make base adge 1,2,3%? whats the idea behind it? and second question , Can making side edge 4% make you uncomfortabel to ski ?
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I'm glad you used it, now I have evidence it's real LOL! The operator literally cannot believe how this happens to a ski, I have to explain, it's rocket science LOL but in all seriousness, it can be a serious problem, especially on pure ice as you know. Great video.
I would really like to speak with you and possible get a lesson from you. I have watched you for almost 2 years and I am 60 years old and starting skiing.
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong thank you. Do you do any zoom or video training, personal training? I live in Florida and have been going to Big Sky last 2 years including 2021. Can we do something like that... I would be willing to pay for your time. Thank you so much
The shorter length for this season will better match my strength level. I have been on the 174 length. That is a beast of a ski. If I stay on that length I will lose versatility, touch, enjoyment, etc.
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thanks for that. I thought of doing the same thing and going a little softer. Probably rent first. Old injuries are starting to bite and happy to just crusie around some days.
Deb as someone who maintains/edges and waxes mine/my wife’s and both my children’s skis all season every season, I can attest to your advice that maintenance of your equipment means better performance on hill...as usual excellent content and advice. Thanks!!
OMG those Dynamic VR17s -- Tamara McKinney won World Cups on those!! So much LEGEND in that quiver of skis - and so love that Deb still has them!!
The videos are great! Apropos of nothing, in your ski lineup, I recognize my old Kneissl RS, and my old Blizzard Firebirds, which I managed to save for collection 40+ years after use.
Your equipment is only as good as you treat it. Proper maintenance keeps you and your tuner happy. There are so many variables in tuning pls talk with your local shop.
Maintenance of skis make skiing way more fun and easy! Wax, wax, wax!! Thanks, Deb. Didn't know about the bases. Will check mine out.
Love your segments Deb. Hugs from Nakiska ‘88.
Thank you!!! I was waiting for this content.
Having worked in Ski Shops for many decades I would recommend dropping your skis off at your local shops for a sharpen, wax and stone grind.
My shop uses a Montana Crystal S machine which will true your base and put a nice structured finish that will help hold wax and enhance performance. Putting the correct factory bevel on the edges is always part of a stone grind. I would recommend doing this at the beginning of the season then doing regular touch up work and waxing your bases as need throughout the season. The snow conditions that you ski affect the condition of your ski base. On frozen granular you will wear off the wax in a days skiing. I soft snow conditions wax will last several days.
Hey fellow pack rat, I've seen a lot of videos about skis. Mostly yours, again, you make it easy to understand. I've seen different opinions. Guess who I'm going to listen too? .... The girl that's won the gold medal, that's who!!
Thanks for teaching me!!
Barry
Love it Barry!!!! Thanks.
Nice vid explaining the edge angles. True bars are nice to have so you know what to be asking for on a tune/base grind. Some of the tuning machine operators are like gods on what they can do...others just grind away. lol.
The right wax is a great tool. Storing off season with them waxed and not scraped is good too! Unless you are top racing material, I don’t think the reward value is there for expensive waxes or Floro adders. Those Floro adders have toxic fumes when heated too, beware!
12 days till Steamboat trip! 🤩⛷
Wow, enfin ! Je viens d'arrêter la vidéo pour écrire mon mot, juste pour étirer le plaisir. La cerise sur le sundae arrive.
Je viens de terminer de regarder. C'EST TROP COURT ! J'aime, j'adore, je cajole mes skis, ce sont mes outils de plaisir. J'aurais aimé en avoir davantage.
Hey Deb! Thanks for he video
few weeks ago got my new Head WC Rebels i.Shape Pro AB+PR 10 GW 13.4 radius too them to my trusted tuner for new ski prep he said they were pretty much right on so a very hot wax and detune the tips and tails. I live up here near Mt Baker so no local shops sell a ski like this just wide and fat for that Baker Powder dude!!!!
Nice ski collection :)
Yes! Finally a video that explains the skill difference between Deb and I - equipment. 😐
Seriously - it went over my head.
Did my content go over your head? Important for me to know.
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thanks Deb. It is more due to my lack of ski knowledge. I'm relatively new to skiing and not a racer etc..the ski edge is easy to grasp. Not sure about the base talk. Someday it will make sense.
@@umbTraining feel free to run any questions by me.
Hi, Deb!
Can you make a short video about what they do with skis in the ski service and what you do before the ski season ?
I loved my VR17
Why the base edge level isn't taken at zero? It will react promptly.
I love the way you explain everything around ski. I come here to be a better monitor, a better understanding skier. You are our inspiration resource.
I know this comment is old but I can answer your question. The reason no one keeps their base edge at zero degrees is because that makes the skis too catchy on the snow. It makes it impossible to do slight adjustments and it makes your skis bite into the snow way too soon. As soon as you tip your ski it takes off! No one likes it when their skis run away from them, because then they lose control and it can be dangerous. This can be especially dangerous for beginners who don't know edge control at all, or intermediates who are just learning more advanced edge control with parallel skiing. You want them to have a little wiggle room so it's easier to maintain a flat ski, and easier to tip your skis on edge gradually. I hope that made sense lol
Old Atomic ARC is a good ski. I take mine out sometimes. They are fast. Ice is your friend on those.
You should have described "proper tuning" for those 240 cm speed skis, with rounded-off edges, etc.
But Deb, how often? I go big mountain skiing (whistler) once maybe twice a year for a week or so each time. How often should I wax and sharpen?
Have your skis tuned before each trip and you will be all set!!
Hey, Deb. Any references / primers you can recommend for ski tech fundamental knowledge? I wanted to dive deeper on the edge angles. What you said makes sense; thanks for posting the video. I need more reinforcement.
Good question. Look around on the internet. I don't have any specific recommendations. Wax companies like Swix, Holmenkol, Toko - may have videos on their sites.
You can find the factory recommendations with a google search. I found a web site www.the pisteoffice.com. The most common combination is 1 degree base and 1-2 degrees on the side edge. If you tune your own skis go to RUclips for a how to video. Unless you are racing I would go with factory recommendations. The more radical you go with bevel angles the more sensitive your skis will react. A lower base angle and higher side angle can be demanding of a very high skill level and unforgiving of operator error. If you’re a recreational skier stick with a 1 base and 1-2 side unless the factory recommendations are different.
Hi Deb, I learn something from all your videos love em and now I'm edge aware so thank you! Question on waxing - I bought my new skis this summer and had them apply the DPS Phantom 2.0 Base Treatment. Are you familiar with this product, would you recommend waxing for their first use or not needed? Thanks in advance!
sorry, not familiar. you don't need to be fancy with wax. not at all. but wax is good. Like oiling a bike chain. the bike will perform better.
Phantom says you don't need to wax after the application. The pores of the base have basically been filled with the material.
Hello Deb! I hope to ski with you someday. I got a pair of Head Total Joy skis for the coming season (85 mm under foot), after learning to ski on a pair of Elans that I rented last season (75 mm under foot). I was in a development program last season and progressed quickly to an advanced-intermediate frontside skier. I plan on taking season-long development again this season, but I’m wondering if I should have gotten a pair of skis that are skinnier under foot while I still learn and progress? I’m nervous about the 85 mm width. I ski in the northeast by the way- lots of hard pack and ice.
If you could let me know your thoughts I would really appreciate it! Thanks for all that you do and for helping to make the winter my favorite season ☺️
Well you now own the 185. Yes, I'm may be wider that what is ideal for your hard pack conditions. The 185 is at the wider end of the spectrum of ideal. That said, they may be just fine for you. They are ballpark. Give them a shot with confidence and have fun!!!!!!!
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I’ll give em a shot for sure! I appreciate your guidance ☺️. If they’re a bit too wide I’ll keep them and add a skinnier pair to my quiver (I’ll never say no to an excuse to get more gear!). Once it’s safe to do so I’ll plan a trip out to Steamboat for a few days of fun 🤩
@@meurcieredding350 yep, sounds perfect
why would u make skis less reactive and make base adge 1,2,3%? whats the idea behind it? and second question , Can making side edge 4% make you uncomfortabel to ski ?
Railed? LOL. How many times have I used that word and the Wintersteiger operator looks at me like I’m nuts. 😀
HA! That's funny. Is it not a relevant term anymore?
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I'm glad you used it, now I have evidence it's real LOL! The operator literally cannot believe how this happens to a ski, I have to explain, it's rocket science LOL but in all seriousness, it can be a serious problem, especially on pure ice as you know. Great video.
I clicked the link thinking it said, “How ski SEPARATION relates to ski performance.” Pleasant surprise, nonetheless.
That's a great topic!!!
I would really like to speak with you and possible get a lesson from you. I have watched you for almost 2 years and I am 60 years old and starting skiing.
I am based in Steamboat
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong thank you. Do you do any zoom or video training, personal training? I live in Florida and have been going to Big Sky last 2 years including 2021. Can we do something like that... I would be willing to pay for your time. Thank you so much
debskiarmstrong@gmail.com
@Jack O. debskiarmstrong@gmail.com
Why did you go shorter this year ?
The shorter length for this season will better match my strength level. I have been on the 174 length. That is a beast of a ski. If I stay on that length I will lose versatility, touch, enjoyment, etc.
@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thanks for that. I thought of doing the same thing and going a little softer. Probably rent first. Old injuries are starting to bite and happy to just crusie around some days.