Skidvalla.se recommends
The base edge angle affects how quickly the ski tips up onto edge and how easily it pivots. The side edge angle affects grip on hard snow and how aggressively the edge engages. Here we have gathered our own recommendations for recreational skiers, racers and snowboarders.
Ski construction
Before the steel edge itself can be sharpened, the top sheet, sidewall, sidewall step, or titanal may be in the way and need to be worked on.
How the angles work
The base edge angle controls how quickly the ski comes up on edge and how easily it pivots. The side edge angle mainly controls how aggressively the edge bites and how much grip you get on hard snow.
0.3° to 1.5°
86° to 89°
In this guide, we use the Swedish standard and state the actual side edge angle - 86°, 87°, 88° or 89°. On some foreign tools, the tool's external angle is listed instead.
Quick selection
If you just want quick guidance, these are the four most common side edge angles and how they are typically used.
The easiest to ski and the easiest to maintain. Suitable for many beginners and more relaxed recreational skiing.
A very common choice for piste skis. Good balance between grip, durability and a forgiving feel.
More aggressive grip for skilled skiers, harder snow surfaces and skis that are skied more actively.
Primarily for very demanding race skis and skiers who know exactly what they want.
Our general recommendations
The values are practical starting points. Blank cells mean that we do not provide any general recommendation for that combination.
Base = base edge angle. Side edge = actual angle of the steel edge.
Swipe the table sideways on mobile.
| Discipline | U12 | U14-U16 | U18-WC | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Side edge | Base | Side edge | Base | Side edge | |
| Slalom | 0,7°-1,0° | 88° | 0,5°-0,7° | 87°-88° | 0.3°-0.5° | 86°-87° |
| Giant Slalom | 0.7°-1.0° | 88° | 0.5°-1.0° | 87°-88° | 0.5°-0.7° | 86°-87° |
| Super-G | - | - | 0.7°-1.0° | 87°-88° | 0.5°-1.0° | 87° |
| Downhill | - | - | 1.0° | 87° | 1.0° | 87° |
| Alpine snowboard | 1.0° | 89° | 1.0° | 87°-88° | 0.5°-1.0° | 87° |
Our general recommendations
For most recreational skiers, it is more important to choose a sensible base bevel and keep the edge even than to chase the most extreme setup.
Base = base edge angle. Side edge = actual angle of the steel edge.
Swipe the table sideways on mobile.
| Discipline | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced-Expert | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Side edge | Base | Side edge | Base | Side edge | |
| Groomed slopes | 1.0°-1.5° | 89° | 1.0° | 88°-89° | 0.5°-0.7° | 87°-88° |
| Off-piste | 1.5° | 89° | 1.0°-1.5° | 88°-89° | 1.0°-1.5° | 87°-88° |
| Park / freeride | 0.7°-1.5° | 88°-89° | 0.7°-1.5° | 88° | 0.5°-1.5° | 87°-88° |
| Freeride snowboard | 1.0°-1.5° | 89° | 1.0°-1.5° | 89° | 1.0°-1.5° | 88°-89° |
If the ski performs well and you do not have a clear problem, it is often wise to stick with the angle you are already comfortable with.
It is better to go from 89° to 88° than to jump straight to 87°. The same applies to the base edge angle - small changes are clearly noticeable.
A smooth and well-polished edge will usually feel better than an aggressive angle that is unevenly filed or worn.
