Skidvalla.se recommends
The base edge angle affects how quickly the ski rolls onto edge and how easy it is to pivot. 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 actual steel edge can be sharpened, the top sheet, sidewall, sidewall step or Titanal may be in the way and need to be machined.
How the angles work
The base edge angle determines how quickly the ski comes up on edge and how easily it pivots. The side edge angle primarily determines 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 given instead.
Quick selection
If you just want quick guidance, these are the four most common side edge angles and how they are usually 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 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. Empty boxes mean that we do not give any general recommendation for that combination.
Base = base edge angle. Side edge = actual angle on the steel edge.
Swipe the table sideways on mobile.
| Discipline | U12 | U14-U16 | U18-WC | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base edge | Side edge | Base edge | Side edge | Base edge | 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 and riders, it is more important to choose a sensible base edge angle and keep the edge even than to chase the most extreme setup.
Base edge = base edge angle. Side edge = actual angle on the steel edge.
Swipe the table sideways on mobile.
| Type of skiing | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced-expert | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base edge | Side edge | Base edge | Side edge | Base edge | Side edge | |
| Piste | 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° |
| Snowboard freeride | 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 already feel 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, well-polished edge usually feels better than an aggressive angle that is unevenly filed or worn.
