START LINE XC SKI SERVICES
STONE GRINDING & PRECISION INFRARED WAXING
Stone Grinding helps skis to live a longer & healthier life and perform better throughout their lifetime. Get the full benefit of your ski investment. Consider periodic Stone Grinding as an ounce of prevention, an insurance policy to keep you happy on your skis. A healthy, flat ski base yields faster & more stable skiing & who does not want that?
WHY STONE GRIND?
Montana Stone Grinder, Nordic Specific
XC ski bases develop scratches, imperfections, uneven wear (lack of flatness) & “hairs” through normal use and waxing. The polyethylene ski base has small pores which allow wax absorption & for wax to penetrate the base. Over time, these pores become clogged with trail debris, other small particles, even normal wax application, all limit wax absorption. If the wax is not properly absorbed, your waxing efforts may be for naught as the base is not able to optimally absorb the wax. Play it smart & treat your skis to periodic Stone Grinding to ensure that your ski bases are benefiting from your time, labor & wax investment.
DO MY SKIS NEED GRINDING?
If you notice any of the following, your skis may need Stone Grinding: bases look white or chalky after a ski, variability in the base surface causing difficulty with scraping, base appears overly smooth with lack of structure, skis are difficult to control, you have been using a lot of cold waxes or fluoros or simply that your friends are always out-gliding you.
WHAT ABOUT MY WAXLESS SKIS?
The term “waxless skis” (skins & scales) is somewhat of a misnomer. Waxless does not mean never wax. These skis also suffer from wear issues, described above, particularly at the glide zones. Stone grinding is safe for waxless skis as the kick zone integrity is maintained. The kick zone of “scale” skis absorbs wax & our Infrared Waxer can accommodate these skis.
SURELY MY NEW SKIS DON’T NEED GRINDING?
Even new skis, fresh off the showroom floor, can often benefit from Stone Grinding. The initial factory grind may be uneven or not meet strict quality control. During long warehouse storage, the ski bases may absorb dirt or become oxidized or hardened. Have your new skis evaluated to determine if initial Stone Grinding may be helpful.
HOW WE DO IT
Cable WI XC Ski Stone Grinding
At START LINE SERVICES, we offer Nordic Specific Stone Grinding with specific grind/structure chosen in consultation with our clients. If you have one pair of skis, it is best to choose a versatile, all-around grind. If you have the luxury of multiple skis, assign each pair a dedicated structure to match anticipated weather & snow conditions. Mike has a quarter century of Nordic grinding experience. He has the added perk of shop located on the trail, optimizing opportunity to test grinds right out the door. Through his extensive testing & experience, he can confidently provide proven grinds.
Prior to grinding, the skis are inspected for any needed repairs. This is discussed with the client prior to proceeding. Optimal ski performance involves at least the following factors, proper fit/flex and proper structure/grind. As part of the Stone Grinding service, Mike offers Fit/Flex Analysis gratis at grind consultation.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Think of Stone Grinding like a dermabrasion or “facial” for the ski base. The grinding process carefully removes the damaged & hardened layer of base, removes scratches, other imperfections & debris and exposes a virgin surface which will avidly absorb wax through freshly opened pores.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Infra-red Waxer, Wax Future
We provide Precision Infrared Waxing as part of our Stone Grinding service at no extra charge. This is a safe & highly effective method for base saturation: even heat & wax distribution, no contact & does not produce condensation. It is precise & well-controlled with the heat penetrating only the base with no compromise to the overall integrity of the skis.
Our Stone Grinding procedure is a tried & true multi-step process lending performance & skiing enjoyment.
TRAIL READY SERVICE
Wax Clinic at START LINE SERVICES
After grinding and wax saturation, a base hardening process is highly recommended. We provide this at Start Line Services for an additional charge or the client may choose to do this on their own.
Want your skis trail ready at hand off so you can ski out our door onto the Birkie Trail? If yes, please inquire about our Trail Ready Service.
Treat your skis and yourself to Ski Spa Stone Grinding & Infrared Waxing at Start Line Services