What Is a Base Bevel?
A bevel is a slope from a horizontal — in this case, it’s the angle between the flat base of your ski and the steel edge. The base bevel is cut into the bottom of the edge, typically between 0.75° and 1.5°, to allow the ski to release smoothly from the snow.
Why It Matters:
- Less base bevel = quicker edge engagement, more responsiveness.
- More base bevel = smoother, more forgiving ride.
This subtle geometry plays a big role in how your ski feels underfoot. Race skis often have minimal base bevel for lightning-quick edge engagement. Recreational skis tend to have more to make turning easier and more forgiving.
What Is a Side Edge Angle?
Now imagine a plane perpendicular to your ski base — the side edge angle is the amount of material removed from the side of the edge relative to that plane. Most skiers use side edge angles between 2° and 3°.
Why It Matters:
- Higher side angles (e.g., 3°) create a sharper, more acute edge.
- This increases grip, especially on icy or steep terrain — but also requires more maintenance.
If your skis are sliding out on firm snow, a more aggressive side edge angle might be the answer.
Understanding the Difference
This part is critical for anyone tuning skis:
- Base bevel is measured from the ski’s base.
- Side edge angle is measured from a vertical reference to the base.
Key Point:
If you remove metal from the side edge, your base remains unchanged.
But if you remove material from the base side, you are increasing the base bevel — possibly more than you intend.
To reduce base bevel, you first need to regrind the base flat, then re-establish the desired angle by working only on the edge. That’s one reason why proper base grinding is essential before making precision edge changes.
The Reality of Precision
Even with machine parameter settings and Base Bevel Tools, ski tuning comes with some tolerance. There’s an inherent margin of error — about ±0.25°.
So, when you aim for a 0.75° base bevel, your result might range anywhere from 0.5° to 1°. This isn’t precision millwrighting — and that’s okay. Consistency matters more than perfection.
How Edge Angles Affect Ski Feel
Let’s simplify:
| Angle Type | Lower Value | Higher Value |
|---|---|---|
| Base Bevel | Faster edge engagement | Smoother, delayed engagement |
| Side Edge | Less grip, easier to release | More grip, better hold |
The right combination of angles makes your skis feel dialed in, precise, and comfortable — for your style and snow conditions.
Tips for Tuning or Testing
If you’re experimenting with edge angles, here’s where to start:
- Keep your base bevel constant at first.
- Adjust your side edge angle in 0.5° increments to feel the difference.
- Avoid obsessing over 0.25° changes — they’re hard to measure and rarely felt on snow.
- Use your own skiing feedback to decide what works best.
And remember: if you overdo the base bevel and want to reduce it, you’ll need to have the skis stone ground flat again.
Final Thoughts
Edge geometry and finish is one of the most important aspects in Ski Tuning. Even small adjustments can dramatically change how your skis feel on snow.
My advice? Don’t chase numbers. Chase the feel. Find what gives you confidence and control, and keep it consistent.
Need your skis professionally tuned or re-ground for performance?
Let’s talk. We specialize in tuning for skiers who can feel the difference.