Ski Testing

In the picture above, you will see the apparatus that I use to test skis. The platform is a 7 foot piece of aluminum, 4"x 4", milled completely flat in a machine shop. A digital force gauge, which is attached to a test stand with a hand wheel, is used to measure the force applied to the ski. The hand wheel is used to move the force gauge up and down. A digital indicator, accurate to the nearest thousandth of a millimetre, has a probe which protrudes through the top of the aluminum. This indicator is used to measure the camber height.

Skate Ski Testing

A force of 50% Body Weight followed by 100% B.W., is applied at 8 cm behind the balance point of the ski. Marks are put on the ski to indicate the pressure zones at the front and the back of the ski for both 50% and 100% B.W. The camber height is measured while using a force of 100% and 120% B.W., applied at 8 cm behind the balance point. By examining the camber height and the pressure zones as they change from 50% to 100% and then to 120% B.W., I am able to determine the type of snow conditions which the ski is best suited.

Classic Ski Testing

With pressure at 8 cm behind the balance point, using 50% Body Weight, marks are put on the ski in front of the balance point to indicate 2, 4, 6, and 10 layers (if applicable) of hard wax. We use a feeler gauge to measure the wax zones. (0.1mm – 2 layers, 0.2mm – 4 layers, 0.3mm – 6 layers, 0.5mm – 10 layers). Using a pressure of 66% B.W. applied at 15 cm behind the balance point, marks are put on the ski behind the balance point to indicate 2, 4, 6, and 10 layers of hard wax. With a force applied at 8 cm behind the balance point, the force is increased until the dial indicator reads 0.2mm and this force is recorded. The force is then increased until the indicator reads 0.1mm. The extra force required to close the ski to 0.1mm is a good indication of the extra force required to completely finish/close the ski. To test the residual camber of the ski (if present), I apply a pressure of 100% B.W. at 8 cm behind the balance point. Using the feeler gauge, I determine where the ski has not been completely flattened. Marks are put on the ski to indicate to indicate the residual camber zone, where more wax can be added, if needed.

Cost of Ski Testing

• Assess touring/kids skis - $5
• Test racing skis and put on the marks - $10
• Test racing skis, put on the marks, fill out an assessment sheet - $20