The Best Ski and Snowboard Tuning Kits

  • Nick Rezzonico

If you’ve owned a snowboard or skis for a while, you know that consistent riding can cause some heavy wear and tear. Divots in the base, dulling of the edges from making sharp turns, and dents and scratches near the bindings are all common forms of snowboard or ski damage. These issues can be frustrating, but luckily, ski and snowboard tuning kits are here to smooth things over. You’ve invested a good chunk of change in your board or skis, so there’s no reason to let these small blemishes pile up into a more serious repair that’ll end up costing you more money. We’ve put together a list of the best ski and snowboard tuning kits on the market to help you choose the right one for you.

Demon Complete Ski/Snowboard Tuning Kit

Speed Demon

Demon’s complete ski/snowboard tuning kit is a full spectrum assortment of all the tools you’ll need to keep your skis in tip-top shape.
Best Overall

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Demon’s tuning kit has got all the bases covered. The flat file and edge tuner that come with the kit are perfect for filing down any inconsistencies in the board and keeping the edges honed for sharp turns. Three wire brushes are also included for brushing any dirt out of the base of the board before the waxing process. A couple of candles of P-tex are added for filling in any deeper divots in the base. Most notably, the Demon kit includes an adjustable temperature wax iron to melt down the wax before you apply it to the base. Of course, the kit also includes a hefty chunk of Demon’s wax along with a polish pad to finish everything off. For the price, it doesn’t get better than Demon’s complete tuning kit.

Pros:

  • Perfect size for traveling
  • Comes with enough wax to tune several boards or skis

Cons:

  • It’s hard to fit everything into the carrying case because the brushes take up a lot of room

Winterial Ski/Snowboard Tuning Kit

Waxing with Winterial

Winterial lives up to its sterling reputation in cold-weather sporting goods with this economical and compact tuning kit.
Best Wax Iron

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As one of the most respected brands in cold-weather sporting goods, Winterial has set a very high standard. With this ski/snowboard tuning kit, the company truly hit the mark. All the essentials are here for proper waxing and sharpening. The kit contains an adjustable edge tuner that can be calibrated from 87-90 degrees for hyper-precise edge sharpening. Along with the wax and an adjustable temperature wax iron, there’s also a wax apron with storage pockets to keep your clothes safe while waxing. For a mid-range tuning kit, Winterial hit it out of the park with this one.

Pros:

  • Comes with an apron that helps keep your clothes safe during the sometimes messy waxing process
  • A very compact bag that is easy to store

Cons:

  • The metal scraper could be a bit sharper

XCMAN Ski/Snowboard Tuning Kit

Bare Necessities

XCMAN’s minimalist kit is a must-get item for occasional riders who want to get simple tunings done without breaking the bank.
Best for Travel

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XCMAN comes in clutch with the perfect pick for infrequent riders who don’t need all the bells and whistles. You’ll still get everything you need to do a minor tune-up and you’ll save a bunch of money in the process. XCMAN’s kit comes with the standard three brush set (nylon, horsehair, and brass), wax, P-tex, files, and stones. One notable exception from this kit is the wax iron, which is something that all of our other picks contain. Proper board waxing does necessitate heat from an iron to melt the wax, so this kit’s lack of an iron is a bit of a downside; however, the sharpening tools are top-notch, so if you can find another way to heat the wax, this kit is an excellent way to save some money on tuning.

Pros:

  • Economical and minimalist kit perfect for hobbyists
  • The brushes are all high-quality and effective

Cons:

  • No wax iron included

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is it to keep up with routine ski and snowboard tuning?

For the longevity of your board and your own personal safety, keeping up with routine tuning is paramount. Allowing scratches and dents in the base to build up and deepen may lead to more substantial cracks that could require expensive repairs or replacements. That’s why properly waxing your board often is essential. Keeping your edges sharpened is also a surefire way to make sure that your turns on the mountain will be safe and swift.

Will I save money by buying a kit instead of going to a shop for tuning?

The short answer is, yes, almost certainly. By the time you tune your board or skis twice with most kits, you will have already saved about half the money it would’ve taken to get your board tuned twice. Prices may vary in different areas and different shops, but as a general rule, learning how to use your own tuning kit will save you money in the long run.

About the Author

Nick is a tech aficionado with a passion for making sure everyone gets the best bang for your buck without sacrificing quality. He has worked closely with electronics for many years in his capacity as a singer, songwriter, producer, and recording engineer. Nick’s mission is to help you choose the best electronic gear that will make your life easier and less stressful.

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