Does a Brand New Snowboard Need the Edges Sharpened?
The edges of a new snowboard should be sharpened before you use it--a process called detuning. Many snowboard shops will perform this service when the board is purchased. If yours doesn't, do the job yourself to avoid encountering edge hooks and burrs. The edges of your snowboard are critical to your performance, and their degree of sharpness will affect how well they cut into the snow. Smooth, even, correctly sharpened edges have less resistance and give you better control. If you detune the board before use, it will give you a better and safer ride.
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Instructions
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Use a medium-course file to buff out burrs in the edges of the snowboard. Run your hand over the edge to find these spots, and check after filing to be sure they're smooth.
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Find the board's contact point--the widest part of the board at the nose and tail. These are the areas most prone to catching on hard snow or ice. Use the file and begin an inch behind the widest points and round out the edge, working toward you.
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Detune the rest of the board's edges. Place the file at a 45-degree angle and complete one-third of the board at a time, using light strokes to slightly round the entire edge.
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Wipe the board and edges down with a clean cloth to remove any remaining shreds left by filing.
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Run a gummy or diamond stone over the edges to polish them. This will ensure that your edges are completely smooth and remove any remaining burrs or snags.
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Tips & Warnings
Carry a gummy stone with you for quick fine-tuning or to remove minor burrs. Use a diamond stone to keep your edges polished.
Sharpen your snowboard's edges to the degree that will provide the amount of grip you want. Most snowboard edges are sharpened to a 90-degree angle, but for better grip on icy snow, sharpen them to 88 degrees. Don't sharpen a board more than 88 degrees unless you use a racing board.
References
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