Grind

A good grind is the cornerstone of a good base structure.

The structure in the ski base determines how much friction there is between the snow and the ski, but the source of the friction varies a lot in different conditions. Wet slushy conditions have a very differently behavior than slow cold conditions. Therefore, we must adapt the structure to the different conditions.

We get the structure in the base through a grinding process that sets a pattern and with a certain depth of the pattern. This is made by a diamond, which cut lines in the grinding stone, and the grinding stone transfers this pattern to the base. When the structure is put on the base, we measure how deep the lines are cut into the base. We are calling this measured number for RA - roughness average.

Both for us and for you as a customer it’s crucial to keep control over the RA value.
Therefore, it’s the RA value that is used as the base to describe how we name our grinds. We measure the RA value on every single pair of skis and mark this number on the grinding tag. This way you can learn which type of skis and RA value will work at the different conditions.

This inspire us to be very accurate with every single pair. Grinding skis is an art, the grinding stones and the diamonds are not consistent, and the RA value can change from day to day. It requires being exact, patience and passion to be able to recreate the grind we wish, again and again.

Our grinds

We offer nine different grinds; five for classic - SP20, SP30, SP40. SP50 and SP60, four for skating - SP20, SP25, SP30 and SP40.

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Classic

Name

Conditions

SP20

1.9-2.5

Squeaky

For classic skis this is the coldest grind and the lowest RA value. This grind can be used when it’s very dry and is referred to the typical squeaky snow. This is often the last pair to complete the fleet. Most would rather prioritize an extra pair of SP30.
Snow humidity: 16-22%

SP30

2.8-3.3

Universial Cold

This is the grind that is used the most. Also called universal cold/all-round. The grind handles the coldest days and will often go well all the way up to zero. It can be used with soft waxes.
Snow humidity: 20-30%

SP40

3.8-4.3

Zero (hairies)

This works well on both sides of zero and it is the grind that is used in difficult conditions- zero conditions/hairies. It is usually goes with the softest waxes, klister cover or hard klisters. This grind was significantly improved the season 21/22.
Snow humidity: 30-35%.

SP50

4.8-5.3

Klister

SP50 is a good klister grind with a broad range that covers most of the traditional klister conditions. Works well also as a klister cover. This grind was significantly improved the season 21/22.
Snow humidity: 35%+

SP60

6.0+

Red klister

This is a grind for the wet days. Often used at the start or the end of the season.
Snow humidity: 40%+

Click on the grind to read about the area of use.

If you only have one pair of classic, then it’s usually the SP30 that’s the best choice. If you wish to have two pairs then the SP30 and the SP50 is recommended, then you are well covered for dry and wet. To add a third pair we recommend the SP40, with these three pairs the skier will have good coverage for the most common conditions.

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Skate

Name

Conditions

SP20

1.7-2.1

Squeaky

For skate skis this is the coldest grind and the lowest RA value. This grind can be used when it is very dry and is referred to the typical squeaky snow.
Snow humidity: 16-25%

SP25

2.3-2.7

Universal Cold

This is the most used grind for the skate skis. It can be compared to the SP30 classic grind with regards to the temperature, humidity and snow facets. It goes well on cold days and works well up towards zero. It is at its’ best on proper good winter snow.
Snow humidity: 20-30%

SP30

2.8-3.3

Zero

This grind works well on both sides of zero. For many this will be their warmest grind. This grind was significantly improved the season 21/22.
Snow humidity: 25-35%

SP40

3.8-4.3

Wet

This grind works well when it gets close to spring, tracks are breaking and there is more humidity in the snow. This grind was significantly improved the season 21/22.
Snow humidity: 30%+

Click on the grind to see the area of use.

If you only have one pair of skate skis, the SP25 is often the best choice. If you wish to have two pairs it is common to have one pair with the SP25 and one pair with SP30. If you want to add more skis then it’s best to evaluate which side of the scale you want to prioritize to get the most use out of the skis.

The grinding shop

Skiplukkern has four grinding machines; two Tazzarri Albatros RP23, one Wintersteiger Race NC and one Wintersteiger Matrix NC. This gives us the opportunity to be both flexible and search development of new grinds, and it gives us a high capacity to grind a high volume of skis.

The grinding shop is located in Røykenveien 70 in Asker. This is where you can deliver your skis to get them grinded. We are often out picking /testing skis, so please give us a call ahead to see if we are at the shop.