Snowboard tune up... in store or DIY ?

Question

my store charges $20 for edging and waxing... I go snowboarding 2x a week now and it will be real expen$ive to keep my board tuned this way.

Has anyone tried those home do-it-yourself snowboard tuneup kits with the mini-iron and the handheld edger? How does it measure up to the in-store service?

Answer 1

I generally go with getting my board a one off full service at the beginning of the season and then maintaining pretty much everything else myself/between mates. Waxing is easy - just need to know what type of wax you want. Edging is straightforward and filling is ok. If I think Ive done pretty major damage to my base Ill take it in to the my fav. boardshop and ask their advice. If there is one shop that you generally go to for all your supplies you'll prob find them really helpful to talk to if you have any questions.

My iron was about £20 UK and wax for cold dry snow £4 and general all purpose wax about the same price. Even with the edger, scraper and a brush I reckon you'll save a fair amount of money over the course of a season.

Answer 2

Once you get some practice, edge sharpening is a piece of cake and anyone can hotwax their own board better than most shops.  Go for it.  If you need some further information on tuning and waxing see this excellent guide free from KUU:

http://www.kuu.com/tuningmanual2.pdf