Fin Settings

[Skiag]

Can someone please explain how to measure fin settings? As well as how moving the fin changes the skis ride?

 

I know I need a caliper, and I do have one...

 

Thanks in advance...

[jwr]

Go to Goode's site. They have a good explanation and pictures. http://www.goode.com/wstfinadj.htm

also check out schnitz's site.

[jwr]

I guess I type slow.

[drewski]

So I know this is an old thread but I was hoping you guys could help out with a couple questions I had after following Goode's instructions.

 

1. Does having the wing upside (as shown in Goode's pic) differ in performance compared to flipping it opposite (right side up - screws below wing)? I know angle is what dictates performance but does that added depth do anything?

 

2. When measuring the distance to tail, do you measure to the bottom or top of the ski? Because mine has a pretty good chamfer on it and when measuring from the fin to the back of the ski on the bottom side, its very hard to get a good definite measurement as you have to eyeball the end of the ski.

 

Any thoughts? Thanks ballers!

[colo_skier]

@drewski . DFT is normally given to the bottom of the ski unless you are using the EZ-fin tool. You then measure DFT normal and then with the EZ-fin tool and use the EZ-fin tool measurement since it's easier to replicate (at least for a novice such as I). Also you will read about using the tips versus not. From what I have read the wing up or down seems to be a personal preference thing. Sort of like that other 3 letter s word activity.

 

[drewski]

@colo_skier Im not sure what the EZfin tool is as I have never used it but I did have the realization that if I just use the needle end of the calipers the lip on the base of the calipers helps to hold the end of the ski making the measurement really easy and repeatable.

 

As for the wing (scag as I like to call it), I understand its preference, just like most things on the sky but when you flip it, how does that affect performance?

[Than_Bogan]

@drewski Thinking you mean "slay" in your signature? I think pretty much only Santa still has a sleigh. :)

[colo_skier]

@drewski Do a search on here for EZ-fin tool or google it. Once you see a video of it all will be revealed. As for the wing can't help you there as I now don't run one at all cause I am not good enough to get into shortline.

[scuppers]

Somewhere in the archives of something Kris Lapointe did a piece on wings that was very good. Maybe another Baller has it in their files. Found it! Kris Lapoint on wings:

 

"Where you place the wing on the fin makes a big difference–no, make that a huge difference. Even on the same ski, you may position it differently than another skier would place it. It takes plenty of trial and error to find the optimum location, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some general guidelines for adjusting your wing position:

 

Moving the west wing toward the rear (putting the trailing edge of the wing about 0.5 in. From the rear of the fin blade) pushes the ski out in front of you in the turn and makes the ski finish the arc more quickly. This is especially good if your ski tends to finish behind you at the end of the turn.

 

Moving the wing forward, to about middle of the fin blade makes the ski stay in the turn longer and helps keep it underneath you while finishing the turn.

 

Moving the wing up the blade, toward the bottom of the ski, lets the ski roll up on edge easier in the pre-turn and may slow the ski slightly more than a lower placement.

 

Lowering the wing placement provides more stability. The ski feels more locked in and is also harder to roll up on edge during the pre-turn.

 

Wing angle is a totally separate issue. If you are using a wing, it has got to have some downward angle. The minimum is about 5 degrees and the maximum about 124 degrees. Common knowledge says the more angle, the better the ski slows down and the more drag the ski encounters while traveling across wakes. I don’t disagree with this, but wing angle plays another important role–it also affects how the ski turns. More wing angle promotes rounded constant-radius turns, while less angle yields a turn that’s slower to start with but very hard to finish. Most skiers like the characteristics of more angle on their off-side turns, and less angle on their on-side turns.

 

Like a lot of things, with fine tuning your ski you must find the best compromise. Spend a lot of time trying new locations and angles you think might not work. You may be surprised how much difference it will make."

 

[h2oski]

@drewski ezfintool.com for more info if your interested.

[JJVDMZN]

@scuppers would you recommend a wing for a beginner, or is it better to get into slalom without it?

[scuppers]

@JJVDMZN - There are so many better skiers than me on this site that should answer that question.

Many of them strongly believe that beginners should NOT use the wing. I on the other hand believe just as strongly that a beginner should use the wing. I also understand you can ware yourself out trying different combinations. By the time you get to what is the "hot set-up" you're too tired to know.If you are young work on body position (stacking) and all the things you control. Set the ski up at factory settings. If it's a ski built in the last 5 years put the wing on upside down set it at 7 or 8 degrees and "drive on"

[JJVDMZN]

@scuppers thanks...

[colo_skier]

@JJVDMZN - what @scuppers said. I can and often do make a perfectly set-up ski act like a 2X4. Stacking is the key. You have a lot more effect over what the ski does than the fin or wing settings do. Of course I am not a shortline skier though.

[JJVDMZN]

@colo_skier thanks.

[drewski]

@scuppers - thanks a lot man. I appreciate that. Also, @than_bogan .... thanks man haha.

[Horton]

@drewski

 

I do not agree that all skiers at all levels should always use a wing.

 

If you are on a modern all carbon & PVC ski and you are running 28 off or shorter at 34 or 36 mph you should probably use a wing. (On some older skis I ski better without a wing)

If you are on a PU core or “carbon/ glass blend” ski I would be less enthusiastic. Same thing for a ski that is a 10 year old design.

If you are on a Nano One or XT you need a wing for sure.

 

At 15 or 22 off (or less) riding a ski with a wing is not doing much for your skiing and may discourage learning some core skills.