Staying in Tune

by Jim Mutch

Review by Jenny McLeod - Ski Racing NZ media correspondent

Staying in Tune is a practical guide to ski and snowboard tuning offering a user friendly approach for recreational skiers and snowboarders.

Author Jim Mutch who is a certified Direct Parallel Ski Instructor, a passionate all mountain and all terrain skier and more latterly a gold medal winning Masters' ski racer, has carried out in depth research into tuning snowsports equipment.

The result is Staying in Tune which is a straight forward, easy to follow guide based on expert advice from professional ski tuners, manufacturers, ski coaches and racers.

The book is designed for recreational skiers and boarders to tune their equipment in tandem with professional tuning services. It is not intended to replace the professional tune but identifies the best way to keep gear in good condition between pro tunes.

Mutch recommends three different tuning levels each requiring a different investment in time and money.

Level one is for 'minimalists' who only need a cheap flat sharpening stone, rather than an expensive diamond stone, and a strong piece of rubber. Levels two and three are for 'artisans' and 'aficionados' who want to undertake more advanced tuning and will need to  be more committed to the job.

Detailed advice about tuning techniques for modern equipment is concisely and clearly laid out.  Mutch makes the important distinction between old and new - old style skis had flat base edges while carving skis have bevelled base edges which need different tuning treatment.

The guide is well illustrated with useful diagrams and New Zealand World Cup slalom skier and Olympic representative Claudia Riegler features prominently adding more credibility. She appears in a series of quality skiing photographs which highlight the benefits of good ski tuning. Her comment 'Stay in Tune! You'll look better and feel better' is an appropriate endorsement for the publication.

Jim Mutch's manual is long overdue for the 'do it yourself' enthusiasts. He provides all the answers for good, long term maintenance of skis and snowboards for recreational use. It is the ideal guide for anyone who makes the mountains their playground.

Jim’s excellent book can be ordered at the very competitive price of NZ$19.90 through Ski Racing NZ.

(Elsewhere it is US$19.90!)

Email sue@skiracing.org.nz to place your order.

Orders will be despatched from early April onwards