Best Ski Tuning and Waxing Kits of 2024

Keep your Skis in Top Shape Between Professional Tunes

While there’s no replacement for a full ski or snowboard tune in a good shop, being able to tune and wax your skis on the fly in your own home is a handy skill to have, especially for skiers and riders who spend a good deal of time on the slopes. Keeping your skis or board freshly tuned and waxed helps both the performance and longevity of your gear, and doing it yourself can be a very economical way to maintain your quiver.

We spent time researching and testing several at-home tune and wax kits to find the best ones on the market for every need and budget. After several hours spent in the garage filing edges, waxing bases, and then hitting the slopes with our freshly tuned gear, these are the results.

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COMPARISON TABLE

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THE WINNERS

Tuning tools: edge sharpener (88 and 90 degree options) and file, ceramic stone, two P-tex candles (one clear and one black), plastic scraper, metal scraper

Waxes: One universal

Brushes: One wire cleaning brush, one scruff pad for polishing

Waxing iron: included

Vises: not included

What we liked: organized kit and good storage bag, tools are easy to use

What we didn’t like: multiple wax options would be nice

If you’re looking for a kit with everything you need to do your own hot waxing, edge tunes, and base repairs, the Dakine Super Tune has all that in a nice, organized package. This is the best overall kit for ski and snowboard maintenance based on a combination of tools and features that are easy to use for beginners and experts alike.

DAKINE SUPER TUNE

The Super Tune kit includes all you need to wax, edge, and repair bases on your skis or snowboard, aside from the vices (you’ll want to set up your own tuning bench). An edge file fits into an easy-to-hold plastic tool that allows you to tune at either an 88- or 90-degree angle. The kit also includes a file for detuning the tips and tails of your skis or board after the edges have been sharpened. A ceramic stone fine-tunes edges after you’re done.

For waxing, the kit includes an iron, one universal wax, and all the scrapers and brushes needed. There is a small wire cleaning brush for prep and a scruff pad that polishes after you’ve waxed. The kit includes a metal and plastic scraper, both of which are large and easy to hold and control. The plastic scraper, in particular, is very wide and useful. Two P-tex candles, one black and one clear, are included for base repairs. The iron is easy to use, holds temperature well without overheating, and glides smoothly while waxing.

The Super Tune kit comes in a nicely organized and structured bag with a waterproof interior that makes storage simple and helps to keep track of all the different tools. There are ample pockets and plenty of space for adding additional tools or waxes if needed.

The universal wax included works well overall, but for a kit that is intended to be fully featured, we’d love it if this one had multiple temperature options. Aside from that, this is an excellent kit with everything you need to start tuning every part of your skis or board on your own.

Tuning tools: edge sharpener (88 and 90 degree options), ceramic stone, plastic scraper, three clear P-tex candles

Waxes: One universal

Brushes: wire cleaning brush

Waxing iron: not included

Vises: not included

What we liked: affordable, compact, with easy to use tools, includes more P-tex than others

What we didn’t like: no polishing brush or scrubber

Tuning your skis or board on your own is a great way to save money. If you’re looking to maximize on savings while still getting a kit that does the job well, the One Ball Basic Tune Kit offers a great value to get you going.

ONE BALL BASIC TUNE KIT

The Basic Tune Kit includes the basic essentials for waxing, tuning, and even base repair. It has an edge file and holder with 88- and 90-degree tuning options. (It’s nearly identical to the one included in the Dakine kits and equally easy to use.) The kit also has a wire cleaning brush, three clear P-tex candles, a ceramic stone, a plastic scraper, and a bag to toss it all in.

For wax, this kit includes one universal hot wax option that works well in most conditions. One reason this kit is more affordable than others is because it does not include an iron. So, you will need an iron—whether you buy one separately or are using an old one from home—in order to hot wax your skis. While specialized irons are strongly recommended for this, you can use an old clothes iron in a pinch, as long as you don’t mind that iron never being used for anything else again.

Overall, the tools in this kit are straightforward and easy to use, and for a kit so seemingly simple, it includes all the necessities for more than just a hot wax; it’ll get your edges sharp and fill dings in your bases just like other, more expensive options.

Tuning tools: plastic scraper

Waxes: one warm temp and one cold temp

Brushes: wire cleaning brush

Waxing iron: included

Vises: stands included (not actual vices)

What we liked: eco-friendly wax with two temp options, large wire brush works better than others

What we didn’t like: does not include any edge tuning or base repair tools

Ski wax (and ski production and materials in general) is notoriously bad for the environment. This impact can be reduced with proper care and waxing, but starting with a wax that uses eco-friendly materials is even better. That’s why we love this wax kit from Mountain Flow. This is the ultimate hot-wax kit for skiers or snowboarders who want a more environmentally-friendly option.

MOUNTAIN FLOW BLACK DIAMOND WAX KIT

The Black Diamond kit includes all the tools needed specifically for hot waxing. It has an iron, large wire cleaning brush, plastic scraper, and two different temperature waxes that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and made without the use of petroleum. Additionally, the kit includes tuning stands that are portable and small. It comes in a durable and organized case that fits the iron and all the tools, aside from the stands. The large wire cleaning brush is particularly useful, and it’s our favorite brush of all the kits we tested. We also appreciate that they toss in an extra-beefy rubber band for holding ski brakes out of the way.

The wax performs as well as others on the slopes, but it’s noticeably different at the tuning bench. We found the smell to be much less harsh than other waxes that have more harmful materials in them.

We appreciate that this kit comes with small stands that are easy to store. They work well for skis or a snowboard while waxing or doing base repairs. They don’t have actual vices for edging, but that is not what this kit is intended for as a wax-specific kit.

And that is something to keep in mind: This kit is not a full tune kit. It does not include edge sharpening tools or P-tex. It is meant for waxing only. And while we do think all the components work well and love the eco-friendly wax, it is on the pricey side for what you get. You will need to add edge and base tools separately in order to have a full tune kit, and you’ll still need vices if you want to sharpen your edges.

But, if you want an efficient and eco-friendly option for hot-waxing, this kit is excellent. You’ll have plenty of wax on hand that will make your garage smell far less toxic and an easy stand to whip out when it’s time to wax.

Tuning tools: plastic scraper, cork

Waxes: three different temperature-based rub-on waxes

Brushes: none

Waxing iron: not included

Vises: not included

What we liked: simple and functional for most recreational Nordic skiers, compact, three wax temps

What we didn’t like: limited accessories

Cross-country skis don’t generally require the exact same kind of maintenance as skis and snowboards used at the resort. Many Nordic skis don’t have edges at all, negating the need for edge tools entirely. Waxing is also simpler, with many skis needing only rub-on wax rather than hot waxing. That’s why we love the Swix Tour Pack. It’s small and compact and has everything you need to keep your skis gliding throughout the season.

SWIX TOUR KIT

The Tour Pack includes three different wax options for varying temperatures. All of these are rub-on waxes that are easy to apply and do not require the use of an iron. The kit also includes a plastic scraper for removing excess wax and a cork for fine-tuning the application. This all fits into a small pouch that’s easy to take on the go if needed.

With varying early-season temperatures in Colorado, we found the three different wax options to come in handy during testing. We had sunny days in the 40s and days close to single digits, and applying different waxes before going out was quick and simple.

Nordic skiers will be hard-pressed to find a better value and simpler solution for maintaining their skis throughout the season. This kit is no-frills and does the job well without taking up too much space in your garage or pack.

Tuning tools: edge sharpener (88 and 90 degree options) and file, metal scraper, plastic scraper, ceramic stone, two P-tex candles (one black and one clear)

Waxes: one universal

Brushes: wire cleaning brush, scruff pad for polishing

Waxing iron: not included

Vises: not included

What we liked: organized and compact case

What we didn’t like: only one wax temp

If you travel to ski often and want a kit that offers more than a pocket-sized rub-on wax but doesn’t take up all the space in your suitcase, the Dakine Deluxe Tune Kit will get you covered with the essentials. This kit is essentially a pared down version of our overall winner packed into a sleek and portable case. As long as you have access to a tuning bench and an iron, this kit has everything else you need to keep your skis or board in top condition.

DAKINE DELUXE TUNE KIT

The Deluxe Tune Kit has an edge sharpener and file, along with a ceramic stone for fine tuning edges. It includes one universal wax with a wire brush, scruff pad, large plastic scraper, and metal scraper for hot waxes. For base repairs, it has one black and one clear P-tex candle. Like the Super Tune Kit, we love the large plastic scraper included in this kit and found the edge tool to be intuitive and easy to use.

All of these tools come in a case that is slim and very portable—it’s less than 2 inches thick and easy to slip into a ski or boot bag. The interior of the pouch has great organization, with a waterproof interior and multiple slots and pockets for tools.

This kit does not come with an iron or vices, so you will need access to those. But these items are bulkier and heavier to travel with anyway. With a simple and portable kit like this, it would be nice to have the option of a rub-on wax.

If you want a fully-capable tune kit that’s small enough and well organized for travel on ski trips near and far, this kit fits the bill.

Tuning tools: edge sharpener ( 88- and 90-degree options), ceramic stone, metal scraper, plastic scraper, four P-tex candles (two black and two clear) ratchet screwdriver, stomp pad, lock

Waxes: one universal cool and one rub-on universal

Brushes: metal cleaning brush, scruff pad for polishing

Waxing iron: included

Vises: not included

What we liked: snowboard accessories and screwdriver included, lots of P-tex

What we didn’t like: no file for detuning tips and tail, bag not as organized as others

If you’re a snowboarder looking for the ultimate tune kit that caters specifically to one-plank needs, then the One Ball World Domination kit has all you could dream of needing, save for the garage and tune bench itself. This kit goes above and beyond with handy tools aside from the basic tuning ones, all at a good value. Riders: This is the tune kit for you.

ONE BALL WORLD DOMINATION

The World Domination tune kit has the essentials for hot waxing, edge tuning, and base repairs. It includes an iron, a hot wax and rub-on wax, a metal scraper, plastic scraper, ceramic stone, edge sharpener (with 88- and 90-degree options), two clear and two black P-tex candles, a metal cleaning brush, and a scruff pad for polishing. All of these tools are functional and easy to use, but One Ball went beyond that for this kit. It also has a stomp pad, a ratcheting screwdriver for binding adjustments, and a small retractable cable lock for securing your board when you’re out. All of these little extras make for a thoughtfully designed kit tailored to a snowboarder’s needs.

The tools do come in a spacious storage bag that fits all these and more, but it’s not as structured or as organized as others, like the Dakine kits. There are no dedicated pockets or slots, so tools are not as easy to find and dig out.

While you may not need the stomp pads, this kit is still useful for skiers who appreciate the extras like the screwdriver and lock. But, if you’re a dedicated snowboarder looking for the ultimate kit to keep your board in top condition all season, there is no kit out there with so many thoughtful components.

While we don’t consider this to be a full tune kit, this base treatment is a unique option for skiers or snowboarders who want a lower maintenance option than hot waxing.

This treatment is cured into the base of your skis or board creating essentially a permanent glide. It is not a wax, and it’s universal for all temperatures. So, the advantages are that it’s a one-time application and the material will not get left on the snow surface, making it more environmentally friendly. It does not offer quite the same glide performance as multiple hot waxes throughout the season, but it is a simple solution for skiers who don’t want to spend time or money on waxes throughout the season. We think that the Phantom treatment is especially useful for backcountry setups, given that there is no wax on the skis to get peeled off by and accumulate on skin glue.

Some ski shops offer this as a professional service, where the treatment is applied and then cured in a special machine. But, the at-home kit uses sunlight to cure the treatment and is a more affordable and accessible option.

So, if you’re looking for what is essentially an anti-wax solution that will last the life of your skis, we think the Phantom treatment is a unique and functional option.

DPS PHANTOM AT-HOME KIT

IMPORTANCE OF SKI TUNING AND WAXING

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT

Regularly waking and tuning your skis or snowboard is the best way to maintain performance. Sharp edges and fresh wax helps you to carve better out on the slopes, and doing this regularly keeps your gear fresh.

EDGE MAINTENANCE

Edge maintenancemetal edges

BASE PRESERVATION

One of the best ways to keep your skis or board in your quiver for a long time is to keep the base in good shape. Properly waxing on a regular basis is one preventative way to help with this. Additionally, tending to any damage to the bases as soon as they happen will also help to prevent moisture from getting into the core of the ski. This also keeps the skis gliding and performing well. And addressing any gashes to your bases right away will help keep them from getting worse.

SAFETY

Keeping your skis or board tuned properly will also help with safety on the slopes, since maintained and sharp edges help with control.

LONGER LIFESPAN

Waxing your skis and tuning the edges on a regular basis, and repairing the bases promptly and as needed will ultimately make your gear last longer. Skis and snowboards are costly pieces of gear, both financially and environmentally—the process of making skis is unfortunately carbon intensive, uses a lot of harsh chemicals, and creates waste in the process. So, not only will it save you money in the long run, it’s also better for the environment to keep your skis or snowboard around for as long as possible.

CONSISTENCY

Especially once you get the hang of tuning your own gear, you will notice a big difference in the overall consistency of how your skis or boards perform on the slopes.

COST SAVINGS

Tuning your gear at home is usually far less expensive than taking your skis into a shop once you’ve got the necessary tools. While it can still be beneficial to get a full tune from a shop about one per year, maintaining your base and edges throughout the season is much more cost effective when done at home.

CONVENIENCE

Being able to tune your skis on the fly is more convenient than having to wait for a shop to get it done. It means that you’re able to wax regularly and adjust for different temperatures and conditions as needed without having to rely on specific shop hours.

Skill development

Learning to tune your skis or snowboard gives you a greater understanding of and appreciation for the gear, and it’s an excellent skill for avid skiers and riders to have in their back pocket.

Environmental considerations

Of course, keeping your skis or board in rotation for as long as possible is one of the best things you can do, since making these items is generally not “green.” But, ski wax especially can be harmful to the environment, too. Using a proper waxing technique by ensuring you’ve scraped off the excess helps to limit the amount of wax that gets left on the snow surface. Additionally, look for waxes that use eco-friendly materials to lower your impact even more.

HOW TO CHOOSE SKI TUNING AND WAXING KITS

SKILL LEVEL AND EXPERIENCE

One thing to consider when selecting a tune kit is both your current level of experience and what you hope to learn and do on your own. If you only feel comfortable waxing and prefer that a shop tunes your edges and repairs your bases, then a simpler wax kit will be all you need. But, if you want to be able to do it all, from hot waxes to base repair, opt for a fully-featured kit.

TYPES OF SKIS (ALPINE, CROSS-COUNTRY, SNOWBOARD, ETC.)

Consider what type of gear you want to tune and select a kit that fits those needs best. Many kits come with waxes, so check to see if those waxes are right for your needs. Some may include tools specific to skis or snowboards, so keep that in mind as well.

While tuning skis and snowboards requires similar tools and skills, Nordic equipment does differ, so look for a kit specific to that if you want to tune your cross-country skis. Keep in mind that the maintenance required for Nordic ski kits is usually a little simpler than alpine skis and snowboards.

FREQUENCY OF SKIING

If you’re an avid skier or rider who gets out frequently, then a fully-featured tune kit might be the best option to keep your gear performing well throughout the season. If you only get out occasionally or for certain trips, a simpler kit may be better since frequent tuning won’t be as necessary.

BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS

Think about how much you want or can afford to spend on a kit when deciding which one is right for you, and remember that having the tools at home to tune your skis will save money at the shop in the long run.

SKI TUNING KIT COMPONENTS AND FEATURES

EDGE SHARPENERS

There are different types of edge sharpeners and files, but most fully-featured tune kits will include this. These tools hone your edges and allow you to achieve specific angles depending on personal preference.

WAXING IRON

Many full kits will also include a waxing iron, which is an essential tool for waxing your skis. While you technically can use an old clothes iron from the closet, this is not ideal. Ski waxing irons have a flat base and better temperature control that will help to prevent base damage while waxing and give you a smoother wax overall.

BRUSHES

Brushes are another essential that are included in most kits. There are different materials for different uses, depending on whether you’re cleaning and prepping the bases before a wax, or brushing off any remaining wax after you’re done.

WAX

Most kits also include wax, and it’s worth checking to make sure that wax is something you’ll use. Some kits have multiple waxes for different temperatures and conditions, while others include one simple universal wax for all-around use.

SCRAPER

The scraper is another essential yet simple tool needed for waxing specifically. It will remove excess wax after you’ve ironed it in and help to clean off any residual wax from the edges and sidewalls.

BASE CLEANER

Some kits include a base cleaner, but many do not. This is helpful but not as necessary as other tools in the kit. Sometimes, a wipe-down with a damp towel and a pass with the prep brush is all you need. If your skis are particularly dirty, a simple solution of watered-down rubbing alcohol will do the trick.

VISE

While you can certainly rig something up creatively with what you’ve got, vises built specifically for tuning are very helpful. Larger kits often include these, and they hold your skis or snowboard securely in place while you tune.

P-TEX AND REPAIR TOOLS

If you want to be able to repair damaged bases yourself, you will need a kit that includes P-tex. Small, shallow scrapes in the bases can often be filled in with wax, but deeper gouges and core shots require a specific base repair material called P-tex. Many fully-featured kits come with a couple of small candles of P-tex that should last at least a season, if not much longer, depending on how often you need to repair the bases.

HOME TUNING VS. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Tuning your skis at home is economical, convenient, and can help you hone a new set of skills that help you appreciate and maintain your gear for the long term. This is a great solution for mid-season waxing and edge maintenance and is helpful for small base repairs.

However, there is still a benefit to taking your skis to the shop for a seasonal tune or major repairs. Shops have large, specialized tools and machinery that can achieve aspects of a tune that simply cannot be done with a home kit. Every so often (sometimes once per season), doing a full base grind on your skis is beneficial – and this can only be done by a shop with the proper equipment. This helps to maintain bases and eliminate any irregularities in the bases that may accumulate after many days on the slopes.

MAINTENANCE TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

PREPARING YOUR SKIS FOR TUNING

Before tuning your skis, you will want to ensure they are prepped and cleaned. Wipe the bases down with a damp towel or a mild alcohol solution and dry completely. If you have brakes on your skis, you will want to keep those up and out of the way by either engaging the heel piece or using a rubber band to hold them up. That way, your bases and edges are clean, and it’s easy to access the full length of the ski without the brakes getting in the way.

EDGE SHARPENING

Edge sharpeningspecific angles

WAXING YOUR SKIS

Follow instructions specific to your iron and wax. While you don’t want to waste material, it’s important to use enough wax to ensure you don’t overheat or burn the bases of your skis. Your iron should always be gliding on a layer of wax and not on the base material itself.

Consider the conditions and temperatures before waxing your skis, and select your wax based on that information.

POST-TUNING CARE AND STORAGE

After waxing, be sure to scrape off excess wax with a scraper and brush to get the best performance and longevity, and avoid leaving excess wax on the snow surface when you head out to the slopes.

Ensure that the edges are smooth after tuning, and give the tips and tails a slight detune for the best performance.

If you’re storing your skis for a long time, like over the summer, leaving an un-scraped layer of wax can help with maintenance and performance—just be sure to scrape that excess wax off before you hit the slopes on your first day of the season.

FAQ

WHAT IS SKI TUNING, AND WHY IS IT NECESSARY?

Ski tuninggood shape

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TUNE AND WAX MY SKIS?

Frequency ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including how often you ski and what the varying conditions may be. The more you ski, the more frequently you’ll need to tune. The best way to know when is to go by feel: if your edges feel dull and like you’re washing out when you try to carve, then it’s probably time to tune your edges. If your skis or board are sticking and not gliding well, it’s time for a wax.

If you hit rocks or other debris while skiing, that’s a great time for a tune that will also assess the damage done. Even a small scrape on rocks can detune your edges or cause a ding that requires a dab of P-tex.

CAN I USE A UNIVERSAL WAX, OR SHOULD I CHOOSE WAX SPECIFIC TO CONDITIONS?

Universal wax is convenient and can be used all season long. This is a great option if you have consistent conditions or if you just like to keep it simple. If you ski in a variety of conditions (like varying temperatures), specific wax can be very helpful. You can select a specific option for slushy spring days and something different for icy cold mid-winter ones.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOT WAXING AND RUB-ON WAXING?

Hot waxingNordic skis

CAN I TUNE MY SKIS WITHOUT A DEDICATED TUNING BENCH OR VISE?

You can certainly use a make-shift bench for tuning your gear, but it is helpful to have a dedicated area and specific tools for this in order to stay clean, organized, and get a better tune overall.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I ACCIDENTALLY OVERHEAT MY SKIS WHILE WAXING THEM?

If you see smoke coming from either the wax or the bases, that means your iron temperature is too hot. If this happens, simply lower the temp on your iron and allow the skis to cool back to room temperature before continuing to wax. Remember that your iron should always be gliding on a layer of wax and never on the base material.

IS IT NECESSARY TO BRUSH THE WAX AFTER APPLICATION?

Brushing the wax after applying and scraping helps with both performance and longevity. It removes any excess wax and helps to clear wax from the tiny pores of the base material.

CAN I USE A SNOWBOARD TUNING AND WAXING KIT FOR MY SKIS, OR DO I NEED A SPECIFIC SKI KIT?

Most kits can be used for either skis or a snowboard, since the basic components are the same. Some kits do have some small components that are specific to one or the other, but wax and edge tools along with base repair materials are all generally the same for both.

WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE WHILE TUNING MY SKIS AT HOME?

Use caution when working with the hot iron to avoid burning yourself or any other surrounding materials. Since hot waxing does release some chemicals into the air, you should do this in a place with good ventilation.

HOW WE RESEARCHED AND TESTED

We first spent time researching all the available wax and tune kits on the market, looking at what tools are included, specs, price, customer reviews and more. We also looked to other media reviews to see what’s been recommended by other professionals. From there, we selected the top contenders and tested them ourselves.

With a garage full of skis, we tested the various tools in each kit and compared performance, ease of use, price, portability, and other factors. After tuning, we of course went skiing—the fun part!—to see how the gear performed on the slopes after being tuned.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held a WFR cert, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She’s now a full-time freelance writer and editor working primarily in the outdoor recreation realm. Her bylines can be found in Backpacker, 5280, and REI’s Uncommon Path, among others, and she’s been testing and writing about gear for nearly a decade. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Magazine.

Stasia has been skiing since she could walk, and fondly recalls winter evenings waxing skis in the garage with her dad. She spent some time working in a local ski shop in Breckenridge, Colorado, where she learned the nitty gritty details of ski tuning and performance.

Additionally, she’s been testing and writing about ski gear for over a decade. When she’s not skiing and testing gear for work, you’ll find her out just about every day in the winter making turns in the resort and the backcountry or nerding out at home with a cup of good coffee studying avalanche safety and snow conditions, or listening to an in-depth podcast on ski gear and boot fitting.