We run a Tazzari RP-23 machine - the most advanced numeric-controlled grind technology available, and the standard of excellence on the World Cup.

Grind Selection
Click on the thumbnail images for full-size structure matrices.

Skate Structures - Performance demands on skate skis are extremely high, as the skis must run very fast, but also release the snow easily while in motion. Too much structure will cause a distinctive “bite” in the performance feel of the ski, and climbing speed can be compromised. In general the more advanced layered structures - designed to combine optimal moisture and crystal management with a very light feel - offer the best advantage on skate skis.

Classic Structures - Classic skis generally glide in a track (where there is a lot of traffic, and usually a higher degree of glazing for a given crystal type and moisture content) and are not required to release the snow in motion. For these reasons classic skis can handle heavier structure, and the patterns don’t require the same level of refinement. The primary concern on classic skis is to make the range of the structures as wide as possible, in order to put the ski with the optimal wax pocket into the race whenever it’s required.

Grind Menu and Pricing

Z-Series
ZR1 - $75 - This is a very light (0.01mm depth) crossing stucture applied over a true linear “rill” at 2.25mm spacing. This structure handles all crystal types at moisture-deficit conditions, running into a moisture balance scenario. The ZR1 is especially well suited to newer Crystals
ZR1XL - $75 - This grind utilizes the same light crossing structure as the ZR1, but on top of slightly more agressive true linear channels. This broadens the range when significant glazing is a concern, and is preferable to the ZR1 for a broad-range cold classic ski grind.

Old Z Structures
Many customers have established success with these older grinds and we’ll continue to make them when they are specified.
Z40 - $75 - The original Z-type structure, and still a fantastic grind, especially in somewhat transformed cold snow.
Z40XL - $75 - This may remain the closest thing to a true “universal” structure for skate skis. Its range is comparable to ZR2 and the performance advantage of the new grind is not as clear as between the ZR1 and the Z40. I expect we’ll continue to make quite a number of these.
ZR2 - $75 - This grind uses the “XL” channels, with the same crossing pattern as the ZR1 cut at twice the depth (0.02mm). This grind is generall suited to higher humidity plus/minus conditions than the ZR1, and will run into a moderate moisture surplus in new snow conditions. Because of its 0.02mm depth this grind will have a longer break-in period than a ZR1 for optimal performance at the cold end of its range.

Q-Series
Q1•3 - $75 - Last year we marveled at the success of the Q1 at filling a large gap in the menu. This year we blew the Q1 out of the water right out of the blocks. This is a modification to the underlayer of the Q1 that has broadened the range considerably, and created the first grind I’ve ever been willing to hang the “univeral” label on. Very limited liability in cold and new snow, and great range as it starts to get wet. To modify for high moisture use a 2.0mm rill.
Q3 - $89 - Deeper crossing structure than the Q1·3, with a one-to-one crossing component built-into the formula yielding some distinct horizontal “banding”. All of this is over a very aggressive “rill” applied at 3.0mm spacing for optimal clearance and moisture management capabilities. The structure is finished with the same over-cut as the Q1·3 in order to maintain a light feel in finer and sharper snow crystals.
Q3•1 - $135 - Why offer a $135 grind? Because we can make a $135 grind. We have developed a process to tune the structure to the specific pressure distribution profile of the ski in order to minimize mechanical frictional forces while optimizing moisture clearance. This grind includes a flex evaluation, and some skis may be rejected prior to grinding because of unsuitable flex profiles. The is a specialty structure and only offers a distinct advantage in extremely high moisture new crystals. However, it will run comparably with a Q3 throughout the Q3 range.
Note - because of very high materials cost and the need for multiple-pair batches, there may be a slower turn-around time on Q3s and on Q3•1s than on other structure.

L-Series
LJ02 - $59 - Basic linear structure for fine crystals. 27line/cm frequency is excellent in most newer crystal conditions, and in fine transformed snow as well. A great “universal hardwax” grind.
LL26 - $59 - A newer-generation linear structure cut at half the depth of the LJ-series, and put onto the ski in an intentionally “muddy” elongated fashion. Very broad range and especially good in newer high-moisture snow.
L25 - $59 - A new addition to our linear grind menu. This structure is based on a grind that gets used a great deal by the USST in all kinds of wet conditions. Very versatile in a range wetter than LL26.
LJ03 - $59 - Linear structure for coarser crystals. 22line/cm frequency is good in somewhat transformed snow and can handle higher levels of moisture.

SLC-Series
SLC02 - $75 - A compound structure made up of an LJ02 applied on top of a crossing underlayer. The result is a relatively sharp structure with excellent efficiency in transformed snow. The perfect “violet klister” grind.
SLC03 - $75 - A compound structure for more saturated, coarser crystals. A “red klister” grind. Can be made with 3.0mm drainage channels in an underlayer for an additional charge.
SLC03·1 - $89 - A modification of the SLCO3 for skate skis. This grind was extremely successful at US Distance Nationals in spring of ‘07. The modification allows the grind to handle cold, sharp, recrystalized corn snow without “biting”, and still manages the moisture as the temperature climbs and everything turns to slush. For fully transformed snow only.