The single most important factor in ski speed is matching the ski to the skier and the conditions.

Nordic Ultratune uses a "Digital Force Flex Press" to collect ski flex data. This flex press allows us to progressively apply pressure to the ski and measure camber length and camber height. The data is plotted in 2 graphs and shows how the ski's camber changes under varying load. It is also useful to see camber length for skiers of different sizes, in order to match a pair of skis with the right sized skier.
The first flex analysis graph shows the pocket length in front of, and behind, the balance point for each ski. This shows how the camber length responds to progressive loading, or how much it will be closed under the weight of a skier of a specific size. The second graph shows camber height as it changes under loading, or under a skier's weight. (sample flex analysis reports can be downloaded, below)

Email with specific questions about our flex analysis process: xcgrind@ultratune.net

Testing Classic Skis

Download sample Classic Ski Flex Analysis Report

The Ultratune Classic Ski Flex Analysis measures camber length and camber height with pressure applied 8 cm behind the balance point (approximating pressure at the ball of the foot) of the ski. Both skis are tested. In addition, if wax markings are needed, half-weight pocket measurements are made with pressure applied at 15 cm behind the balance point (approximating mid-foot pressure). Wax pocket marks are made at 0.1 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.6 mm camber heights, for powder, warm hardwax, and klister.

The resulting graphs show the flex characteristics of the skis, how well they're matched, and whether they'll be appropriate for powder, hardwax, or klister. The flex analysis report can be used to characterize a pair of skis that you already own and love, identify skis that are too soft or too stiff for you, or simply help marking the correct wax pocket.

Testing Skate Skis

Download sample Skate Ski Flex Analysis Report

The Skate Ski Flex Analysis measures camber length and camber height with pressure applied 8 cm behind the balance point (approximating pressure at the ball of the foot) of the ski. Both skis are tested.

The resulting graphs show the flex characteristics of the skis, and how well they're matched. The flex analysis report can be used to characterize a pair of skis that you already own and hope to match with another pair, identify skis that are too soft or too stiff for you, or help you find the right pair for hard-track or soft-track conditions.

Note that Rossignol, Madshus, Fischer, and Atomic each have slightly different camber profiles, and each company has different recommendations for fitting skate skis. Nordic Ultratune can help you with fitting skate skis to the manufacturer's recommendation.