Swix launches new manual structure tool with 7-step tension control.

Have you ever wondered exactly how hard you need to push into the ski when adding manual structure? Or if the structure even turns out the same on both skis? 

Manual structure (rilling) is crucial for optimal glide. Nailing the manual structure can improve the glide substantially on a good ski. Likewise, missing the structure can be detrimental. Optimal glide depends not only on selecting the right structure for the conditions. You also need to apply the structure with just the right depth.

Enter: Swix’ new manual structure tool, which guarantees identical structure. The 7-step mechanism in the structure tool ensures that you apply the structure with exactly the same force (depth) no matter how hard you push into the base.  

“This tool allows you to preset how deep you want the structure to be set. And it does it in a way that enables everyone to achieve the same structure depth as we did, and the same from one ski to the next,” explains Jan Olav Bjørn Gjermundshaug, Swix’ lead product developer for hardware. 

“No matter how hard you push into the base, you won’t be able to set the structure deeper than the preset tension indicates.” 

Two years in the making 
Bjørn Gjermundshaug first had the idea a couple of years ago. 

As a service rep at numerous races and events, people constantly ask him how hard to set the structure for different conditions. Additionally, applying structure identically from one ski to the next and to several pairs of skis is the kind of art that requires years of experience.

That’s why Bjørn Gjermundshaug wanted to invent a tool that addresses those issues.

“With the new riller tool, you can preset the tension and achieve the same result each and every time. That’s super useful for anyone who is prepping skis at any level, whether they are professionals working on national team skis or just going for a PR in a local race,” Bjørn Gjermundshaug says. 

“Also, starting now, when we publish our wax tips, we will indicate which step on the tool we are using. That way, everyone can get the same results as we did,” he adds. 

Here’s how the tool works 
The new structure tool consists of three rollers. The middle one actually sets the structure, while the side rollers adjust the tension applied. 

The tool offers seven tension settings, from light to heavy. 

Step 1 sets the lightest structure, intended for cold conditions and fine-grained snow. Step 7 sets the deepest structure, intended for warmer, wetter conditions and coarse, transformed snow. 

“The warmer and wetter the snow, the harder you need to push into the structure tool, as more pressure means deeper structure,” Bjørn Gjermundshaug explains.  

So simple, yet so complicated 
The new structure tool is based on elementary physics: Using spring-loaded tension, you control how deep the structure is set, in seven presets. 

“It all started with me realizing there is a need for a standardized system and reference for setting structure. So, I sat down and started drawing,” Bjørn Gjermundshaug recalls. 

However, designing the concept into a functional tool proved harder to do. Two years and numerous prototypes later, Bjørn Gjermundshaug and his test team has finally arrived on a model that is now launched commercially. 

The first batch of the new structure tool is off to get a finishing coat of paint and will hit retailers shortly. The MSRP is about 7,000 Norwegian kroner.