A system for measuring flatness and base edge bevel of skis or snowboards includes a true bar calibrated for straightness having a sharp micro-edge for contacting the ski or snowboard, a light source arranged on one side of the true bar providing a line of light between the true bar and the base of the ski or board, a tool carrier for stabilizing and raising or lowering the true bar, an edge bevel gauge arranged on the base of the ski or board under the true bar for measuring the angle of the base edge bevel, and a mechanism for observing the line of light from the side of the true bar opposite the light source. The system provides reliable means for measuring and interpreting the surface dimensions and other physical properties of skis and boards and the causes and effects of changes to the running surfaces.