SKI WAXING Q&A
How often should I wax my skis?
You should give your skis a wax at the start and end of each season. A quick paste wax top-up is great every few days on the snow, plus an additional hot wax would be advantageous after 12 to 14 skiing days.
Do I need to wax my waxless skis?
Yes! Waxless in this case is a bit of a misnomer. The term waxless applies to pattern based touring skis and refers to the lack of need to use grip wax for uphill traction. The non pattern sections should still be glide waxed for optimal performance. Even the pattern should occasionally be given a going over with a paste glide wax to prevent snow balling up underfoot. This is because a solid wax melted into a pattern will just fill it up, negating any traction completely.
Can I use a paste wax on the entire ski?
Yes you can, however the paste does not get absorbed into the ski base like a hot wax does. This means it won’t perform quite as well, and will wear off quicker.
What sort of glide wax should I be using?
This is where it gets a little more complicated. Soft waxes are best for old, soft and wet snow, while a hard wax will be required for cold, fresh stuff. Considering our generally warmer/wetter conditions, your best bet would be a fluorinated universal wax for all conditions.
What does fluorine additive do in a wax?
It has a very low coefficient of friction, and importantly it is highly electronegatively charged. This gives it hydrophobic properties reducing capillary attraction between water and the base. Result: more glide in wet conditions. It also repels dirt and oils in spring snow.
Can I wax my skis myself?
Of course. All it takes is a little time and patience. We stock most of the tools you will need. If time and patience isn’t your gig we will do it for a small fee.
Find out more about waxing: www.swixschool.no
You should give your skis a wax at the start and end of each season. A quick paste wax top-up is great every few days on the snow, plus an additional hot wax would be advantageous after 12 to 14 skiing days.
Do I need to wax my waxless skis?
Yes! Waxless in this case is a bit of a misnomer. The term waxless applies to pattern based touring skis and refers to the lack of need to use grip wax for uphill traction. The non pattern sections should still be glide waxed for optimal performance. Even the pattern should occasionally be given a going over with a paste glide wax to prevent snow balling up underfoot. This is because a solid wax melted into a pattern will just fill it up, negating any traction completely.
Can I use a paste wax on the entire ski?
Yes you can, however the paste does not get absorbed into the ski base like a hot wax does. This means it won’t perform quite as well, and will wear off quicker.
What sort of glide wax should I be using?
This is where it gets a little more complicated. Soft waxes are best for old, soft and wet snow, while a hard wax will be required for cold, fresh stuff. Considering our generally warmer/wetter conditions, your best bet would be a fluorinated universal wax for all conditions.
What does fluorine additive do in a wax?
It has a very low coefficient of friction, and importantly it is highly electronegatively charged. This gives it hydrophobic properties reducing capillary attraction between water and the base. Result: more glide in wet conditions. It also repels dirt and oils in spring snow.
Can I wax my skis myself?
Of course. All it takes is a little time and patience. We stock most of the tools you will need. If time and patience isn’t your gig we will do it for a small fee.
Find out more about waxing: www.swixschool.no
- Tags: MAINTENANCE Ski
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