Waxing skis?

Question

I need to know a few things about ski waxing:

First off, how often should I do it? I take skiing quite seriously, and am looking for decent performance out of my skis during races without breaking the bank. However, I don't want to go too far. If I were to wax only every once in a while, what would be the maximum time I should go without waxing?

Secondly, which wax should I get? I'm looking in the price range of around 20-30 US dollars. I was looking at Swix category IV waxes. Am I on the right track? And which one exactly would you recommend for New England skiing? I'm looking at LF6 because that temp range sounds right.

Finally, can someone detail the process of waxing a ski with an iron? I just have to make sure I know how to get it done. And about how much wax is used each time I wax my skis? I need to know how much to buy...

Alright, forget the price range I put up. I realize that it may not be possible to get a wax in that range, but I really don't know what I'm looking at here. Just give me a recommendation

One more question: Is it really necessary to buy a brush specifically for ski wax? Or can I just use a hairbrush or something?

Answer 1

This is for downhill racing, right? Not nordic? This answer is for downhill skiing.

Check out my answer to this question from 3 months ago:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgHy4uSjDPBMN9qnC7iJzu_sy6IX?qid=20061130103800AAFdtQP&show=7#profile-info-0ba5aac2715d7e21cb1c3c70a3907097aa

Then check out this website. It has lots of info, and you can order wax for probably cheaper than your local store, if cost is a concern:

http://www.tognar.com/waxing_tips_ski_snowboard.html

If you are racing, you need to wax before every race. Seriously. Which might be weekly, or twice a week if you race on Saturday and Sunday. If you are just talking like Nastar or something, then you don't need to worry about that I suppose!

Secondly, you want more than one temperature range. Get three different temperature ranged waxes, because you generally want to mix the waxes to get the ideal combination.

My other answer talks about the ironing process. Check out PaulG's response below mine. He offers a great tip there as well.

Brush? I don't even use a wax brush. I iron on...let cool...and scrape off. So all you really need is an old iron you don't want for clothes anymore, and a cheap scraper. And the wax, which is pricey. Even so, if you get three packages, that should last you through the season. Oh, you also need the base cleaner...see my other response for more info on that.

If you don't race, the minimum I would say for average ski days is waxing once per year, maybe twice. If you wax for cold weather, and it warms up, you definitely want to take the cold stuff off and wax warmer, or you won't be gliding anywhere!

Answer 2

1.It's not really a certain number of times. Look at the base of your ski and if you see white discoloration you need to wax your skis. You can also run your fingernail accross the base to see if you still have wax left.

2. If you are just skiing and racing for fun I would recomend an all temperature wax. It works well in all conditions and swix makes a pretty nice one.

3. Waxing is an easy process. Heat up your iron, but not too hot - just enough to melt the wax good (you can melt your bases if it's too hot) - drip the wax over the length of the skis. Next smooth the wax out with the iron. Always keep the iron moving or you can ruin your skis. Once you spread it all over let it sit for at least 10 min or more. Buy a plastic scraper and scrape off almost all the wax you can. Next take any brush - not a hair brush, but any stiff brissle brush will do. ( I use one made to clean tires). Brush from tip to tailseveral times to give structure to the wax.

Answer 3

I warm wax my skiis another day of use, approximately three times a week considering the fact that I ski 5-7 days a week for sixteen weeks a 300 and sixty 5 days Wax, scrape to skinny layer and texture the backside with a suede brush. Ask your close by ski instructor what they use, it varies with the snow circumstances and moisture content fabric. some will use only fluorinated waxes, others a straightforward ski wax. The wax will help guard the ski base from abrasive snow that's amazingly straightforward everywhere. It additionally aids the ski in sliding front and lower back and sideways, allowing a waft incredibly than a grab and slip. sturdy turns take prepare, prepare, prepare. bypass with a chum and take a lesson from a expert. Jim

Answer 4

just put margarien