Ski wax is essential for the protection and performance of your skis. Ski wax is primarily made from hydrocarbon wax, which provides a smoother glide over snow, and safeguards the bases of your skis at the same time. Many skiers become used to dry skis and neglect to wax them. Regular waxing can help you make sharper turns and attain higher speeds.
Wax: Hydro Carbon
Hydrocarbon wax repels water, acting as a lubricant between the surface of the snow and the skis. Wax eliminates friction and allows the skis to glide over the snow. It also protects your skis by filling tiny pores in the plastic compound that makes up the base, according to dominatorwax.com. The base material of skis, known as P-Tex, is a soft plastic compound that dries and breaks down with use. Regular waxing helps maintain the P-Tex and its ability to glide over snow.
Applying Ski Wax
Ski wax can be applied in many ways. The most effective method is called a hot wax. You can do this at home or take your equipment to an authorized ski technician. A hot wax usually begins by removing the old wax from the base of the skis, using a chemical agent or by belt grinding or sanding off a thin layer of the base. Grinding provides a fresh layer to work with, while also removing nicks and abrasions. After the grinding step, heat (often a hot iron) is used to melt the wax, which is dripped onto the skis' surfaces. Then, using the iron, the wax is spread evenly over the P-Tex. The heat of the iron causes the pores in the base to swell and absorb the wax. After the skis cool, the wax is scraped off with a thin, firm plastic scraping tool. Scrape off as much wax as possible, leaving only a thin film on the surface. Metal scrapers can severely damage your skis, according to backcountry.com
Different Wax for Different Temperatures
Ski wax will react differently in different temperatures. Cold weather wax is designed to produce the best gliding in temperatures well below freezing. All-temperature wax is best for temperatures between 25 and 40 degrees F. Warm weather wax is best used above 45 degrees F. All-temperature wax can be used in all conditions; using warm weather wax in cold conditions can slow your skis' ability to glide.
Other Types of Wax
Many ski racers add fluorocarbon wax to their skis, believing that it decreases the friction between skis and snow. Many companies, such as Hertel Wax, add Teflon or graphite compounds to racing wax to lubricate the skis. Using the right wax for the temperature is as good as using an expensive wax compound.
Other Wax Applications
Many wax companies make paste or liquid compounds that are much easier, safer and quicker to apply than standard hot wax. Often called rub-on waxes, they are popular. They are an effective alternative to not waxing at all, but are not absorbed into the pores of your ski bases.
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