What type of ski wax should I use?

For recreational skiers and boarders, a basic hydrocarbon wax is usually suitable. For a step up in glide, go with a low-fluorocarbon wax. Racers often use expensive high-fluorocarbon waxes for the greatest glide.

Can you use any wax for skis?

Traditionally, ski & snowboard waxes are available in Hydrocarbon (basic), Low-Fluorocarbon (faster), and High-Fluorocarbon (fastest) versions. For most recreational use, hydrocarbon or low-fluoro waxes are a good choice.

Does ski wax make a difference?

Wax makes your skis hydrophobic, or water resistant. The more hydrophobic your skis, the faster they will be down the slopes. Keeping your skis waxed will also make them easier to make smoother turns.

What is the difference between cold ski wax and hot ski wax?

The difference lies in the quality, the result and the type of application. While the hot wax is applied with an iron so that the liquid wax can penetrate deep into the pores of the ski surface, the cold wax is applied only superficially.

Is Universal ski wax good?

Universal wax is ideal for recreational skiers and riders who want a general, wide-temperature hydrocarbon (non-fluoro) wax. A good choice for patrollers, instructors and other professionals who work in a wide variety of snow conditions.

What is hydrocarbon ski wax?

Hydrocarbon waxes: These waxes are primarily made up of three types of hydrocarbons: paraffin, microcrystalline, and synthetic waxes that are combined together in various proportions. Paraffins are soft, candle-like waxes, that have low coefficients of friction allowing the ski to glide easily over the snow crystals.

Can you use Gulf wax on skis?

Run to your grocery store and buy “Gulf Wax” which is parrafin wax and you will be fine. It even says right on the box you can use it for ski/snowboards. and the only reason they say that is to make money. paraffin wax is a mere component of snowboard ‘glide waxes’.

What can I use instead of ski wax?

If paraffin isn’t available, I’d probably try soap, especially a hard soap. Just scrub it on; don’t try to do a hot wax. Soap probably has some of the same hydrophobic qualities as wax. If I was really desperate, I’d try either a silicone spray (for door hinges and bike chains) or non-stick cooking spray.

What happens if you use the wrong ski wax?

Waxing can be a tricky process, though – if you use a wax with the wrong temperature rating, you can end up sticking to the snow, or slipping back and forth in one spot. It’s also time-consuming, and requires the skis to be periodically stripped of their built-up wax layers.

How many layers of wax do you need for skis?

One waxing should be more than enough to “saturate” the bases. If you are prepping race skis, wax for the conditions on race day. If you never wax the skis, the bases will last as long as a waxed base for most users.

Is spray on ski wax good?

5.0 out of 5 starsThe best spray on wax! This spray-on wax is the best when you have a good base coat wax. I sprayed from head to toe lightly and it came out perfect. I put on approximately for light coats and it still went very far and hard even put a dent in the bottle.

What is CH wax?

The CH or hydrocarbon is the go-to ski wax. Its formula has no fluorine additives and won’t damage your base. It is advised to use CH ski wax has often as possible, ideally, use the blue CH no matter the brand, after every single session.

How often should I wax my skis?

It’s recommended you wax your skis every 5 or 6 times out. The reason being the base of your ski is very porous (similar to your skin) with lotion (wax) you’ll have a better running surface.

Does ski wax go bad?

Using wax remover on your skis is generally not the optimal method for cleaning your skis. It’s not that waxing solvents are necessarily bad for the base material, it really has to do with how it impacts your ski’s performance. Over time, your ski absorbs more wax the more times it’s waxed.

How do you wax a skis?

Hot Wax Choose your wax. Lay your skis out. Apply base cleaner. Let the skis air dry and brush. Melt the wax. Allow dripped wax to cover a majority of the surface. Apply more wax where needed. Let the ski cool. Scrap off excess wax. Brush your ski.

Do you need to wax skis?

Cross-country skiing requires two kinds of wax. Most of the skis will be covered in glide wax, but the middle third will usually need some kind of grip wax. You can use hard wax, klister wax or liquid spray wax, depending on the conditions.