How do you pick a wax grip?

Grip wax is selected according to the temperature and conditions on the day you go skiing. If it is cold, it may be enough to use Blue Extra, a type of grip wax. At Swixsport.com we have grip waxes for all kinds of conditions and temperatures down to +3 degrees.

How do I choose a kick wax?

As a general rule, lower snow temperature requires harder kick wax, warmer snow temperature requires softer kick waxes. If you find that your skis are starting to lose traction with the kick stride, try applying a softer wax (one that is designed for the next higher temperature range).

What is the difference between glide wax and grip wax?

Glide wax is selected to minimize sliding friction for both alpine and cross-country skiing. Grip wax (also called "kick wax") provides on-snow traction for cross-country skiers, as they stride forward using classic technique.

How do you calculate a kick wax zone?

Balance evenly on both skis and a helper to should be able to slide a piece of paper under the central area of you ski - from a point just behind your heels to about 30 cm in front of your toes. This is your kick zone - mark both ends.

Where do you apply grip wax?

Grip zones should be clearly marked on the skis so that you are not guessing where to apply the grip wax. If you are starting with a clean grip zone, prior to arriving at the trails, apply a layer of grip wax over the entire zone that is a little colder (harder) than what you think you will require.

Can you iron on kick wax?

To apply the base wax or hard kick wax, crayon the wax on to the ski, not too thick, then use your iron to smooth it out.

Do you need to wax skate skis?

Over time, they lose that ability – in order to maintain the base of the skis and to increase the efficiency of the skis water repellency it is essential to wax them. If you ever see the bases of your skis looking slightly white the base has oxidised, and no amount of waxing can return it.

How does grip wax work?

This pressure allows the ski to grip the snow. The kick wax on the base of the ski will enhance our form and will increase contact adhesion, friction, and ultimately result in better grip. To change the stickiness of our wax blend all we need to do is vary the hardness of the types of wax we include.

Where can I find wax pocket skis?

1. For most skis the wax pocket should start right at or slightly in front of your heal, and go forward for about 60 to 65 cm depending on the ski length and flex. ...
2. Measure, mark and double check the wax pocke. ...
3. After the wax pocket is marked, sand the area with 80 grit sand paper.

How do I know if my skis are Waxless?

If you have a Waxless ski, then your Grip Wax Pocket will have a textured surface- looking almost like fish scales. Waxless skis do not require Grip Wax, but still would benefit from Glide Wax.

How do you put grip wax on a ski?

Hard Wax. Working at room temperature, hold the ski at a 30° angle or prop it up on a bench if you can. Next, rub hard grip wax on the kick zone using short back and forth strokes. Rub a cork over ("cork") the area, apply another coat of wax and buff again.

Do modern skis need to be waxed?

“It's a myth that you need to use wax on skis,” he stated. “Modern ski bases provide better glide. It's enough to treat the surface of the ski mechanically, using a steel scraper, for example, to achieve good glide. This also minimizes your cost as well as the time you spend.”

What part of the ski do you get grip on?

Again, the grip zone is the area of the base of the ski located underfoot where you'd find a textured pattern to achieve grip on the snow.

What kind of wax do you use for skate skis?

Glide Wax for Skate skis or Waxable Classic Skis:

Higher performance classic skis and skate skis will perform best with an iron-in glide wax. These help keep the bases healthy, and will provide the best glide. If a wax bench and an iron is out of your budget, you can also apply a rub on glide wax.

What temperature should it be to wax skis?

Warm rated (Red or Yellow) hydrocarbon is best above 25 F. It is a great wax to ski on but is also used for conditioning a new base and is the best wax for hot-wax-scrape-cleaning. Cold rated (Green or Blue) hydrocarbon is best below 25 F.

What kind 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.

How can you tell if you have a wax pocket?

Knowing the height along the ski base, and the average thickness of a layer of the type of wax you are going to apply, you can determine the length of your wax pocket. Racers often mark these lengths on the side of their skis so that they wax just to the right marks.

How often wax waxless skis?

The easiest option is the all-purpose liquids or pastes that you can apply before you head out for a ski. You might get 10k out of these kinds of waxes, so apply them at the start of every ski day, and maybe again after lunch depending on your mileage. They are easy – slap them on, buff them up a bit, and off you go.

How do you apply glide wax?

Glide waxing your classic cross-country skis

1. Clean the ski base by brushing it.
2. Apply the wax and iron on the two glide zones.
3. Let the wax cool down for at least 10 minutes.
4. Scrape the groove then the ski base to remove any excess wax.
5. Brush again to get a better finish.

How do you wax skate skis without an iron?

Roto wool is an excellent way to apply hot wax without using an iron. It has shown us some great test results in all types of conditions. – Roto wool gives you a thin layer with hot wax, which will bring forth the structure in your skis in a better way, says product developer in Swix Jan Olav Bjørn Gjermundshaug.

How often should you glide wax cross-country skis?

If professionals wax their cross-country skis every day, does that mean that you have to invest time in ski care before every single tour as well? No, don't worry. Normally it is enough to take care of the wax layer every 2-3 days. This should be enough to ensure a constant gliding effect.

What happens if you don't wax your skis?

Over time, without wax, the base of a ski or board will start to dry out and whiten, almost like the black is fading. As it continues to dry, it shrinks. In extreme cases, the base can shrink away from your edges, making them prone to blowing out of the ski on a rock or hard ice.

How do you wax skate skis for the first time?

The molten tip of the wax block should rub easily onto the base of the ski and form as a thin layer. After you crayon the length of the ski, starting at the tip, run the iron evenly down the length of the ski. This is the intimidating part for waxing rookies, since high heat is applied directly to the ski.

Do you use grip wax on skate skis?

To wax the glide zone, you need to follow the same steps as for skate skis, but don't apply wax to the grip zone: For skin skis, there is a specific wax to apply to the skins that combine glide and grip.

How do you use Swix kick wax?

We recommend applying 65-75 cm (2-2.5 feet) from the heel and forward for recreational skiing. The temperatures given on the wax packages refer to air temperatures measured in the shadow. If your skis are slipping, use a wax one step warmer (softer) or apply the wax further towards the tip.