 Poster: A snowHead
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Anyone got any experience of using express ski wax, brushes on using foam aplicator, then can be buffed afterwards.
Worth using, or just a gimic??
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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A waste of money and time, in my view. They also use solvents, which are not very environmentally friendly.
Just buy a block of wax and rub it on when you need skis to run better, especially when sticky new snow has fallen. I always carry a little block of wax, and regularly rub other people's skis as a favour (this is not a fetish).
The only proper way to wax skis is by hot waxing them, so that the wax penetrates the surface of the base. This is an enjoyable DIY pursuit, if you like DIY.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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David Goldsmith, what is the difference between buying an express-wax kit, and a block of wax, apart from a few pence? Where is the time wasting, if you are going to rub your bases with the wax block anyway?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Well, I may be wrong, but I suspect that wax which is rubbed on the base will last longer because it's been friction (heat) applied.
Once you get the hang of it, rubbing a block of wax up and down a ski base takes about 15-30 secs per ski - it's probably quicker than fiddling around with applicators.
By the way, buffing the wax isn't important. Once the skis are on the snow and sliding, this is taken care of.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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David Goldsmith, Can you recommend any particular block of wax for this purpose?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hey – really useful thread. I’ve only had my present skis one season, but they did get a bit chewed up in Morzine last Easter when the snow got very thin. I’ve just dropped them in to the local ski shop for a ‘full service’ which I understand includes filling the couple of deep scratches on their bases, sharpening the edges and a hot wax treatment.
My question is – how often should I wax them? I bought some flouro wax last year and treated them once each trip, and again after cleaning them up before putting them away for the summer. Reading one or two websites they talk about daily waxing and a full service after every skiing week! That seems a bit excessive?
I’m happy to rub in the solid wax if that would be better than the liquid stuff so any advice would be much appreciated.
Cheers
SimonT
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AxsMan, there's no standard advice on this. Ski damage only happens when a ski hits something nasty. In theory, a pair of skis could be used a whole season with no base repairs.
Edges can benefit from tuning quite regularly - maybe weekly if the skis haven't hit rocks. If the edges are being dulled on rocks then theoretically they need sharpening after every dulling.
The key thing is not to use your own skis when conditions are bad - skis can be ruined in a matter of minutes when there are rocks about. Always avoid rocks. That's not an argument for abusing rental skis, BTW.
Paul Holland, just pop into a ski shop and ask for a 'universal' wax - i.e. versatile for different temperatures. Problems usually occur with snow that's fallen at 0 to -2C, when it's wet and sticky against the ski bases. This is when a couple of minutes of rubbing on wax can do wonders.
Cold new snow can also be problematic (the crystals are spiky), which is why specialised waxes are made for these conditions, but I find I get by with a block of universal wax.
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I use an express-wax thingy, say once or twice during the average week skiing, but I certainly don't look on it as a substitute for a full service. It does help fill any scratches you've got and improve your gliding but it is only a temporary fix for a day or two, it wears off fairly quickly. They are only about a fiver I think and don't take long to use.
With regard to when to get a full service, it depends on what your skis look like when you get home! If conditions are good I may leave it, but after most weeks I find they need doing. The longest I have ever left it is about 10 days use between sevices.
Obviously the snow conditions and on/off piste use ratio has a large effect.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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AxsMan, if the bases are starting to look white/grey then they need a bit of wax on them.
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Hey – Thanks once again for the rapid and helpful replies- Looks like I should give my skis a bit more servicing than I have been (ooh er missus) , and I like the idea of hiring when conditions are poor (although when they are really poor I might just give the beer arm a workout instead). Glad I booked the service now, sounds like it was overdue.
SimonT
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I think i'll stick to the regular hot wax and edge at my local ski shop, with a quick splash of Zardoz Notwax for sticky snow days and trips to the snowdome. Roll on Xmas hols ... 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Zardoz does work - lots of seem to use it over their hot waxing.
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can't be arsed to read the whoel thread. someone mesntioned solbents. yoru round otr mune?
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You know it makes sense.
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parlor, I'd abstain from anything if I were you. Please don't operate any machinery (such as a typewriter) today.
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