Waxing skis for spring corn/slush waxing in the field

[bgregoire]

Gitrinec,

(By the way, MikeKs recommendations are all great.)

IMO, you can geek out on glide wax if you WANT to, but you really don't need to. I have for a few years, especially when I was doing more nordic groomed trails. In the backcountry, I've found what counts more, glide wax wise, is to put the liquid stuff on waxless scales to prevent ice/snow accumulation in certain warm conditions. As for the rest, I have many friends who have never waxed for years without caring less (I do, and I do notice the slight increase in performance, but you don't NEED it). So sure, have them waxed before your climbing trip, learn how to wax NOW and do it yourself, or don't do anything at all, and in the end, everything will be fine either way.

PS: I now mostly glide wax my nordic BC touring skis once, at the end of the season, for storage (as the bases do dry out with use). And kick wax is a WHOLE different story.

[gulfofslides]

Orange grip wax iron on then scape and buff. Now you have a ski that will accept glide wax where you put it is up to you. Crayon on that hertyls spring wax and cork it out . Now go really fast and scare yourself

[connyro]

You could also just go with a rub on paste glide wax like Swix F4 or Maxiglide. That and a cork will get you there. It's not the best wax option and you'll have to carry it with you and periodically reapply.

I use the SlickPro paste wax from FastWax (http://www.skifastwax.com/). They have different temperature range versions but the blue works great for basically any condition. The yellow is great for warm sloppy snow. They recommend rubbing it on, and buffing/corking it into the bases. It works great and if you take the time to buff/cork it in, it seems to last for a couple outings at the least.

[MikeK]

Interesting. I've been looking for something other than maxi. Just happened to have a tub I've been trying to kill. Might try something new next year.

[gitrinec]

I think what I'll end up doing is having a Ski shop put on the Hot glide wax and carry a few hard kick wax's for the field, I need to get a cork and scraper, etc. I think I'll get some Kicker skins as well, what do ya'll think about the BD glidelite mohair mix kicker climbing skin? I hear that Nylon is more durable for skins, anyone have a preference?

[lowangle al]

I don't know how well it works in wet conditions but when I need to get somewhere in a hurry I rub the tips and tails of my skis with the peel from an overripe organic bannana, then eat the bannana.


Seriously though think you are on the right track with the kicker skins especially if it's really warm.

[fisheater]

I think this backcountry guide to waxing will be more helpful than a lot of the guides I have read. You can take a look and see if it helps
http://web.archive.org/web/201510021509 ... r/wax.html

[gitrinec]

I ended up getting a whole waxing table, iron, etc I bought some Hertel Wax Spring Solution, though my trip keeps getting pushed farther into probably now June, so who knows if skis will be needed there by then, lol