How do you choose cross-country ski wax?

Only waxable classic cross-country skis should be waxed at the grip zone (underneath your foot). Fishscale or skin skis don't need any grip wax. Grip wax on classic cross-country skis is all about a compromise between grip and glide. Applying this kind of wax is quite technical and needs to be done properly.

What kind of wax do you use for cross-country skis?

All cross-country skis require glide wax.

Glide wax is applied to the entire base of skate style skis. It is applied to the glide zone (the tips and tails) of waxable and no-wax classic skis.

How do I know what kind of ski wax to use?

Wax Temperature Ratings

1. Warm rated (Red or Yellow) hydrocarbon is best above 25 F. ...
2. Cold rated (Green or Blue) hydrocarbon is best below 25 F.
3. Universal all-temperature (White) hydrocarbon is a good one-wax system for non-racers.

Does ski wax color matter?

Ski Wax manufacturers have a loose standard on wax colors. Each color represents a temperature range that the wax is made for.

How many layers of wax do you need for cross-country skis?

Two layers of kick wax may be enough, but three is even better. Now you are ready to go skiing. Swix wax kit with synthetic foam cork. (one that is designed for the next higher temperature range).

What is the difference between kick wax and glide 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.

Should I wax my cross-country skis?

To keep your skis in good condition you will need to wax them. The more regularly you wax them, the better they will glide. Waxing cross-country skis may seem technical and expensive.

What is black ski wax for?

Purl Wax Black, Graphite ski wax and snowboard wax blend is designed to overcome static friction that is encountered in COLD, DRY snow.

What temperature is yellow ski wax for?

Yellow Warm: We recommend blending the spring ski wax with our all temperature ski wax when the temperature is between 24º – 30º. Above 28º we recommend adding graphite ski wax as a rub-on to repel contaminates. Black Graphite: This wax is designed to overcome static friction that is encountered in cold dry snow.

What are the colors of ski wax?

The paraffin based waxes (iron-on) consist of just three colors designating appropriate snow conditions (Yellow, Red, and Blue).

Is spray on ski wax any good?

Liquid glide waxes are really good. We love them. Not only are they convenient and easy to apply, we believe they may be superior to melted wax as far as base penetration into the ski, as the wax is suspended in a solvent.

How do you glide wax cross country skis?

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.

What kind of wax is ski wax?

Pure Fluorocarbon wax is highly resistant to dirt and oils, thus providing you with a durable and fast gliding ski performance. Best for dry snow.

Do waxless cross-country skis need wax?

Should you wax your waxless xc skis? Yes. You need to regularly apply glide wax to the tips and tails of your waxless cross-country skis. If you don't use glide wax, you run the risk of not getting any glide while skiing.

Do you wax fish scales on cross-country skis?

Waxless skis are common with recreational cross country skiers. Traditional classic skis do not have scales on the base, in the kick zone, under the binding. The base is smooth from tip to heel. Like “fish scale” waxless skis, traditional classic skis are hot waxed at the tip and heel of the base with glide wax.

What is the glide zone on cross-country skis?

The glide zones are the smooth sections of your ski (except for the middle third of the ski if you have a waxable ski). Glide wax, whether applied with a hot iron or in liquid form, protects and hydrates your ski bases. Think of it like lotion on dry skin.

Does rub on ski wax work?

Don't use rub on wax. It's a waste of money and you'll be lucky if the wax lasts more than a few runs. Rub on wax is designed as a temporary solution and it comes off after 2-3 runs leaving you just as slow as before you rubbed on the wax. On the whole, rub on wax just isn't worth the effort.

What temperature is purple ski wax for?

Recommended Snow Temp Range: 10° F to 32° F

Our eco-friendly ski wax and snowboard wax blends provide superior durability and glide to make your ride fast, as long as possible.

What temperature should I iron my ski wax?

Use an iron with a surface temperature of no higher than 300 F. (150 C.) to create a temperature in the wax layer of 250 F. (120 C.). Or avoid the use of an iron altogether and cork fluorocarbons directly into the base.

What is graphite ski wax?

F1 Graphite Plus is an all temperature hydrocarbon ski and snowboard wax with micronized graphite additive. Fast in all snow conditions but especially excels in cold or dirty snow conditions. Use this universal wax alone or as a mix with any alpine wax for added speed.

Which conditions are best for the fluorocarbon additive to wax?

Fluoro waxes work well Flite Warm is a must. Race in the Woods: The snow will stay cold and have sharper crystals, wax for colder conditions. Wet New Snow: Use Fluoro waxes, wax for warmer than expected temperatures, use lots of structure. Fine Dry New Snow: Wax for colder than expected conditions and temperatures.

What is the best temperature for hard wax?

Hard wax needs to be warm and pliable (but not hot) to work. If using a wax warmer, the ideal temperature is 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be a similar consistency to honey.

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.

How do you tell if a ski is waxed?

Examine the bases of your skis when you get home. If your black ski bases are looking white in spots they are thristy for wax. If you notice parts of the ski that still have wax on them, usually circular spots, the bases aren't flat anymore. If the bases feel fuzzy, its time for a stone grind.

How do you tell if skis have been waxed?

Discoloration on the base of skis is common when the layer on wax on then has diminished or has been removed. This is one of the clearest signs that your skis are in need of re-waxing. This often can give a chalky white appearance on the base of skis. This chalky white appearance is most noticeable on black skis.