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Wax question from new skier

post #1 of 6
11/19/09 at 5:43am
Thread Starter 
Hi everyone, my name is Rich, and just learned how to ski last year after waiting 43 years ! I just purchased all used gear to start, and I have been reading up on "wax". First question, should I be concerned as to the age of the waxed surface on my used skis where as I am a beginner ? My skis are getting a professional, " basic"  tune up as we speak, but not sure if the shop will wax them ? Secondly,  how do you tell when the ski surface is in need of a new wax job ? Thanks !

                                            Rich K.
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post #2 of 6
11/19/09 at 8:58am
Properly waxed, scraped and brushed skis should have a sheen, don't feel dry and will bead water (or vodka, etc ) on the base:



Depending on the quality of the wax, how abrasive the snow is, new waxing may be necessary anywhere from 1 to 6 outings. If in doubt, wax 'em. It's never wrong to wax more than needed, whereas not doing so will affect your day and reduce base protection. Better glide = higher fun factor.

Welcome to EpicSki, BTW.
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post #3 of 6
11/19/09 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by richkay228 View Post

Hi everyone, my name is Rich, and just learned how to ski last year after waiting 43 years ! I just purchased all used gear to start, and I have been reading up on "wax". First question, should I be concerned as to the age of the waxed surface on my used skis where as I am a beginner ? My skis are getting a professional, " basic"  tune up as we speak, but not sure if the shop will wax them ? Secondly,  how do you tell when the ski surface is in need of a new wax job ? Thanks !

                                            Rich K.

Rich, welcome to Epic.  New skiers are the lifeblood of Skiing and Epic.  Take some time and read through the Beginners Zone when you can and you will read a lot of good tips to make your journey easier and more enjoyable.

Alpinord owns Slidewright.com and is an expert TUNER source and a valuable asset here on Epic.  Not to be meant as a plug but I kuse his wax and leave my ski buds behind on roads and runout.  Sometimes it is the only time I lead.

Welcome to Epic
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post #4 of 6
11/19/09 at 2:17pm
Rich K., where do you ski?
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post #5 of 6
11/19/09 at 4:53pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the warm welcome guys! I skied last year at Killington, VT. My wonderful nephew owns a vacation/rental house very close to Killi, so me and my family all learned how to ski.  What an AMAZING experience Killington is for a new skier. I can't wait to gain some more experience and carry myself farther up the mountain. I did it right, and took lessons. By the 3rd and final day, I was carrying great speed down the beginner trails, and actually was forced to go for a distance down an intermediate trail for about 100 yards, and stayed calm and upright ! I purchased a used and clean pair of 160cm Rossi Cut 10.7's, Rossi poles, and a nice canvas ski bag for $50 !! I also just bought a pair of Koflach RC837 boots in fantastic condition for $50, So i'm ready and waiting!  I've raced virtually everything with tires and sparkplugs  over the past 24 years, and really have no fear, but oddly I always had a fear of sking. But i'm over the fear, and like I said I had such an awesome time !

Alpinord, thank you for the wax feedback, I just today had a great conversation with the shop that's tuning my skis, what a GREAT guy, he loaded my brain with a day's worth of  "free" tips and tricks, and he will tune and wax my skis perfect.  

                                       Rich K.
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post #6 of 6
11/19/09 at 5:21pm
Rich,

Waxing definitely makes a difference, even for a beginner.  You may not "feel" the difference while you're getting the basics down, getting comfortable on skis, making it down the hill and making some turns. But well waxed and tuned skis help your skis glide better over various snow conditions, which help with your ability to control your skis.  As you get more comfortable on your skis, you will gain better feel for your skis on the snow, and at that point, you can "feel" when your skis need a good waxin'.  I typically wax my skis every one or 2 days of skiing, but I agree with some of the other posts that say you don't need to do it that often for recreational skiing.  I like the vodka drip method by the way.
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