Snowboard/Ski wax

Question
Hi Ron,

approx a month ago we discussed the issue of selecting the proper wax and you gave me a very detailed tutorial. Besides loads of hints you gave me you suggested me to prepare the base by first putting a very soft type of wax (hydrocarbon) and then follow with a harder wax to sort of seal the base. Then apply the daily wax according to the snow type. I did some more research on the net and I found that loads of wax companies suggest this method too. I also found where a company suggests to start with the softest available and then increasing the hardness by a scale at a time (they suggest approx 5 times), producing a sort of multi layer wax job. Similar to your technique but with more different waxes.

My question is, in your opinion if we take for example a new base (either snowboard or ski, sintered or normal) that never got waxed. what is the reasonable number of layers that you can wax without the different types of wax getting mixed with each other, or before the base fully saturates till it accepts no more wax in it?

Also I found a tip from an Austrian guy that suggests that the first third of the board and the edges should always be waxed with hard wax, while the rest of the board with the proper wax according to the current temp. his opinion is that the edges and the front part of the board are the parts that are mostly prone to wear and tear. He says that the hard wax in the front softens the snow so then the softer wax in the middle of the board and back work on the softer snow. What do you think ?

Regards

Joe


Answer
Hi Joe,

I believe that, to some degree, all wax layers will intermix- and that they especially will not wear evenly. At some point you will have a less-than-optimal wax on the surface of some, or many portions of your board. Hopefully they will shed quickly. This is why I personally do not use or advocate the method you described, with a soft under layer. Soft wax simply melts sooner, and like a flux it will draw to the heat- creating the intermixing you describe. So how many layers do I really think are possible? I think 3. Base, Intermediate, and Surface (like a fluoro add-on).

I wax hard as a base coat, and then follow with the wax du jour- so the remaining wax is always most durable- but I am not waxing to win races, just to protect my gear and ski with efficiency.

I am definitely in agreement that a harder, more abrasion resistant wax is optimal near the edges, and at the tip, although I question the logic that the wax at the tip softens anything. Some world cup techs have argued that more aggressive structure at the tip will result in a generation of useful moisture (assuming the rest of the base is waxed to use that moisture), but I don't see how a harder wax will soften snow.

A quick glance at the bottom of your board or skis will illustrate the wear patterns from abrasion, and give insight into where you should direct your harder wax.

Thanks for the follow-up...

Ron