Do I need to wax downhill skis?

Question

I have downhill skis, Head Xenon 3.0

Do I need to wax them?

If so, any particular wax I should use?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

You definitely should get a hot wax  at least once a week if your are skiing every day.  the more you ski the more you should be in control of your equiptment.  Different snow conditions and temperatures demand different waxes to give optimum performance.  

when I was skiing with the Helicopter service the Boys would tune the guests skis every day before lift off.  They would check the bases and edges and then put on appropriate wax for the days particluar snow and temperature.  

many times I have heard guests comment how well their skis worked on the day they skied the Heli's.  A lot of that had to do with haveing skis that were tuned properly for the first time.

It makes a huge difference.

Answer 2

YES!!

Wax protects the bases. Keeps them healthy, so to speak.

And rub on wax doesn't do it. You need a good hot wax at least once a year. Preferably once a month in ski season.

You want glide wax (the downhill stuff). They come in different varieties, depending on temperature. Check the temp you usually ski in, then apply that color wax. It is fine to blend wax colors, especially when the the temperature may be cold in the morning but warm in the afternoon.

Before you hang them up for the season, it would be prudent to put on a layer of wax, and don't scrape it until the beginning of the next season.

If you don't know how to hot wax, it is relatively easy. Just google around and you can find tips and suggestions. All you really need is a junk iron and the wax, plus a scraper.

Answer 3

Yes wax the skiis.  Unless you are an international class racer, start with canning paraffin ironed into the bases. It may take 6-12 times to get your bases saturated with wax. Scrape the wax to a thin layer, then apply the proper temperature wax for the days' skiing.  I hot wax my skiis every 3 days of use, sharpen the edges every 7 days.