Is it worth waxing your own skis?

Question

Taking in consideration the cost of waxing gear which can cost anywhere from $50 to who knows, is it worth learning how to wax your own skis rather than just taking them into a shop? The benefits seem to be that you would save money over time (and pride from a job well done) and the drawbacks would be the time and cleanup, not to mention the trial and error of doing something the first time. So, is it worth waxing your own skis or is it better to take it to a shop?

Answer 1

Until this year I used to wax and tune all of my own stuff since 1992. Investing in the waxing stuff isn't that expensive. I got a lot of enjoyment waxing my stuff because it was relaxing and it gave me an excuse to hide out in the garage for 30 minutes or so.

The only reason I didn't wax my own stuff this year was because it only costs me $16 to get a hot wax and tune-up at the ski area I work at. I have no room where I live to set up my home shop either, so it beats having to pull out all of my stuff and put down a tarp on the kitchen floor.

Answer 2

If it were say 10 bucks at a ski shop, not really.  But 50 buck, h**l yea.

Besides then you could do it for your friends, charge 25 bucks and ski for free!

Answer 3

OH YES!

My hubby qualified as a ski technician last year and my skis have never been better as he keeps them in tip top condition all the time and it makes a HUGE difference.

The cost? Well when we went away recently he put a not on our hotel room door advertising that he could do people's skis/board overnight with an edge and wax - this paid for the bar bill and lunches so I recon its well worth it.

Answer 4

I wax my own every 3-4 days of skiing. It took about 10 minutes yesterday, and there is very little excess wax when I scrape. It also gives me a chance to check the edges for bad spots, and to touch them up.

I take mine in to a shop once a season for a full tune up early, then do my own.  At $40/ tune, I can't afford to have a shop do it every 3-4 days.

Answer 5

It depends on a bunch of things:

- how much $50 is worth to you.

- how busy you are.

- the snow conditions where you ski.

- are you finding your skis slow now.

etc.

For me, no.  I'm too busy, and where I go it's only $20.  No brainer.  To get yourself setup with waxes, iron etc you are looking at about $100.  I only get my skis waxed a couple of times a year so the payback would be too slow.

I did for years when I was racing, skiing more and had less $.  And you are right there is a feeling of accomplishment, and the wax smell for me means skiing.  I miss it, but still not worth it.

Enjoy the snow!  Cheers.

Answer 6

I have waxed my own skis and boards for years. Get an old iron and change wax as conditions change just buy wax as you need it. A scraper metal much better than plastic does not wear down and a cork to polish. Great thing easy to do and lasts a lot longer than just a roller most shops put on with the iron you wax deeper into the base. Well worth the low cost initial investment. Can do a pair of skis in 20 minutes and if you want you can also get an edger to keep your edges sharp. I have the shop do mine once at the start of the season then maintain my edges and do all my wax all season long.

Answer 7

IDK about skies but I wax my snowboard all the time.  I use an old iron and it works great.  I'm guessing it would be the same thing.

Answer 8

To be really honest with you, i think it is really worth the time spent to wax for yourself.  There are a couple reasons why:

1) When you actually wax for yourself, you can do the kind of job YOU want to do.  Many times with wax shops and stuff (tuning shops), they tend to rip you off for a crappy job.  I would rather a good job you know?

2)  It is very satisfying to know that you are ripping harder than everyone else on the mountain because YOU did the work =) for your skis.

The cleanup isn't really THAT bad as long as you prepare well.  

All in all, i think it's worth it.  Then again though, i have over 10 pairs of skis and snowboards and a full ski shop in my house. Call me a ski bum i guess =)

PS>  If you want to get good at it, then invest in some good gear. Honestly though, i started off with and old 5$ iron from some thrift store. Just watch the temp and you'll be fine!