Getting to the GOOD stuff here-

(September 14, 2012) OK, I finally am back to get this blog tightened up a little.



Hydrocarbon/Fluro blends are the MAIN types of waxes for high-level training and racing.      There are 3 main types of blends:
Low-concentration Fluro blends, High concentration, and High concentration with Bonus Stuff in them. The bonus is a dry lube such as Molybdenum (or Moly). Graphite is also used in older or lower-cost blends. These 3 types will cover nearly all of your performance waxing needs. A complete wax kit will have a good range of all of them to cover all conditions.

Low Fluro waxes are less expensive and are easier to work with (generally) for most people. Why? Because they mix (adhere) well with prep waxes, and they are cheap enough that people don't tend to skimp on them. If too thin of a layer of wax is applied before a waxing with an iron, it is possible to "spot-glaze" the base... sometimes without even realizing it. When your complete wax job is done however, you will notice the base just doesn't "feel right." Then it takes a lot of work to get the skis fast again.

High Fluro waxes are fairly pricey- usually. You still need to apply enough wax to protect the base from the iron however. A piece of fiberlene between the iron and ski can help spread the heat a bit (which is good), but the fiberlene will also absorb a little of the wax- which is NOT your goal.

So what does Gadget do? I IRON low fluro waxes, but I use a RAY'S WAY waxer for high fluro and moly waxes. The Ray's way waxer PUSHES the wax into the base with pressure and friction. I use very little wax with this method.

So what do you think: is the highest concentration (and highest price) wax always the fastest? No, not always. As snow get colder and drier, fluro gets less and less effective.

What about Moly? Moly adds cost to the wax blend, and the moly takes up space on the base that would be used but the Fluro, so it isn't always faster. Lean towards Moly in dirtier snow, in drier conditions... and SOMETIMES in the wettest conditions.

Knowing exactly when your waxes will be fastest can only be determined by experimenting and testing. That is why any good tech is also his own best Guinea Pig. Sure, racers will help us test and experiment, but they want the techs to sort some things out first.

A ski racer's job is to ski FAST. A tech's job is to give them the FAST Skis!

Full disclosure: I do some testing for RaceWax.com I love the products, so I have offered to help make them better.