Wax new skis...end of season?

[MR. evil]

Someone mention using wax to prevent edge rust. Why don't ski Mfrs use stainless steel for edges so we don't have to worry about rust? Is it purly cost driven? I know ID One skis use only S. Steel for the edges, but they are an expensive ski.

 

[Marc]

Someone mention using wax to prevent edge rust. Why don't ski Mfrs use stainless steel for edges so we don't have to worry about rust? Is it purly cost driven?

Yes. Plus stainless is a little more difficult to cold work.

 

[Marc]

Don't worry about the rust anyway. It's just superficial.

 

[ERJ-145CA]

Don't worry about the rust anyway. It's just superficial.

I always figured any rust was cleaned off during the fall sharpening and tuning.

 

[andyaxa]

The only reason to use glide wax is to make the ski glide better.

OK, I think I followed the conversation but I'm not a chemical engineer...just a purveyor of the Demon Rum. It seems that wax does not actualluy absorb into the base but rather fills in spaces formed in the making of base. Sooooo....does Marc's quote above still hold? Does wax offer ANY protection?....ie if someone never waxed would it harm their skis?

 

[Marc]

OK, I think I followed the conversation but I'm not a chemical engineer...just a purveyor of the Demon Rum. It seems that wax does not actualluy absorb into the base but rather fills in spaces formed in the making of base. Sooooo....does Marc's quote above still hold? Does wax offer ANY protection?....ie if someone never waxed would it harm their skis?

No. Like I pointed out before, wax is a soft material. Various polyethylenes are far more abrasion resistant. Wax is for glide.

 

[andyaxa]

OK, thanks...good to know if I'm not a vigilant waxer it won't harm the bases.

 

[Glenn]

I wax when the edges of the base start to get a bit chalkly. Although, I'm a little more OCD than the average bear, so if my skis feel grabby, they get waxed.

I also use a structure tool from Tongar. It works great and it's really easy to use. A few basses pre waxing and I'm good to go.

 

[snowmonster]

I've heard all the arguments pro and con waxing and I'm not going to argue the science behind this. All I know is this: 1) gear is expensive and I like maintaining them in the best condition I can keep them; 2) being meticulousness is part of my DNA; 3) waxing and tuning skis are therapeutic and keep me thinking of skiing during the workweek; 4) a well-tuned ski grips well on ice and hardpack; and 5) a well-waxed pair of skis glides really well on traverses and doesn't get suctioned in the spring. I don't think I've ever been passed on Kansas at SR.

But, to each his own. That's what skiing is about.