Apologies for giving you fear of wax! My experience is that simply
waxed skis are easy to do. Just look at the can and apply. Marginally
waxed skis work great for me usually. I think I could get regular Top30
local race results on skis waxed willynilly.

(I've personally never had equipment hold me back in bike racing---but
I'm sure the higher the level of competition the more it matters. I've
raced rigid mtbike against trick fullsuspension and done just fine. But
I've often enjoyed underdog equipment. If you want an equipment
disadvantage try an old boat in a canoe race. Ouch! But even there as
long as you're in the generally right territory equipmentwise you're
OK. It's when you're off by a full generation of design advance in
canoes that you're off the back in a big way.)

Anyway, to me when I spend an extra few hours on the ski waxing it
tends to really pay off and just gives me a big thrill. But it's the
difference of going from fine skis to rocketships. I get plenty of ski
beauty with any ski I put on. One that's waxed right just puts a big
grin on my face. And one that has the superbest magic discovery wax on
seems like a miracle on snow.

Again, it doesn't take that much wax/rill/brush know-how to get top-10
worthy skis---if they're the right flex to begin with (and given
suitable skill/fitness!). If you're in the groove you could have top-10
skis ready in an hour.

But it's just so much fun for me, if I have the time, to fiddle around
and find the wax that's best among the best. Some combo often will
really stand out. But the 2nd tier soutions are still very good!

I find that I've had these thrill experiences most often when I can go
up a day early---like on a Thurs. Or if I'm living in snow country. And
I need the time!

Just going skiing is the biggest thrill. But having great skis just
makes me giddy on top of it all and is just plain fun.

Our local top skier says he has 7 waxes in his box. I suppose he means
glide waxes. Usually one basic line will work---it's possible that if
you're skiing locally/regionally that you'll find certain waxes really
like your snow and you might end up mixing lines over time, as you
test.

But then again I sometimes resent the advantage that I know can come
from great skis/wax. Especially if I don't have the time to play at
that level. But these days I'm happy to give that level of the game to
those who value it most. I bet they're having fun!

--JP