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#1
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Funnest thing about XC: waxing!
I actually have mixed feelings about waxing but in the end it's
basically the coolest thing about XC. By spending a little time waxing and testing one can often come up with skis that are HUGELY faster than the "wax on a hunch" approach. Or at least this used to always be the case for me. Maybe there's enough easy access info out there now to lessen the impact of wax-testing. If so, there's still probably tons of gains to be had just by following all the correct wax procedure. The past few years I've had no extra time so I just slap on the wax, scrape, brush. In my experience spending more time and care really does pay off. Something I've never been able to play with is ski flex. I should probably add that to my list. The experts would put it on top, right? So, ideally one tests the conditions then picks the ski then makes the call on structure and wax and puts it on and preps it right then tests it out, then tries a couple other wax combos to verify then puts on the wax that proved fastest: then you go out and have a blast skiing on amazing skis! --Then you make a note in your log as to the conditions and what worked best. The sad thing is the time it takes to do it right. Snow can change by the time you're done! But it doesn't have to take THAT long. And over the years the data you build up about local snow can give you quick solutions. --JP --JP |
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#2
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I'm not into xc skiing yet, but want to, really bad. Main things keeping me
out are lack of snow, and indeed the waxing. If it's so important to get right, how can I ever compete half-decently if I already have a huge technical deficit and pushing ski's that won't glide? In my country there are hardly any XC skiers to learn from, and even less chances a year to hit the snow, and test what kind of wax works when. From what I read, there are more different kinds of conditions than I'll probably even contend races to learn from. I can live with the idea that I'll be the least fit and least technically capable skier out there, but I can totally NOT live with the idea that I'm losing xx seconds per km just due to my amateuristic wax job. It's like in cyclo-cross racing, all the serious riders are on handmade tubular tires and carbon wheels. Extremely expensive and non-durable. With normal tires you're basically laughed at by the competition, and when the race gets underway you know why. To me, it seems that XC, and expecially serious racing, is a high threshold sport, hard to get into for a newbie, even if you're a real talent. I won't be that talent, but I don't like how you're dependant on lots of snow time and local guru's to put in a decent race with well-waxed ski's. I honestly wish there was no such thing as waxing, and ski's weren't so condition-specific. In a sport like mountainbiking, my main gig, at least bikes are rel\tively affordable, and I ride bikes I'm 100% confident and content with, at least on par with what the pro's are riding. And the effect of a slightly more high-end bike isn't as much of a difference. I hope something will be come up with to make XC skiing more accessible for people new to the sport, away with the waxing mystery! schreef in bericht ups.com... I actually have mixed feelings about waxing but in the end it's basically the coolest thing about XC. By spending a little time waxing and testing one can often come up with skis that are HUGELY faster than the "wax on a hunch" approach. Or at least this used to always be the case for me. Maybe there's enough easy access info out there now to lessen the impact of wax-testing. If so, there's still probably tons of gains to be had just by following all the correct wax procedure. The past few years I've had no extra time so I just slap on the wax, scrape, brush. In my experience spending more time and care really does pay off. Something I've never been able to play with is ski flex. I should probably add that to my list. The experts would put it on top, right? So, ideally one tests the conditions then picks the ski then makes the call on structure and wax and puts it on and preps it right then tests it out, then tries a couple other wax combos to verify then puts on the wax that proved fastest: then you go out and have a blast skiing on amazing skis! --Then you make a note in your log as to the conditions and what worked best. The sad thing is the time it takes to do it right. Snow can change by the time you're done! But it doesn't have to take THAT long. And over the years the data you build up about local snow can give you quick solutions. --JP --JP |
#3
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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 |
#4
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PS: It's probably best to have 3 sets of skis each for classic and
skate. Soft, med, stiff. With fine, med, coarse base grinds to go with them. Whew. I just have never had the overhead to do it. But maybe someday I can piece together something via eBay... : ) Right now I just have 1 soft classic and 1 soft skate. It's a start! |
#5
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