Basics on Waxing Bases
Swix now has two versions of universal wax based upon their traditional universal yellow CH10 wax. The universal warm wax is for temperatures between 27º and 50º while the universal cold range is 27º down to -4º (all temps on this site are listed in Fahrenheit).
The only brand of waxes I recommend buying are Swix. This page covers waxes for recreational skiers and those who race mostly for fun. If you're into very competitive racing, then visit Swix's website for advanced waxing information.
Hot Waxing vs Cold Waxing
If you're just starting out you might want to begin with cold waxes (those that you rub into the bases by hand). Remember that all new pairs of skis should be hot waxed often to prevent the bases from drying out (a local ski shop can do this if you don't have tuning equipment). To discover if a wax can be used for hot waxing simply read the back of the container. It will clearly state if the wax can be used for hot waxing (most also give basic directions on how to apply wax).
Swix F4 Universal Line
This line of waxes is marketed for recreational skiers/boarders. They have good performance, but may not be the best solution for you or your skis. Before buying this line of waxes please read the last section below titled 'What is best for your skis.'
The F4 line of Universal waxes works in all snow and temperature conditions. But, be aware of exactly what you're buying. They might be quick and easy to apply, but can be more expensive over time. Prices generally range from $13 to $15. Bad things about these quick and easy to apply waxes are:
These waxes are designed for people demanding high performance. There are 5 categories within this system. The Cera Nova system of waxes are designed to provide optimal balance between water repellency, resistance to snow crystal abrasion, resistance to dirt, temperature range consistency, base penetration and bonding capacity, and anti-static and oxidation properties. The CH series of waxes offers better performance than recreational waxes, but still cost about the same.
CH Series (CH stands for hydrocarbon)
These are traditional hydrocarbon waxes that offer high performance, but do not cost too much. Use these waxes for recreational skiing and fun racing. Average prices currently range $8 to $10 depending on where you purchase them (local ski shop is usually cheaper than online). If you don't waste a lot of extra wax when hot waxing, then you can expect a 60g brick of wax to last for about 15-20 waxes (or a couple seasons depending on how often you’re on the slopes).
LF Series (LF stands for Fluorocarbon)
Price range is $15 to $23 for a 60g brick of wax (actual cost depends on where you buy). Contrary to popular belief, more fluorocarbons in a wax do not make it more durable. Fluorocarbons are mechanically weaker than hydrocarbons, but their dirt and water repelling qualities make them appear like they last longer. They will be faster in a race course than a ski base hot waxed only with a hydrocarbon wax. In new, old, or cold snow conditions, high fluorocarbons can make the ski slower. Fluorocarbons are best for use in temperatures 32ºF or warmer.
How Waxes Are Categorized
Category: CH, LF, etc.
Number: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10
Color: green, blue, violet, red, yellow (greens are for cold temperatures, blue and purple for normal winter temperature ranges, reds and yellows for warmer temperatures)
Ironing temperature: a chart comes with every waxing iron (it's best to buy a Swix waxing iron if you'll only be using Swix waxes). The temperature chart shows where to set the iron for hot waxing. Never use a household iron because it will quickly cause permanent damage to bases.
Temperature range on the slopes: all Swix temperature ranges are what the air temperature would be in the shade
Different Kinds of Waxes
Unless you're a competitive racer, you should stick with glide waxes. Other waxes include powders, liquids, and solids.
What Is Best For Your Skis
All ski bases need to be hot waxed regularly to prevent the bases from drying out. The only way to get wax deeply penetrated into a ski base is through hot waxing. Always use a ski waxing iron; otherwise you could quickly burn the bases (which causes permanent damage). At the end of each season, clean your ski bases using the 'hot-scrape' method. Then, apply a layer of hot wax that will remain on bases throughout the summer (prevents bases from drying out).
Hydrocarbon waxes are cheaper and offer great quality; but you need a well-ventilated area for hot waxing. Hydrocarbons are derived from crude oil, and can cause health problems. Always open a window and use something to cover your nose and mouth while hot waxing especially if you see a lot of smoke in the air.
Fluorocarbons are synthetically produced, and while not as toxic as hydrocarbons, it's still recommended to hot wax only in a well-ventilated area.
The best solution for keeping your ski bases in great condition is to hot wax regularly with hydrocarbon waxes. Apply fluorocarbon waxes when temperatures are warmer, or about 2-3 times per season. Finally, always remember to spend a minute reading the label before buying.
The only brand of waxes I recommend buying are Swix. This page covers waxes for recreational skiers and those who race mostly for fun. If you're into very competitive racing, then visit Swix's website for advanced waxing information.
Hot Waxing vs Cold Waxing
If you're just starting out you might want to begin with cold waxes (those that you rub into the bases by hand). Remember that all new pairs of skis should be hot waxed often to prevent the bases from drying out (a local ski shop can do this if you don't have tuning equipment). To discover if a wax can be used for hot waxing simply read the back of the container. It will clearly state if the wax can be used for hot waxing (most also give basic directions on how to apply wax).
Swix F4 Universal Line
This line of waxes is marketed for recreational skiers/boarders. They have good performance, but may not be the best solution for you or your skis. Before buying this line of waxes please read the last section below titled 'What is best for your skis.'
The F4 line of Universal waxes works in all snow and temperature conditions. But, be aware of exactly what you're buying. They might be quick and easy to apply, but can be more expensive over time. Prices generally range from $13 to $15. Bad things about these quick and easy to apply waxes are:
- Fewer applications per container
- Wax will not stay on bases very long
- It is recommended that after every few applications of F4 wax bases be cleaned using the hot-scrape cleaning method (where you apply hot wax to the base and immediately scrape it off right away to remove dirt/old waxes)
- The only way to get wax deeply penetrated into bases is through hot waxing
These waxes are designed for people demanding high performance. There are 5 categories within this system. The Cera Nova system of waxes are designed to provide optimal balance between water repellency, resistance to snow crystal abrasion, resistance to dirt, temperature range consistency, base penetration and bonding capacity, and anti-static and oxidation properties. The CH series of waxes offers better performance than recreational waxes, but still cost about the same.
CH Series (CH stands for hydrocarbon)
These are traditional hydrocarbon waxes that offer high performance, but do not cost too much. Use these waxes for recreational skiing and fun racing. Average prices currently range $8 to $10 depending on where you purchase them (local ski shop is usually cheaper than online). If you don't waste a lot of extra wax when hot waxing, then you can expect a 60g brick of wax to last for about 15-20 waxes (or a couple seasons depending on how often you’re on the slopes).
LF Series (LF stands for Fluorocarbon)
Price range is $15 to $23 for a 60g brick of wax (actual cost depends on where you buy). Contrary to popular belief, more fluorocarbons in a wax do not make it more durable. Fluorocarbons are mechanically weaker than hydrocarbons, but their dirt and water repelling qualities make them appear like they last longer. They will be faster in a race course than a ski base hot waxed only with a hydrocarbon wax. In new, old, or cold snow conditions, high fluorocarbons can make the ski slower. Fluorocarbons are best for use in temperatures 32ºF or warmer.
How Waxes Are Categorized
Category: CH, LF, etc.
Number: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10
Color: green, blue, violet, red, yellow (greens are for cold temperatures, blue and purple for normal winter temperature ranges, reds and yellows for warmer temperatures)
Ironing temperature: a chart comes with every waxing iron (it's best to buy a Swix waxing iron if you'll only be using Swix waxes). The temperature chart shows where to set the iron for hot waxing. Never use a household iron because it will quickly cause permanent damage to bases.
Temperature range on the slopes: all Swix temperature ranges are what the air temperature would be in the shade
Different Kinds of Waxes
Unless you're a competitive racer, you should stick with glide waxes. Other waxes include powders, liquids, and solids.
What Is Best For Your Skis
All ski bases need to be hot waxed regularly to prevent the bases from drying out. The only way to get wax deeply penetrated into a ski base is through hot waxing. Always use a ski waxing iron; otherwise you could quickly burn the bases (which causes permanent damage). At the end of each season, clean your ski bases using the 'hot-scrape' method. Then, apply a layer of hot wax that will remain on bases throughout the summer (prevents bases from drying out).
Hydrocarbon waxes are cheaper and offer great quality; but you need a well-ventilated area for hot waxing. Hydrocarbons are derived from crude oil, and can cause health problems. Always open a window and use something to cover your nose and mouth while hot waxing especially if you see a lot of smoke in the air.
Fluorocarbons are synthetically produced, and while not as toxic as hydrocarbons, it's still recommended to hot wax only in a well-ventilated area.
The best solution for keeping your ski bases in great condition is to hot wax regularly with hydrocarbon waxes. Apply fluorocarbon waxes when temperatures are warmer, or about 2-3 times per season. Finally, always remember to spend a minute reading the label before buying.
