Understanding the Basics
Waxable Skis
Waxable skis rely on grip wax applied to the grip zone (the “wax pocket”) under the skier’s foot. This wax creates the necessary friction for propulsion. When the skier compresses the ski into the snow during the push-off phase, the wax grips the snow to provide resistance. However, when the ski is gliding, the wax shears cleanly, allowing for smooth glide (forward motion of the ski).
Skin (Waxless) Skis
Skin skis replace grip wax with a one-directional synthetic or mohair skin in the grip zone. This skin provides traction when compressed into the snow, enabling the skier to push off effectively. The term "waxless" only applies to the grip zone; both waxable and skin skis still require glide wax on the glide sections for optimal performance.
Grip Wax
Grip wax, also called "kick wax," is a hard wax applied by rubbing it onto the grip zone and smoothing it with a cork. It acts like a contact adhesive, gripping the snow during compression and shearing away cleanly during gliding.
Klister
Klister is a sticky type of ski wax used specifically in icy, wet, or variable snow conditions. It provides grip by adhering to the snow when traditional hard waxes cannot.
Pros and Cons of Waxable Skis
Advantages of Waxable Skis
- Customized Grip and Glide:
Waxable skis allow you to tailor your grip zone using temperature-specific grip waxes, adjusting the length, thickness, and type of wax to optimize grip and glide for specific snow conditions. - Superior Speed:
When properly waxed, these skis offer a faster and more efficient glide than skin skis. - Fine-Tuned Performance:
Skiers can balance grip and glide based on personal preferences and conditions, making waxable skis ideal for those who prioritize high performance. - Enhanced Learning:
Waxable skis help skiers connect with their equipment by understanding how adjusting the grip wax length (extending or shortening the grip zone) affects kick timing, and how wax thickness enhances kick or reduces glide.
Disadvantages of Waxable Skis
- Additional Costs:
Grip waxes and klister (a sticky grip substance for wet/warm snow) add to the expense. - Time Commitment:
Waxing takes about 5–10 minutes per session and requires cleaning off the old wax before applying new layers. - Learning Curve:
Selecting the right wax and applying it effectively requires knowledge and practice, especially in challenging conditions near freezing. - Tricky Conditions:
Near-freezing temperatures with fresh snow can make it difficult to achieve optimal grip.
Pros and Cons of Skin Skis
Advantages of Skin Skis
- Convenience:
Skin skis eliminate the need for grip wax. Simply grab your skis and hit the trails. - Versatility:
They perform reliably in most snow conditions and are user-friendly for skiers of all levels. They excel in variable snow conditions, especially when temperatures or snow types change frequently while skiing.
Disadvantages of Skin Skis
- Reduced Speed:
The skin material creates additional drag, making them slower than waxable skis. - Limited Adjustability:
Most skin skis don’t allow for fine-tuning the grip zone, though high-performance models come with skins for varying grip, length, and width. - Icing Issues:
Skin skis can ice up under certain conditions (e.g., near-freezing temperatures with fresh snow), requiring care to mitigate. - Maintenance Needs:
Skins require occasional care with specialty products to extend their lifespan and prevent icing.
Conclusion
Both waxable and skin skis have unique strengths and weaknesses, making them suited to different needs:
- Waxable skis are ideal for experienced skiers who enjoy fine-tuning their setup for maximum performance and speed.
- Skin skis are a great choice for convenience and reliability, especially for recreational skiers or those new to the sport.
Your choice will depend on your priorities: performance vs. simplicity, speed vs. ease of use. Consider the conditions you'll ski in most often and the time you're willing to spend on ski preparation to find the perfect pair.
After applying the grip wax by crayoning it on, one layer at a time—typically in a pyramid style with three layers, the first layer being the longest and the subsequent layers shorter—you need to cork it in and smooth it out. The thinner each layer, the better the coverage and the smoother the final finish, preventing uneven or clumped wax from catching the snow.
If you purchase waxable classic skis from an expert ski shop, they will typically come with kick zone markings. For example, these markings might include:
- 0.2mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm: Represent camber height, helping you fine-tune performance for different snow conditions.
- H & K: Indicate zones for Hard wax and Klister, with the Klister zone being shorter due to its thicker application.
When building your kit for waxable skis, you’ll need several temperature-specific hard grip waxes, some klister for icy and/or wet snow, a wax scraper, wax remover, and corks for smoothing the grip wax. Multiple manufacturers produce grip waxes, including Swix, Toko, Start, Guru, Rex, Holmenkol, and a few others.
When choosing classic skin skis, consider factors like your skill level, weight, and intended use. Recreational skiers often prefer user-friendly models with universal skins, providing reliable grip and glide in a variety of conditions. Competitive skiers might opt for performance-oriented models with replaceable skins, adjustable binding positions, and tailored camber profiles for precise power transfer and efficiency. Popular options include mohair or synthetic skins, each offering unique benefits—mohair for smoother glide and synthetic for durability in abrasive snow. Always ensure the ski length and stiffness (camber pressure) match your weight and skiing style for the best performance.