Cross Country Ski Waxing and Base Prep

JetStream Application and Rotocorking Tips

2/2/2011 - By Ian Harvey

There are various ways to apply JetStream (or any other fluorocarbon). Sometimes the end result is the same and sometimes one method of application yields an advantage over another. Here are 3 main options and their merits.

Klister Cushion?

2/1/2011 - By Chris Hall

Using hard wax, we often do a hard-over, putting the softer wax underneath as cushion and using the colder on top so it doesn't ice, and then might wear away as the day warms, snow gets warmer. Is the same process ever used with klister?

Transcript of Live Chat with Eli Brown

1/26/2011 - By Eli Brown

If you missed it: The transcript from the live chat with Eli Brown on waxing (and a little bit on equipment).

Q&A with Eli Brown at Noon TODAY

1/26/2011 - By MIke Muha

Eli Brown was asked to do a weekly live web chat on waxing with the local NBC affiliate at noon today. You can ask him questions online at UpNorthLive.com.

A perfect wax, and structure, for each snow condition

1/8/2011 - By Chris Hall and Drew Gelina

The Swix team ran many tests over the 24 hours preceding the distance freestyle event at US Nationals and was able to identify waxes and structure patterns that were running very fast and used my many of the teams and athletes racing on Thursday.

Base Green Binder wax of the day at Nationals

1/6/2011 - By Ian Harvey

Our wax tip was for a super thick and short application (in multiple layers) of Base Green Binder. Simple as that. In testing, this solution went about as well as the best klister wax solutions.

Selecting a structure for your skis

12/23/2010 - By Swix

Generally, we can say that linear structure and broken linear structure (V) are mostly used in classic races. Screw and cross-structures often give a good “feeling ” in free technique (skating) races.

Swix Structure Basics

12/21/2010 - By Andrew Gerlach

Although there are variations in the patterns applied, structures can be classified into “fine”, “medium-fine ”,“medium-coarse ” and “coarse ” structures. The most frequently used structures in World Cup are “fine” and “medium-fine ”.

Adding structure with the Toko Structurite tool

12/8/2010 - By Ian Harvey

When selecting a structure, there are four main factors to consider: the moisture content of the snow, snow crystal type, dirt content of the snow, and how skied in the snow is going to be. Figure this out THEN apply structure.

Swix's simple secrets to West Yellowstone waxing success

12/3/2010 - By Andrew Gerlach

For the first two races we could not conduct speed trap tests or run outs because the snow was too deep and tracks inconsistent so we conducted double blind feel tests on matched and zeros test skis.