Tips for Applying HS-0 Extreme White for cold conditions

Fast Wax Tip

Tue, Jan  22, 2008 - By Dan Meyer

A little WHITE MAGIC: Fast Wax Ski Wax HS-0 Extreme White.

"I love that wax!" exclaims Pepsi Challenge 51K classic champion Josie Nelson.

Her sentiment is shared by other members of the Fast Wax Race Team, who describe HS-0 EXTREME WHITE as a "secret weapon" for cold weather races - though not so very secret in the case of this highly popular product.

Originally developed specifically for the extremely cold and dry conditions routinely encountered at Giant's Ridge in northern Minnesota, this wax has built-in antistatic properties. No extra powders or additives are needed to enjoy fast skis on very cold, dry snow. And skiers appreciate the fact that it's easier to work with than many other cold waxes.

The wax is great for:

• Cold wind blown powdery snow or man-made snow
• Extreme skiing Conditions
• Greasy fast skis in cold conditons

Under these cold conditions the snow is generally hard pack and icy, a stiff ski works best.

Here are a few tips on using HS-0 Extreme White from the experts who have spent years testing it in Minnesota's coldest snow conditions:

1. Never use a metal brush for a final polish on your ski finished with HS-0 White.

After your final layer of White wax is completely brushed out, you can use a polishing brush or fiber cloth to polish the base to a glossy finish. Your goal is the smoothest possible base to reduce friction created by sharp crystals of very cold snow.

2. HS-0 White performs best when allowed to cool before scraping.

A sharp scraper and a stiff nylon brush will make removal much easier (rotobrushing is an excellent option to get started but aggressive brushing with a stiff nylon brush will finish it off most effectively.)

3. Always allow your skis to cool at room temperature.

Putting them outside while still warm will draw the wax back out of the ski. Skis waxed with HS-0 White and kept at room temperature until they are cooled and completely finished do not need to be rebrushed after they have been exposed to cold. If you experience some drag when you are warming up, a stiff nylon brush will remove any wax that remained on the ski surface.

4. More coats improve durability.

While 2 coats of White will result in fast skis, you can improve the durability and performance in extremely abrasive snow conditions by adding a third or even fourth coat of White wax, scraping and brushing after each one.

Add warm clothes, protect your exposed skin, and have a terrific race!

Take the guesswork out of selecting the optimal wax of the day: Use the FastWax WaxMaster!