UPDATE: Eli and the station got their signals crossed. The chat will be NEXT Tuesday...
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.
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?
If you missed it: The transcript from the live chat with Eli Brown on waxing (and a little bit on equipment).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ”.
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.
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.
Simply put, Irox is a spray-on hot wax. It is totally different from other liquid waxes on the market.