Do New Skis Need To Be Waxed?
Nothing beats the excitement of getting a new pair of skis. The unboxing experience, the smell of those wraps, it is just out of this world. But then comes the million-dollar question, do they need waxing?
There is a lot of debate on this topic. Some say that you don’t need to wax new skis, they come pre-waxed from the factory. But many say that you should wax your skis regardless of that because the factory wax dries out while the skis sit in the store.
Our take on this is that it is better to be cautious than to suffer in the long run. Besides, it’s not like you can wax your skis enough. So there is no harm in waxing them after the unboxing. You also get to overcome the possibility of “if the factory wax has dried out”.
Skis are waxed in the factory and most ski manufacturers claim that their skis are pre-waxed. But, the base of the skis dries out quickly. It is highly likely that by the time you get your new skis, they have been sitting in the store for quite a while. The base of the skis has likely been dried out and has shrunk a bit. So it is better to apply some wax to them.
The first thing after getting your skis is to look at the base. You can tell if the skis are dry by looking at the base for a cloudy white tint at places. This tint will be more prominent along the edges after your skis.
Applying wax to new skis ensures that you get a fast and smooth run, otherwise, you won’t get the performance you expected from your new skis and you might get disappointed with the brand that you have been hearing so much about. It is even better if you wax for a longer time.
When waxing skis, it is better to start with your waxing iron until all the wax on the ski is wet and warm. Cup racers often put their freshly waxed skis in the oven so the wax stays wet for hours. This allows the waxed to properly sink into the pores in the base of the ski. But for regular purposes, just keep the wax hot for minutes before letting the skis dry, and then brush them off.
Some skis require even more work than simple waxing. For example, fat skis may require a base grind to flatten the base so that they run smoothly on the snow. But many people are so excited when they get their new pair of skis that they don’t bother with all this maintenance and just take them out for a ride and no one can blame them. The excitement of something new is just unmatched.
But in short, we would recommend that you put in some work before taking your new skis for a spin. This will ensure the optimum performance and longevity of your product. Besides, it’s embarrassing getting beaten by your friends going downhill on your new skis.
