When choosing skis with notches, the buyer should know that these are pleasure skis and not sports version. They are not designed for rapidly sliding along mountain slopes or reaching high sporting victories. For these purposes, you need to choose professional cross-country skis. So is it necessary to lubricate skis with notches or is it not important for them? It turns out that the lubricant will give improved gliding to this traveling type.
There is an opinion that there is no need to lubricate them, given the structural features of the model. Manufacturers placed a notch in the middle of the sliding surface. This provides this function without pretense of high performance on the track. The sliding effect is present on new equipment until the notch begins to wear off. It will then be provided with knurled ski wax to help maintain a smooth, fast ride. Skiing will be a pleasure on a frosty winter day, provided that the surface is treated and there is a supply of ointment during trips.
Which ointment to choose?
How to coat plastic skis with notches for traction on snow? Three types of ointments:
- The first is soil that firmly holds the product. Without primer, the coating disappears in a few hours.
- The second includes holding compounds. They are used for lubrication: mountain, running models, for skating. Professional athletes lubricate their knurled skis for a classic ride.
- The third includes ointments for grip. They have 2 functions at the same time: to support sliding, to grip at the moment of push.
Ointments also vary in consistency:
- At positive temperatures, liquid formulations are used. This is enough for a forest walk.
- For semi-solids, a temperature of about 0 o is suitable. WITH.
- Solid ones are used in frosty weather.
Air temperature and snow conditions are indicated on the packaging.
The best manufacturers
Manufactured by world famous manufacturers:
- Norwegian company SWIX operating in the market sporting goods since 1946 in the production of: paraffins, ointments, accessories, clothing, sports equipment.
- The Swiss company TOKO, founded in 1916, specializes in their production. Currently, the company has a good reputation among skiers and snowboarders.
- Finnish company Vauhti (which means “Speed”), which has been producing Vauhti since 1937. Currently known as a major equipment manufacturer.
Lovers and professional athletes are well familiar with the products of these companies.
What is needed to apply the ointment?
In the recent past, there were no types of equipment other than wooden ones. They were protected from exposure to moisture by painting, and the bottom was coated with oil. Today there are two types of skis:
- Plastic - with the addition of composite materials and alloys. They have a range of positive characteristics (glide perfectly, are not susceptible to moisture).
- Combined - the base material of which is wood of various species and plastic; they do not require tarring.
But the opinion that you don’t need to lubricate skis with notches is wrong. New plastic devices are lubricated with paraffin before going out on the track or for a walk. This product is available in all sports and online stores. The procedure is carried out as follows:
- The sliding surface, clean and dry, is rubbed with paraffin.
- Using a special or home iron, as well as a knife blade, which is heated up for this purpose, the paraffin is distributed over sliding surface.
- The pores of the plastic are filled with melted paraffin.
- Residues are removed with a scraper.
- Surfaces are polished with a rubbing cloth or a stiff nylon brush.
When heating paraffin, you need to carefully monitor the temperature. It should not exceed +200 o C, otherwise the surface of the skis may burn. It will take at least two hours for the paraffin to dry.
Only after this procedure do they begin to use ointments.
How to lubricate skis with notches?
Owners of such models know that they practically do not need lubrication. But, if the crust has iced over and the notches can no longer cope, and the weather is too warm, the sliding surface will have to be lubricated.
Instructions step by step
Lubricant should be applied immediately when the skis kick back. The instructions suggest practical recommendations on proper lubrication of skis with notches:
- Initially, it is necessary to place a small amount of the composition on the loading area.
- If the problem persists, you need to slightly increase the application area towards the toe.
- If recoil is not completely eliminated, you need to add it to the cargo area. It is designed for -2/-4 o C.
A prudent athlete always has ointment in stock. This way you can avoid problems with recoil and the run will be successful.
Important! Glide ointments are applied to the end and toes, and retention ointments are applied to the middle of the sliding surface. For fans of classic skating and skating - on the gliding surface.
When choosing skis, you need to know for what purpose they are purchased. The type of lubricant depends on this. To avoid the opposite effect, it is important to use for the intended purpose. For skis with notches, either don’t buy them, or just for grip, then a walk through the forest will leave a pleasant impression.
To run comfortably with a classic stroke, skis must glide forward and “hold” back. Unsupportive skis are a torment for a skier. We have already covered this in a separate article. Today we will tell you how to wax skis for a classic move so that there is no “recoil”. The process is very similar to preparation skating skis, but you need to additionally lubricate the holding area.
Where is ski holding ointment applied?
Grip ointment is applied to skis to the “pad” area. Last - the area under the boot and forward about 30 cm.
This image shows the approximate last length (based on ski length) for beginner skiers.
When selecting a pad, you should not accurately calculate centimeters and strictly follow the instructions. The ideal holding zone is different for everyone. Start with the recommendations on the diagrams, and then adjust, depending on the glide and grip of the skis.
There is “kickback” on skis - increase the block forward.
Skis glide poorly and slow down with ointment - reduce the block.
Important! Adjust the block only at the front of the ski. At the back, the holding ointment should reach a maximum of the heel of the boot.
Once you find your last length, mark it on your skis with a marker or sticker.
Quick preparation of classic skis
What is needed to prepare skis without an iron and other equipment?
- slip ointment for quick application
- holding ointment for quick application
In this method, everything is simple: the sliding area is smeared with sliding ointment, the holding area is smeared with holding ointment. We wait 2 minutes and you can ride. Learn more about applying liquid gliding ointments.
The method is very convenient and fast. But it is not as effective as preparing skis with solid ointments. Quick ski preparation is enough for an average of 5 km. If you plan to ski more, then you will need a different way to lubricate your skis.
Preparing classic skis with solid ointments
The principle is the same, but holding ointment is applied under the block, and the sliding area is treated with paraffins using an iron. We wrote how to treat skis with paraffin in the article:.
What is needed to apply the holding ointment?
- solid holding ointment
- synthetic rubbing
- masking tape (preferred, but not required)
- 100-grit sandpaper (preferably, but not required)
How to apply grip ointment to skis?
It is advisable to treat the block with fine sandpaper under the holding ointment. Ideal with 100 grit. Carry out this operation only when you find a block that suits you. Rough plastic will hold the ointment better and it will last longer.
To make smearing more convenient, you can mark the area of the block with masking tape. This way you will not stain the sliding surface of the ski with grip ointment when you rub the ointment.
The ointment is applied in thin layers, each layer must be rubbed with a synthetic cork. It is better to apply 2-3 thin layers than one thick one. A thick layer of ointment is difficult to spread evenly.
To increase the mileage covered with one application of holding ointment, the primer layer can be applied under the iron. That is, first sand, then fuse a thin layer of ointment with an iron, and then everything is as usual.
This treatment of skis will be enough for 50 km or more. If the weather has changed, then the old ointment must be removed and a new one applied according to the weather.
How to remove old grip ointment from skis?
The old holding ointment is removed with a scraper. To do this, it is better to have a separate scraper so as not to stain the sliding surface with ointment.
After removing the ointment with a scraper, the residues are washed off with special solvents. The procedure is optional, but after 2-3 treatments it is better to completely clean the holding area using washes.
Play sports, move, travel and be healthy! 🙂
If you find an error, a typo, or you have something to discuss, write in the comments. We are always happy to communicate :)
25.07.2013
Notch. To be or not to be?
It is impossible to give a definite answer to this question. We can only cite dry facts - most of the skiers all over the planet ski with notches. The positive aspect of using this type of ski is clear to everyone - issues with caring for them are limited only to packaging and transportation. The “unpack, get up, go” scheme attracts a huge number of people.
The negative aspects of using skis with notches are no less obvious - really high-quality skiing on them is limited only to slopes with loose snow. Well, if you decide to improve the quality of skiing, then you can no longer apply ointment to skis with notches. What type of skis to choose is everyone's business. But you must clearly understand what is more priority for you - carefree or quality skiing in any weather.
The following article will be useful for those who have chosen skis without notches and are concerned about how to care for them.
Ski care kits.
2-4 jars of different ointments, a scraper and a rubbing stopper - this is the minimum set needed for proper ski care. In order to use the classic style of skating, you will need a holding ointment. It is used to lubricate the space that is located under the block (the part of the ski under the boot). This is done so that the skis do not go back when pushing off with your foot.
For starters, it’s quite suitable for a beginner. It usually includes 4 jars of ointments. For the first experiment, it is enough to lubricate the skis only under the block, applying them with a cork.
So, having lubricated the area under the block, you need to carefully rub the ointment with a tool specially designed for this -. As a result, you should have a shiny, even layer of ointment. If suddenly any problems arise and the layer is not completely uniform, don’t worry - it will be enough to rub it further.
Pay attention to one very important nuance. When you go for a ride, be sure to take 2 tubes of ointment with you - one for less cold weather and one for a warmer one and a scraper with a cork. Next we will look at typical cases of error with the choice of ointment.
1) The skis don’t hold up and slip backwards.
In this case, it is enough just to apply a layer of “warmer” ointment and rub it well with a stopper. This procedure can be completed in just a few minutes.
2) Skis “slow down”
This is what they say when they stop driving normally. Often this symptom is accompanied by the accumulation of snow or even ice (especially under the block). Professional athletes use the terms “slush” (snow) and “icing” (ice) for this case. The situation can be corrected. However, this will require a little more effort and time than in the first case. First, use it to remove snow or ice. If you don’t have a scraper at hand, then this can be done with other available means. For example, a tree branch, another ski, or even car keys. After the described procedure, you need to get rid of drops of moisture. This can be done with an ordinary glove and vigorously rubbing the ski. Next, the cork comes into play - a couple of minutes of active rubbing will give results. Having finished with this “warming” of the ointment, you can apply another one - more suitable for the weather. In 99% of cases, this technique will help cope with the problem.
Real situation. It's minus 5 outside. How to lubricate skis in this weather?
Consider a situation where the temperature outside is minus 5 degrees. We will use . From the temperature range of this set, you should select a suitable ointment (blue ointment with a temperature range of - 2 ... - 8). Do not forget that you will definitely need to take with you 2 more jars of ointments, designed for “neighboring” temperature ranges. In our case, it will be purple ointment (0 ... -2) and green (-5 ... -12). In such a situation, you can change the ointment both in case of warming and in case of cold weather.
After a walk, the ointment is removed with a scraper (or any other convenient plastic surface). The ointment can be completely removed using cotton wool moistened with a special one.
Liquid ointments for walking at above-zero temperatures
A situation often arises when there is still a lot of snow outside at above-zero temperatures. The skier uses the “warmest” ointment (0 ... - 2) and goes into battle. But here a problem arises - the skis do not hold, and he simply does not have a warmer ointment to solve the problem. At first glance, the situation is deadlocked. But the way out is as follows: it’s enough to purchase an additional universal one. It is worth noting that handling this type of ointment will require some experience and more time. However, the pleasure of riding is worth it!
The main feature of applying liquid ointment is that all work must be carried out in a warm room and not outside. The layer should be uniform and excess should be removed. After application, rub the ointment well with a scraper. The main difficulty in working with liquid ointments is their consistency. Therefore, apply it very carefully and wash it off immediately after riding.
Economical ski lubrication kits.
Every self-respecting manufacturer necessarily has in its assortment inexpensive kits that contain 2-3 tubes of hard ski waxes and rubbing. Sometimes a tube of liquid ointment and a scraper are added to it to remove it. For beginners, this is an ideal option to acquire certain skills and solve problems with ski lubrication for several years.
Paraffins or gliding ointments.
Using gliding waxes makes sense if you no longer have enough speed on your skis and need more high speed movements. Absolutely all modern plastic skis can glide on snow without additional treatments. This glide is usually sufficient for forest skiing. Well, if you love skiing so much that you are going to take part in races, then you need to purchase not only, but also, and most likely. But that's a completely different story.
Brief overview 13 Running Belt Bags, in which we will point out important details and give recommendations for use. Each of the presented belt bags is great for sports, but each has its own specific tasks and features.
12.09.2018
If you leisurely ski on a ski track in winter or are even an amateur athlete, then you are very likely to use additional funds to improve the performance of your skis, such as waxes, holding ointments, accelerators and emulsions. These tools can significantly improve the glide of your skis, thereby increasing your motivation if you are an amateur or improving speed characteristics and time to complete the distance if you are training for results.
04.02.2018
To achieve a given cross-country skiing standard, it is necessary not only to train long and hard, but also to use professional ski equipment and accessories. First of all, pay attention to skis for skating or classic skiing, because their weight, dynamic characteristics and quality of the sliding surface determine how long you can maintain a high pace.
02.02.2018
Sports should always be carried out with the highest quality and comfort, only then will a high result be achieved without the slightest disappointment. A lot depends on sports equipment. Running clothes must be breathable, retain heat, actively remove moisture, maintain dryness, protect from wind, and are ultra-light. Running is enough efficient look sport is easy and affordable, so there are only more people wanting to lead a healthy lifestyle, and accordingly, the demand for sportswear is only increasing. Running in heavy jackets that are unable to regulate and maintain the correct temperature would be simply impossible, it would be very difficult and hot. That is why today there are a lot of different sportswear, capable of giving athletes maximum pleasure while jogging, not restricting movements, giving lightness and airiness. It is especially important to take care of your clothes when you have to run long distances. Low-quality synthetic clothing will definitely provoke “ greenhouse effect", sweat will be released more strongly, moisture will begin to accumulate and lead to severe itching, burning, and discomfort while running. Good mood the athlete’s energy will instantly evaporate, such a workout can definitely be considered ruined. Moreover, there is unlikely to be a desire to repeat such an experience. Cotton also causes similar troubles, since such fabric gets wet quickly and takes a long time to dry; therefore, even in extreme heat, a person can quickly catch a cold. The athlete will not get any pleasure from running; he will be constantly overcome by the desire to quickly stop exercising and take off the hated clothes. Plus, it is heavy jackets that will lead to fatigue of the athlete, and not physical exercise. So, the privilege is definitely on the side of jackets made of high-quality polyester. If a running jacket meets the following requirements, then it has been chosen as correctly as possible: It has excellent durability, but at the same time its weight is completely insignificant. The texture is pleasant to the touch. Regulates temperature according to the time of year. Protects the user's body from any precipitation. The jacket feels a little cool at the beginning of the race, but at the end of the workout the athlete feels only warmth, coziness and increased comfort. A sports windbreaker is selected according to size; it should fit perfectly to the body, not restrict movement, be comfortable and practically merge with its owner, be completely imperceptible. High-quality models retain their shape for a long time, have bright and rich colors, are durable, and are protected from ultraviolet exposure. The excellent quality of a summer windbreaker will give you the opportunity to enjoy every movement, soaring lightness, and incredible comfort throughout your workout. Dynamic people will always choose from a wide range of suitable models in style and color. If you wish, you can even experiment with the image, why not? A sufficient selection of sports windbreakers gives every chance to assume that the planned business will be crowned with success. Despite the sometimes aggressive external environment, the athlete will always remain confident, surrounded by unshakable comfort. Summer running windbreaker Mac in a Sac Ultra is a worthy choice The fact is that adherents healthy image In life, professional athletes and amateurs cannot miss training, therefore, they go for a run at any time of the year and in different weather conditions - high humidity, strong wind, cool. In this case, you can’t do without light sports windbreakers - an excellent summer option, the product “breathes”, regulates the temperature balance, and is convenient to use. A striking example of such jackets is the Mac in a Sac Ultra model. The windbreaker is made of high quality materials, polyester. It has a slight moisture resistance, sufficient to protect against drizzling rain. Incredibly light - when not needed, it neatly folds into a bag, can always protect from wind and rain, and is not blown through. Athletes only dream of such a fashionable product, available in the boldest and brightest colors. The material used is not capable of causing allergies. For convenience, the jacket is equipped with front pockets with zippers, reflectors, a ventilated back, and an adjustable hood. The weight of the windbreaker in the bag is 185 grams. This clothing comes with a two-year guarantee. The super lightweight jacket is suitable for men and women and is designed for use in summer, winter and autumn.
Skis with notches are specially produced for beginner athletes. They are designed to immediately provide easy skiing, without additional processing and preparation. Many owners are confident that in such a situation a notch is not required. They are already prepared for use during production. But this treatment will make riding easier in any situation.
Walking models of sports equipment with notching are initially aimed at a simple walk in the forest or riding along a skiing path laid by amateurs. The location of the notch in the middle of the surface ensures a sliding motion in itself with easy sliding. How much additional processing is required in such a situation and is it necessary to add a notch?
New products don't really need this. But during use, the notch gradually wears off, worsening driving performance.
Attention! To restore the original sliding properties, it is recommended to treat the surface using various means. This will help you hold on in any weather, including melting snow.
The range includes different types of lubricants for application.
Types of lubrication
The most common and easiest to use option is. It is sold in lump form and in a can. To form a flat and smooth surface, the composition is applied several times, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly. This will hide the slightest cracks and irregularities on the surface.
Depending on your preferred riding style, the following are additionally recommended:
- for holding, produced in solid and liquid form, packaged in jars;
- products that improve the quality of sliding, based on microcrystals with a melting point of up to 160 degrees.
The choice of type of product depends on the riding surface and the intended method of movement. Sliding options improve the quality of movement without delaying the move. Holders that prevent slipping, on the contrary, create the ability to stay in place, creating a strong push.
Attention! This treatment must be carried out repeatedly during the use of skis. With frequent use, application is carried out several times a season, especially after rolling on crust or on a thawed surface that is partially covered with moisture.
The method of how to properly lubricate with a notch is chosen depending on the purpose of riding.
How to remove old ointment
To obtain the surface leveling effect, the previous lubricant must be thoroughly removed before application. To properly remove the residual protective layer, the surface of each is wiped with a warm, damp cloth. An iron is used for heating.
When treating a wooden surface, using this type of heating can last up to several seconds. Plastic products are cleaned more carefully. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures damages surfaces and should be as short as possible.
Where to apply the holding ointment
Depending on the type of lubricant chosen, the methods of applying it differ. Sliding options are simply applied to the entire surface. Applying a layer of holding agent requires taking into account some nuances.
They are applied to the so-called last, that is, the middle part of the canvas, from the heel to the fastening. This area has a length depending on the model (60-70 centimeters). After application, the composition is distributed evenly using a rubbing stopper until a shiny and even layer is formed. It is recommended to wash off the composition after each ride.
Application rules, equipment for lubricating skis
The formation of a reliable layer is created by following the application rules:
- the surface is thoroughly cleaned;
- the ski is placed vertically, on the side where the composition is applied;
- it is important to properly cover the entire surface with the product, which will ensure an even ski run;
- Application is carried out in several layers, each of which is thoroughly dried beforehand.
To facilitate the work, specialized devices for lubricating skis are used. This could be a machine on which the products are firmly attached, or an iron to secure the connection to the surface.
Any skis, including touring skis with notches, after timely treatment receive improved running properties for leisurely walks and sports competitions.
Editor-in-chief of the magazine "Skiing".
I. Should I buy skis with notches?
This is a question to which, unfortunately, there is no clear answer. I can only tell you quite definitely - it is notched skis that are used by more than half of the skiing population of our planet, and this figure, you see, says a lot. The advantages of using skis with notches are more than obvious - you will never have to bother yourself with the question of how to wax skis. Agree, this way of putting the question is captivating - I took my skis, got up and went.
The disadvantages are just as obvious. Such skis will hold up well on soft, loose snow, but will not hold up on more or less hard ski tracks. And, the most annoying thing is that if the skis with notches do not hold, it is almost impossible to lubricate them. Whether you choose skis with notches or skis that require the use of ski wax is up to you. The main thing is not to deny yourself this miracle - the opportunity to glide along the spring ski track with your companion or companion, as in this case, these elderly Finns in Vuokatti. Please note that the husband and wife are wearing identical suits. This is now fashionable abroad - with this option, family members (especially if with children) look like one team.
I will say right away that I am not a fan of using these skis and from an early age I taught my children to oil their skis. This is a more complex option, which nevertheless guarantees normal skiing in any weather. However, the final choice is still yours, and the article below is addressed precisely to those who have made their choice in favor of “regular” skis and are faced with the question of how to coat them.
II. A set for lubricating skis consisting of two, three, sometimes four jars of ointment, a rubbing plug, and a scraper. This is the bare minimum kit you'll need to lubricate your skis. To ski on the track in the classic style, the skis must be coated with holding ointment under the block. The block is the middle part of the ski, starting from the heel of the boot and located 15-25 cm upward from the binding. It is this middle part of the ski (block) that needs to be smeared with holding ointment so that your skis do not slip when you push your foot back.
This picture shows exactly the middle part of the ski that needs to be coated with ski wax. Skiers call this area of the ski block. As you can see, for short skis less than 180 cm long (children, teenagers, not very tall adult women), the last should be 60 - 65 cm long. Higher skis with a length of more than 180 cm should have a longer last - 70 - 75 cm. For the first steps, a set of inexpensive domestic or imported ointments is quite suitable for you - it, as a rule, consists of four briquettes, sometimes jars made of thick metal foil or soft plastic. You will also need a synthetic rubbing cork. It is enough to buy a set of 4 ointments (for example, domestic Visti, Uktus, Festa or imported ones - Swix, Toko, Briko, Start, Holmenkol, etc.) and smear skis only under the block, rubbing them with a cork. Great example economical ski wax kit, named after the king of skis, multiple champion peace and Olympic Games Gunde Swan (Gounde pack). Includes Red Ski Wax (+1 - 0), Purple Ski Wax (0 - 3), Blue Ski Wax (-1 - 7) and Synthetic Rub Plug. This set is enough for all occasions, except for spring “wet” days, but about “wet” days - a little lower.
So, having smeared the ski under the block with ointment, it (the ointment) should be rubbed with a rubbing stopper. Ideally, after rubbing you should get an even, slightly shiny layer.
If for some reason you can’t get an even layer, don’t worry about this, it’s enough to simply smooth the ointment.
Recipe for lubricating skis with solid ointments. You smear the ski with a jar or briquette of ointment, and then rub it with a rubbing stopper until a uniform shiny layer appears. Now about one more nuance. If you go skiing into the forest, it is advisable to always take with you a warmer and cooler ointment than the one you just applied, as well as a cork and a scraper. Let's look at the two most typical cases of ointment failure.
1. The skis don’t hold, or, as skiers say, they “give away”
that is, they do not allow you to push confidently; when you push with your foot, they slide backwards. In this case, it is enough to put a warmer ointment under the block on top of the old one and rub it with a cork, and the situation will be corrected - you can enjoy skating again. It will only take you a couple of minutes to correct the grease.
2. Skis, as skiers say, are “dull” that is, they don’t move at all, and sometimes they also become covered with ice or snow under the block - in the middle part of the ski where you applied too warm ointment. Skiers call this situation “sticking” if snow sticks to the wax, or icing if ice forms on the wax. There is a way out, you only need a little more time.
So, if ice or snow has formed under the block, scrape it off with a scraper. If you don’t have a scraper, you can do this with a branch or a pointed ski pole, a key to an apartment, the edge of another ski, etc. After this, intensively rub the ski block, first with a glove, ridding the lubricant of the remaining snow and droplets of moisture, and then intensively with a cork, warming up and, as it were, drying the ointment. You will have to exert much more effort compared to rubbing in a warm room. Now that the ointment has dried and warmed up, you can put an additional layer of cooler ointment on top of the unsuccessful lubricant. As a rule, in 99 percent of cases, this technique corrects the situation and allows you to continue your walk in the forest.
III. Let's look at a specific example: how to wax skis at minus five degrees?
For example, the temperature outside is minus five degrees. You have a set of Wisty ski waxes, consisting of five briquettes. The most logical option for lubricating skis at minus five degrees below zero would be to apply blue ointment - 2 - 8. However, remember golden rule: on a ski trip you should always take two briquettes (cans) of borderline ointments in your pocket or pouch. In this case it will be - 0 - 2 (purple ointment) and - 5 - 12 (light green). This way, both when it warms up and when it gets colder, you can make adjustments to your lubrication and enjoy your skiing.
When you return home, remove the old ointment from the ski with any plastic scraper (a piece of a plastic ruler, an old audio cassette case, etc.). After this, you can safely apply new lubricant to the remains of the old grease. If you want to clean your skis completely (which, in general, is completely optional), you can do this with a piece of cotton wool soaked in gasoline or turpentine. If funds allow, buy a normal plastic scraper and a bottle of branded cleaner.
1. Remove the bulk of the ointment from the sliding surface of the ski with a scraper.
2. Spray the remaining ointment on the ski with a spray can of remover.
3. Wipe off the remaining ointment from the ski using a piece of cotton wool, a cloth or a branded napkin.
IV. A set of liquid ointments, a wash, and a scraper for skiing in positive weather.
As I already said, four inexpensive jars of ointment, a scraper and a rubbing plug will be enough for almost all occasions. But there are situations when there is still a lot of snow, and the air temperature is already above zero. Sunday afternoon, sun, drops drive you out into the street with your skis, you smear yourself with the warmest briquettes of ointment you have (say, VISTI 0-2 or Swix + 1 - 0), and the skis... categorically do not hold, they “give away”. It's a shame? Yes! And, nevertheless, there is a way out of this situation, and it is quite simple - buy a tube of universal liquid ski ointment (skiers sometimes call liquid ski ointments klisters) and get a bottle of wash (gasoline, kerosene, turpentine). I want to warn you right away: buying liquid ski waxes will put you in the category of slightly more advanced skiers, because handling them will require a little more fiddling and experience. But the gain in the form of comfortable skiing on the spring track will be simply incomparable. p>
So, you can get by with a set of two tubes of liquid ointment – red (plus) and purple (zero and a slight minus). We apply red ointment at any above-zero air temperature, and purple ointment at zero or slightly below zero. It is important to understand here that spring snow is almost never soft and fluffy like in winter. As a rule, in the spring it consists of hard, large snow and ice granules. Skiers call this snow firn. For such icy snow in sub-zero weather you will need a purple klister.
Universal liquid klister from the Swix company for skiing in any spring weather. The manufacturer orients it to all temperature ranges – from +3 to – 5 degrees. That is, this universal klister replaces both the red liquid ointment, which works in the positive range, and the purple one, which works on hard icy firn at sub-zero temperatures. A good thing for skiing on sunny spring days. A piece of advice along the way: if this ointment doesn’t hold, the skis give way and when pushed, they roll back, you can try putting a small layer on top or increasing the length of the block upwards - this is guaranteed to help. If your skis get dull and get stuck, you need to be patient and ride. As a rule, excess liquid ski wax on the icy spring snow soon disappears, and skiing becomes more comfortable.
Another universal klister from the Swix company. The difference from the one located above is that it is oriented towards a slightly warmer temperature (+10 - 3). But, in general, both of these klisters have the same purpose - to be your lifesaver during a spring skiing trip on a sun-drenched ski track. Because in the spring you ski either on hard firn snow or on soft, “wet”, “flowing” ski tracks. This means that you simply need such a klister for such days.
How to apply liquid ski wax to skis? This should be done in a warm room, evenly squeezing fat drops of ski wax onto the last (middle part) of the ski and then rubbing this ointment with a scraper.
How to apply liquid ski wax to skis? Apply ski wax in fairly thick strokes to the ski block and then smooth the wax evenly over the ski with a scraper. After rubbing with a scraper, you should have a layer of ointment about a millimeter thick. After this, you must take the skis outside for 3 to 5 minutes and freeze the ointment. If you leave a warm room and immediately get on your skis, you can tear off the wax with your first steps on hard snow.
And now about why you have to fuss a little more with liquid ski waxes compared to solid ones (jars or briquettes). The fact is that liquid ski waxes, whose consistency is very reminiscent of condensed milk, tend to stain hands and clothes, and in order to avoid these sad consequences, after training, skis should be immediately cleaned with a scraper and then with a wash. The second option is to pack your skis in a case, take them home and clean them there. Still, most skiers prefer to clean their skis immediately after finishing training - there is less soiled clothing and sticky hands, and the inside of the ski cover does not get dirty. Mandatory necessity Cleaning your skis after a walk is perhaps the only inconvenience of using liquid ointments. But the constant companions of liquid ointments are usually spring sun, wonderful skiing and a wonderful mood. So, believe me, the game is worth the candle.
V. Economy kits of ointments for lubricating skis.
As a rule, all leading manufacturers sell economy ski wax kits containing two or three cans of solid wax and a rubbing stopper.
Another example of an economical set of ski waxes - even cheaper than the Gunde set and even more versatile. As you can see, there is no purple ointment in this set, and the rub stopper is connected here to a metal scraper scraper. This scraper is convenient for removing stuck ice or snow from your skis.
Sometimes this kit also includes one or two tubes of liquid ointment and a scraper. It happens that this kit is packaged in an inexpensive belt bag (skiers call it a “pouch”), and sometimes it also includes a can of wash. This is very good option in order to solve all your problems with ski lubrication for the next few years in one fell swoop, so be sure to use it if possible.
A very good, slightly more “advanced” set of ointments and accessories for lubricating skis from Swix. In addition to three ointments, natural cork and a plastic scraper, it also contains a very convenient cosmetic bag with a zipper. In such a bag, ointments will never stain your clothes, and it will be much more difficult for them to get lost among your luggage.
VI. Gliding ointments, or, as they are also called in Russia, paraffins for lubricating skis.
This is an area that I strongly advise you not to trespass into. Believe me, modern plastic skis glide perfectly on the snow without any special treatment. This glide will be enough for you for any, even the longest walks through the forest in any weather. Therefore, you can forget about the ends of the skis (that is, what is located above and below relative to the block - the middle part of the ski) and do not treat them with anything.
