I have a recurring challenge when applying kick wax under new snow conditions. If I apply the Swix wax that is in the correct temperature range, the snow builds up under my kick zone. I have this problem whether the new snow is at 4 degrees or 24 degrees. I ski in Anchorage, Alaska. What is your suggestion to avoid the build up?
Classic style in Anchorage
Dear Classic style,
New snow is sharp so it can penetrate the softer wax. This is why Swix has two recs on each tin. New snow and old snow. For new snow you need a harder wax that will not allow the sharp crystals to penetrate. Make sure you are using the new snow rec from Swix. If that is not working than you may try to cushion the wax by putting a harder layer on top. This allows the soft layer to bend to the crystal for grip but makes sure that the crystals will not penetrate the outerlayer so it will release and you will not get icing and snow build up.
That being said SkiPost now works with Start wax. And Start wax has a complete line for new snow. The Tar or “Terva” Line. The Tar is water resistant and just as important its its outer layer becomes harder than the under layers Thus providing automatic cushioning.
START tar based kick waxes
– for fine-grained, new snow when the humidity is low.
New snow often results in changing track conditions. It is difficult to get grip, and the risk of icing is great. Tar waxes are exceptionally suitable for new snow conditions, since the tar adapts to temperature fluctuations, increasing the range of conditions in which a wax can be used, and decreasing the risk of icing. The wax mixtures are relatively soft, and invariably require a base wax to be used, usually the Start regular base wax. Tar waxes harder when they are cooled, and thus always need to be applied outside, so that they can be applied in thin, discrete layers, this will also aid in their effectiveness. In general, the tars are an easy to use
START synthetic kick waxes – for old, coarse- grained snow.
Old coarse- grained snow is more abrasive than new snow, and thus requires waxes with a higher durability. On the other hand, obtaining grip is relatively easy, but requires the wax to be hard enough to maintain its gliding properties. Synthetic waxes are tougher and harder than the tar waxes, and are therefore more durable and improve gliding properties. To ensure that the wax stays on the base, particularly for longer distances, it is recommended that base wax or base klister be applied under these waxes. This base wax layer should be applied using an iron. The surface layers should always be applied outside.
Hope this helps
Andy at Start
Start America 