Wax mixtures
Introduction:
waxes in blocks are mixtures of 5 to 7 natural, synthetic raw materials
or monomers, polymers and colouring substances. Their dose and
“preparation” procedure are the subject of special attention. Increase
or decrease in proportion allows shifting the “notional” response
spectrum and adding qualities of performance and polyvalence in the
temperature scale for different types of snow. Remember that the most
difficult types of snow are falling fresh snow or new snow fallen less
than 24 hours ago. Their texture, humidity rate and stability prevent
us from using standard scales. So, most of the time we are obliged to
mix two different temperature scales in order to meet the objectives of
such types of snow.
Identification of wax lines:
Temperature scales prescribed for wax application make reference to air
temperature. Related letters or acronyms make reference to “fluorine”
content. Thus, CH standing for Hydrocarbon is produced without
fluorine, LF stands for Low Fluorocarbon, HF for High Fluorocarbon and
Cera contains 100% of fluorine. Though waxes are often associated to
the skier’s category and level, we have already used CH and LF waxes in
World cups. The choice depends simply on the air humidity. For dry
weather CH and LF are preferable, for humid and very humid weather with
humidity rate around 40% it’s better to use HF and CeraMax.
Identification of types of snow:
 |
T1
:
Falling fresh snow with thin or round grains from 3mm to 3cm in
diameter, humidity rate varying from 55% to 98%. In the same category
we find needles and artificial grains. |
 |
T2
:
Compact or well packed snow that remains homogeneous though slightly
transformed. In this category we find grains with flat faces that
glitter once a skier has passed. It’s important to distinguish between
lustrous and mat side of snow. The first one shines under the sun.
Humidity rate in this category varies from 60% to 75%. |
 |
T3
:
Big very humid grains with flat faces and no branches, they emit water
under pressure. Humidity rate is between 70% and 98%. This type of snow
is often called corn snow or ice grains. |
Measuring techniques:
Applying 1/3 of wax
N°1
means smoothing the product economically, wax in blocks is applied
briefly on the iron base and once softened it is rubbed into the ski
base from tip to tail. Do not iron.
Applying the rest 2/3
of wax N°2
adds up to trickling wax down in a traditional way, that is applying
wax in blocks on the iron base and while moving your iron slowly from
tip to tail let it stream down on the ski base on both sides of the
groove. Then smooth it with iron in to-and-fro or circular movements
and finish by passing your iron straightline.
Applying wax n°1 and wax n°2 in 50%-50% proportion
goes down to trickling two waxes one after another in a traditional way
given above. Iron in to-and-fro or circular movements and finish by
passing your iron straightline.
As for powder waxes,
dust two products one after another if you have enough practice. Or
else, mix the necessary amount in a tube. We strongly recommend you a
Medium-Low mix of CeraMax for falling fresh snow around -6°C (as for
Transjurassienne 2004…).
Application of PRX waxes:
This “application table” which we propose is not steadfast, it is a
result of our work during the last three years. This table is not
universal, as it is hard to find exactly the same types of snow. It
makes reference as well to our personal vocabulary used to describe
different types of snow.
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