How to use the freaky new Fluoro Waxes
Subject: XC Fluoro Waxing
From: Matthew Hendrickson <matthew@ducati.waseattle.waii.com>
Maxiglide Red Speed Powder is a “pure” flourocarbon wax, similar to Swix Cera-F, Ski-Go C44, and Toko Streamline. It seems to be a slightly different formulation than other flouro waxes; on the label it is called a “flouro-plastique” wax, whatever that means. There
are two practical differences between Maxiglide and other flouro waxes: the price, and way that it is applied. Maxiglide cannot be “rubbed in” the way that other flouro waxes can, so you need to spread it with the sponge in the lid of the jar. You tend to use a little more because of this, but it is so cheap that it doesn’t matter. (Note that a
one ounce jar of Maxiglide, $25, is at least twice the size of a jar of Cera-F, $85).
Maxiglide is best in humid conditions, on old snow; faster than Cera-F in these conditions, according to Nat Brown (former USST wax coach). It is not that fast on new snow or low humidity. Cera-F seems to be the fastest on new snow with high humidity.
By the way, Cera-F can be used fairly economically, if you have a pair of skis that you dedicate to new snow, humid conditions. One jar
will last for at least 10 pairs of skis if used sparingly. Put on less than you think that you need, then spread it out and rub it in with your thumb (adding a little, if necessary). Then finish with a quick pass with an iron (not too hot). It should last at least 100 km if you only use the skis in new snow (only 8 cents per km 🙂 ).
The other pair of skis can then be waxed with Maxiglide, to be used on old snow. If the humidity is low, but the snow is icy, the Maxiglide will still work okay, since the conditions will be very fast, and wax is less important. In new snow, low humidity, you will need to rewax, or use a third pair of skis.
The advantage of this system is that you will not need to wax as
often (so you can spend more time skiing). It works well in the Pacific Northwest, where it is usually humid. It may not work as well in the Rockies, where there is often fresh snow with low humidity.
Ideally, with both pairs, you will want to first use a layer of graphite wax (Swix graphite, Toko Nordlite, Star MAP ???), followed by a layer of flouro-parafin (Swix F16/F18/F20, Toko Dibloc Red/Yellow, etc), which can be crayoned on to save wax/money. Then put the pure flouro on top.
By the way, since structure is as important as wax, rill the Maxiglide skis (since old snow has coarser crystals), and use a Swix steel brush on the Cera-F skis (medium structure). If you have a third pair for cold. fresh snow, use a Swix brass brush (fine structure).
Finally, don’t breathe while ironing or brushing flouro waxes. Seriously. The stuff is great on skis, but terrible in your lungs.
Or better yet, buy and use a good respirator.
Whew, that was more than I expected. Good luck!
