If you catch the bug for speed in XC skiing, you’re in big trouble. In a dozen ways. One of which will be your worries about what wax to use. There is no perfect answer. There are lots of fancy new waxes out there. Here’s a simply little guide from some whackos who are really into it. Might save you some time, $ and get you really glidin’. (But we know your thirst for speed will have you busy and broke no matter which way you go!)
The Ski Research Group at Eagle River Nordic, Eagle River, Wisconsin tested a variety of wax and wax combinations this past winter. We have published this in the Ski Research News. In summary the waxes preferred are:
- 1. Glide for very cold: Either Swix CH4 or Toko Nordlite with X-Cold Powder.
- 2. Glide for cold temps: Star Fluoro Blue
- 3. Glide for medium temps: Star Fluoro Biolet
- 4. Glide for just below zero Celcius: Star Fluoro Red
- 5. Glide for at or slightly above zero celcius: Toko Dibloc Yellow with Streamline.
- 6. For grip we have switched to the Toko Dibloc grip waxes. They are very fast with excellant grip. The only exception is for cold temps, we use Rode Special Green and never use the Toko Dibloc Green.
Ralph Thornton
