Is base contour and non-flat texture only matter in warm wet snow to prevent suction?

Dolan,

stop making bad threads.




i always brass brush after waxing to clean out the structure, then follow with a softer horse hair type brush to eliminate any left overs. This works for me.

shin-bangDolan,

stop making bad threads.




i always brass brush after waxing to clean out the structure, then follow with a softer horse hair type brush to eliminate any left overs. This works for me.

You dont think u could use the brass brush to make some texture to channel water and prevent suction? Or would it not work bc the ptex is too hard to scratch?

DolanReloadedYou dont think u could use the brass brush to make some texture to channel water and prevent suction? Or would it not work bc the ptex is too hard to scratch?

Base structure should always have “Channels”. If you’re structure is gone take it to the shop for a belt and stone grind. And yes their purpose is to prevent suction. When I’m on skis who’s bases are beat and have no structure, I notice it most in spring conditions.

Structure is important during all points of the ski season, but obviously most noticeable during the spring.

When your ski glides over snow, even during cold winter temps, your ski creates enough friction & heat to melt the snow beneath it. Structure is what aids against suction and prevents your ski from literally sticking to the snow. Think of laying two smooth glass plates together that are wet and trying to pull them apart. Structure is what allows the skis to separate from the water.

Brushing does not create structure, only a base grind can do that. Brushing is what removes excess wax from the structure so the structure can function properly. Next time you are in a shop that sells race skis, check out the structure that they have. It's usually light years better than normal all mountain or freeskis.

**This post was edited on Apr 8th 2020 at 3:15:15am

onenerdykidStructure is important during all points of the ski season, but obviously most noticeable during the spring.

When your ski glides over snow, even during cold winter temps, your ski creates enough friction & heat to melt the snow beneath it. Structure is what aids against suction and prevents your ski from literally sticking to the snow. Think of laying two smooth glass plates together that are wet and trying to pull them apart. Structure is what allows the skis to separate from the water.

Brushing does not create structure, only a base grind can do that. Brushing is what removes excess wax from the structure so the structure can function properly. Next time you are in a shop that sells race skis, check out the structure that they have. It's usually light years better than normal all mountain or freeskis.

**This post was edited on Apr 8th 2020 at 3:15:15am

Yeah. So brushing after the final wax and scrape is importsnt?

DolanReloadedYeah. So brushing after the final wax and scrape is importsnt?

Brushing is incredibly important if your goal is to have a fast base. You want the wax to treat your base, not clog the structure.

General Waxing Procedure:
1. Hot Scrape to remove dirt/gasoline/oil/etc.. Base cleaners are usually too aggressive and will also eat your wax in the process of cleaning your base. The best way to clean a base is to melt on cheap wax and scrape it off while still warm This will pull dirt out of your base without negating any previous waxing you did.
2. Hot wax with your favorite base prep or wax and let cool at room temp (do not store it in a cool area to speed the process up- this prevents the wax from penetrating the base material).
3. Scrape
4. Brush with a brass or brass/nylon combo brush
5. Brush with a softer, polishing brush to finish
6. Repeat steps 2-5 with each coat of wax.

When done, you shouldn't see any wax on the surface of the base. It should look polished and glossy (this is most easily seen on black bases). If you have a nice sintered based with an appropriate structure for the current season and you follow these steps, you will be hauling.

**This post was edited on Apr 8th 2020 at 4:27:11am

How does NS not have a DIY/How to section. We should look to create one so we dont get threads like this as much. @onenerdykid nailed it. A properly waxed base will look shiny and not have any excess way on it. just adding more wax != faster..