Mixed Messages on New Ski Tunes/Wax

[dburdenbates]

Awhile ago, I posted a question over at Epic (it was pre-Ski Diva) about whether I needed to get a tune and wax on new skis or if what they came with from the factory was fine. I got a resounding, GET THEM TUNED/WAXED response. When I took them into the local shop to have my bindings mounted, the guy said that what they have from the factory was as good as it will ever be and that I would be wasting my money. Now, the shop is in Texas, so snow skiers are not the shop's primary customer. I had a very hard time believing this guy, but wasn't about to let him tune/wax them anyway. What do the Divas think?

 

[eng_ch]

Current thinking among "users" seems to be wax, but edges should be fine. However, every ski shop I've ever been in has said you might need a service sooner than normal, but they should be fine straight out of the wrapper. Since they're doing themselves out of business, I tend to go with that and save a few pennies. Not had a problem so far

 

[Jilly]

Our local shop won't do your brand new skis. Their fine out of the box. But like eng_ch says they might need wax sooner than normal.

 

[SnowHot]

Wax them before you ski them. The bases are great and perfectly skiable right out of the box. The edges should be fantastic and won't need to be touched, but wax them because the bases, though perfect, will likely be thirsty.

 

[volklgirl]

Just run your fingers down both edges looking for any rough spots (burrs). If they're smooth, you're fine - go ski. Or maybe wax then go ski.

Just FYI:
Race skis are a whole different story. Most serious racers will set the edge bevel to their personal preference and 'season' their skis with 5 or more wax-n-scrapes before the skis ever see snow.

 

[sleddog]

Unless you're on a race ski you shouldn't need them tuned. I'd take a tru-bar down the bases and make sure they're flat. Most ski bases are pretty good right from the factory. New skis should have a coat or 3 of wax put on them to protect the bases. Depending on how coarse the snow is they could need waxing after every day on snow too.