Question: Tuning and waxing

[eclaire]

Hi Divas,

I'm really enjoying my new K2 Tru Loves, which I bought this year. They seem to be perfect for my level of skiing at this stage, although I think that by next year I may find them a bit soft.

I've skied on them 6 times so far this season, and I'm wondering if and when I should have them tuned and waxed? It's been so long since I skied and the technology has changed so much that I feel like even if I knew what the old rules were, they wouldn't apply!

They still feel fine, both the edges and bases. But what should I be feeling when it's time to have it done? What should I ask the shop to do when I bring them in and what should I look for when I pick them up?

Finally, I'd love to learn to tune and wax them myself. Are there clinics that are held to teach you this kind of thing?

Thanks, as always, for the advice!

claire

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Edges won't "bite" in hard pack (edges dull), or otherwise glide as effortlessly (wax):

Here is a good resource for info, written material and products:
https://www.tognar.com/start_tuning_waxing_skis_snowboards.html

Waxing your own skis (a basic job) takes about 10-15 minutes.

 

[Jilly]

Another sign of needing is wax is dry bases - they look fuzzy and maybe even white if the base is black.

Also if you damage the base - get them in right away. Don't want moisture between all the layers that skis are made from.

As for edges - MSL explaination is probably the best one. When you can't hold the edge get them in.

Check the gear section for more info about tuning. It's not hard.

 

[eclaire]

Thank you both!

 

[gardenmary]

REI has a video on their website on tuning that is really helpful. We got the equipment last year (after quizzing my Snowbasin instructor at length!) and followed the video. The edges were a little trickier for me, so I had the guys at the shop where I bought the edge sharpener show me what to do (we do a lot of business there so they were willing to share). I was rewarded for my hard work with much admiration from my instructor.

When we redid the garage at home we installed long benches for waxing & tuning.

On the REI website, go to "Learn", then "Expert Advice" in the top bar, then scroll down and click on "All Snowsports Articles" on the left and pick "Waxing Your Skis/Snowboard".

 

[volklgirl]

There is some basic information about the what, why, and how here in the Gearipedia as well.

 

[gardenmary]

Volklgirl, what a great post you wrote in Gearipedia! I'll be printing that one out for sure.