Caring For X Country Skis
Contents:
Inspection
Tips and Tails
Check your skis for worn-out lamination and cracks, especially at the tails. Before you ski, you want to make sure that your equipment has a smooth, even surface free of irregularities and waxy debris.
- You can remove build-up with a nail file.
- Use some heavy-duty epoxy and a small clamp to repair cracks.
Bindings
Bent and loose parts should be attented by a professional ski repair shop.
Test the components of your bindings with your boots. They should fit easily and securely. Check the heel plate to make sure the screws are tight. If not, tighten and apply some water-resistant glue to keep leaks from weakening the integrity of the ski.
Return To Top
Tuning
Cleaning the Bottoms
Skis perform better from season to season if you are careful about removing waxy build up.
- Use a rag and wax remover on skis with a clean appearance.
- Deeply encrusted wax may be best removed with a plastic scraper.
Smoothing
Gouges in a no-wax ski's kick zone should be repaired by a professional. However, it is worth your while to repair gouges in the tips and tails.
- For shallow gouges, smooth with fine sandpaper and follow with a scouring pad.
- Work from the tip to tail, trying to achieve a smooth, even surface.
- Clean with wax remover.
- Fill in dark gouges with a p-tex candle and finish with a metal scraper and sander.
Return To Top
Waxing
Waxing not only enhances slide, but also protects the base.
- Use a waxing crayon to apply a thin layer of wax to the tips and tails.
- Wax the grip zone with grip or binder wax only.
- Smooth wax by patting with a sheet of cork, or by ironing with an absorbent piece of cotton fabric in between the iron and your skis.
- Scrape off excess and don't forget to re-wax during the season.
Return To Top
