by Stein, Eric's Son
No-Wax Ski Bases
There are two types of cross-country ski base: waxable
and waxless. No wax-skis are well suited to the casual
skier who does not want to, or have the time to, learn
to wax. They are also appropriate if you ski in a location
where the snow temperature changes a lot, especially around
the freezing point.
There are two main types of no-wax base: 1) synthetic
hair and 2) mechanical patterns. Modern hair bases are
a descendent of the old animal fur "skins" used
a century ago. Modern "skins" are made of synthetic
mohair. They are detachable and can be removed for storage
when they are not needed. Skins are mainly needed by mountaineers
and telemarkers, who use them to ascend steep slopes.
Skins are also useful on expeditions when pulling heavy
loads. They work especially well in icy conditions and
on rough corn snow. Skins typically attach to the ski
with a ring over the ski's tip and clip at the ski's base.
In between, the skin is held onto the ski by a sticky,
reusable glue-like material. In addition, the skin is
treated with silicone or some similar type of material
to make it water repellent, to prevent it from icing up.
Pattern bases are created by repeating a small surface
irregularity in the base of the ski with geometric regularity
in what would normally be the grip zone of a waxable ski.
When viewed from the side, such surface irregularities
have a rearward sloping profile that creates an edge against
which the ski can push, but that will also easily glide
forward. Each manufacturer favors a different type of
pattern and some of them are actually patented (e.g.,
fishscale). Two main types of pattern exist, positive,
where the pattern is raised above the general level of
the ski base's surface, and negative, where the pattern
is milled into the base of the ski. Pattern bases work
best in wet or transitional snow, where they can compress
the underlying snow and get a good grip on the track.
They work less well in icy conditions or deep powder snow.
Most pattern-base no-wax skis are meant for beginners
or persons will less than perfect skiing technique. As
a result, most manufacturers seem to feel the need to
include more pattern on the base of a ski than is really
needed, so that these persons will be able to ski without
slipping. Unfortunately, they accomplish this by extending
the pattern into the glide zone of the ski's base, so
that glide is proportionately reduced. You can partly
offset this trend by buying the stiffest no-wax skis you
can find in your size. If you are looking for good no-wax
skis, try the Fischer RCS Crown Classic (racing), Kneissel
Pentron Cap 46 (on and off-trail) or the Madshus Trysil
Multigrip E+ (groomed and ungroomed trails). All of these
skis are available at Cross-Country Ski Headquarters 800-832-2663.
