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April, 2025

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How To-Basic Waxing

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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
In this video you will see the time it takes to do a proper ski waxing with an iron. I hope you have some time because as you will see that's what it takes.
If you watch the whole thing you will learn more than many know. You will be miles ahead at your young age. If you want to ski for years, this information will pay off in a big way.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/856726/Waxing-Skis-Basic-Waxing-With-An-Iron--amp--How-Long-It-Takes
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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I feel like a lot of kids have extruded bases so doing a thorough wax like is pointless since it lasts like 10 runs. I usually just do a crayon layer and melt it in and scrape every night. Man made snow and extruded bases are not friends.
8 years ago
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SofaKingSick
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The.FishI feel like a lot of kids have extruded bases so doing a thorough wax like is pointless since it lasts like 10 runs. I usually just do a crayon layer and melt it in and scrape every night. Man made snow and extruded bases are not friends.


there should be a PSA about extruded bases...things are so fucking stupid

i seriously lose respect for companies that sell a lot of extruded base skis
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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SofaKingSickthere should be a PSA about extruded bases...things are so fucking stupid

i seriously lose respect for companies that sell a lot of extruded base skis


I mean when a ski costs $250 you can't really complain too much.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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The.FishI feel like a lot of kids have extruded bases so doing a thorough wax like is pointless since it lasts like 10 runs. I usually just do a crayon layer and melt it in and scrape every night. Man made snow and extruded bases are not friends.


You have a point there, but the major makers such as P-Tex and Iso do claim a fair degree of wax absorption in their extruded material.
That said, yes the wax may not last as long for sure. Still waxing is important.
I do say in the video that the skis have a sintered base. Blizzard even uses sintered bases on their kids skis!
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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The.FishI feel like a lot of kids have extruded bases so doing a thorough wax like is pointless since it lasts like 10 runs. I usually just do a crayon layer and melt it in and scrape every night. Man made snow and extruded bases are not friends.


I guess I should have said that that is a good routine that you are doing as well.
Man made requires a hard wax, but hard only sticks to soft, so proper preparation makes a difference.

Although I have said in a video (or maybe two) that extruded will not hold wax, the good ones will hold a bit, and just as you say, they need to be waxed more often to benefit, or just screw it and not wax them at all!

Dominator makes some sweet paste no iron waxes and those work good with extruded bases!

The Momentium Cold would be good for man made snow.
8 years ago
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clorox
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Title made me think of this https://www.youtube.com/user/HowToBasic/videos
8 years ago
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SofaKingSick
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The.FishI mean when a ski costs $250 you can't really complain too much.


Are there skis that are 250 msrp? If so then yeah I guess that has a place. id still prefer to buy old or used sintered base skis tho. Hell I got my park skis for like 300 from the company
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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FKS_HEEL_PIECETitle made me think of this https://www.youtube.com/user/HowToBasic/videos


Ha ha ha! Well.....not quite!
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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SofaKingSickAre there skis that are 250 msrp? If so then yeah I guess that has a place. id still prefer to buy old or used sintered base skis tho. Hell I got my park skis for like 300 from the company


Old stock new skis can be purchased at slightly above cost as if they don't sell the left overs it's a total loss. There is a certain date when this can occur. These dates are set by the manufactures.

I also fix up old skis. Here is how I renew a super old sintered base so it will take wax again.
Sure you can get it stone ground, but this method makes it faster with less post grind work.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/781970/How-To-Renew-A-Sintered-Base-Ski-and-Fix-Base-Burn
8 years ago
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Crispy.
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Watched the firs 15 min then got busy and skimmed through it. Did you scrape at all?
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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Crispy.Watched the firs 15 min then got busy and skimmed through it. Did you scrape at all?


Not sure which one you are making reference to.
As to scraping and brushing I will refer you to this one.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/798663/Scraping--amp--Brushing-Skis-Final-Preparation-Of-Ski
8 years ago
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BigBobo
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i found that totally lathering your bases in SWIX wax works pretty well.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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brekkenbozzii found that totally lathering your bases in SWIX wax works pretty well.


Swix, Toko, are the same company now. Their waxes are good. Many others out there. Some ......well.........may as well use a scented candle as their waxes.
Main thing is keep them waxed up.
To learn a system, one needs to stay with one brand long enough to learn which of their waxes work best in different conditions.
I've used most of the top brands, yet have found Dominator to be the best for me.

One Swix product I swear by and use all the time is Swix Glide Wax Cleaner.
I find it better and easier than hot scraping. Although they say it is for removing fluoro's from the base, it cleans the bases good without removing wax from in the base. It won't "dry" the bases at all.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/798668/How--and-Why-to-use-Swix-Glide-Wax-Cleaner
8 years ago
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SofaKingSick
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DominatorJacquesOld stock new skis can be purchased at slightly above cost as if they don't sell the left overs it's a total loss. There is a certain date when this can occur. These dates are set by the manufactures.

]


Right that's part of what I meant. Way better imo to get ""old"" skis than new extruded base ones. The base isn't what you should be cutting costs on with skis haha
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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SofaKingSickRight that's part of what I meant. Way better imo to get ""old"" skis than new extruded base ones. The base isn't what you should be cutting costs on with skis haha


There are many grades and types of sintered base materials. Cost usually reflect the quality of those bases.
As skis change very little from season to season, getting a deal on last years stuff is always a sweet option if you can find one you like in the size you prefer. Sometimes it can't be done. Sometimes you get lucky.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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DominatorJacquesThere are many grades and types of sintered base materials. Cost usually reflect the quality of those bases.
As skis change very little from season to season, getting a deal on last years stuff is always a sweet option if you can find one you like in the size you prefer. Sometimes it can't be done. Sometimes you get lucky.


My park skis are 1100 "sintered" even though i looked it up and its extruded. My all mountain skis have like 4,000 race base or something high like that.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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The.FishMy park skis are 1100 "sintered" even though i looked it up and its extruded. My all mountain skis have like 4,000 race base or something high like that.


Word of caution. Some websites will claim a base is sintered when in fact it is not.
Always best to check with the manufactures. Many of them don't list what type of base the skis may have. That should also be a red flag. When in doubt try to contact them and pop the question.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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It's time to bump this thread as ski season is almost here in the Northern Hemisphere.

Chime in with what say you.
8 years ago
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Thisismyusethegw
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I drip my wax and in the video he does not but doesn’t explain why. Anyone had any experiences applying wax this way? How is it different, for the better or worse?
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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jackcropper25I drip my wax and in the video he does not but doesn’t explain why. Anyone had any experiences applying wax this way? How is it different, for the better or worse?


Well, actually I did. I don't think you listened. Go to 10:00 and listen. If you have any questions after that I will do my best to answer.
You should try it and feel the difference with the first pass of the iron.
8 years ago
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Thisismyusethegw
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DominatorJacquesWell, actually I did. I don't think you listened. Go to 10:00 and listen. If you have any questions after that I will do my best to answer.
You should try it and feel the difference with the first pass of the iron.


Ah cool man thank you so much I missed that part. I’ve always done the drip technique but I’ll have to try this. Cheers
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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jackcropper25Ah cool man thank you so much I missed that part. I’ve always done the drip technique but I’ll have to try this. Cheers

Good. You will find the iron glides much smoother for that first pass.
Keep the iron heat lower and wax for a longer period of time. Don't wax a filthy base. Get some Swix Glide Wax Cleaner!
Little things make for a better lasting wax job.
8 years ago
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No.Quarter
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SofaKingSickthere should be a PSA about extruded bases...things are so fucking stupid

i seriously lose respect for companies that sell a lot of extruded base skis


The.FishI mean when a ski costs $250 you can't really complain too much.


Extruded bases definitely have their place, as much as I hate their main downside of just being slow and unwaxable, they are low maintenence, easier to repair, and more durable than a lot of cheaper sintered bases. If I had the option between an extruded base and a ski with a thin low quality sintered base, I'd take the extruded any day of the week, especially at Bridger Bowl where deep coreshots are a daily occurance. And before anyone "corrects" my opinion and fanboys over their ON3P bases, I know a well kept 4001 sintered base will be miles ahead of any of the other options. Maybe it was the construction, or other factors, but I have thoroughly destroyed two pairs of libertys* in three seasons of light use, and worked on many of my friends skis that just peel apart at the base with lower quality sintered, on impacts that my extruded Surfaces would have taken like a champ.
*Disclaimer I know that Liberty uses higher quality bases on a lot of their skis now, which seem a little closer to the 4001 durasurfs on my ON3Ps, which seem to be absolutely indestructible on all but the hardest and sharpest direct hits to rocks.

Thanks Jaques for all of the dope content over the years and for being NS's crazy uncle figure. I have learned a lot of my tuning techniques from you.

A side note, would anyone be interested in a quick tutorial on how to do ptex base "tattoos" on their skis? I've been playing around with ptex filled designs on my extruded bases and they can turn out pretty well with some careful work and a creative mindset.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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No.QuarterExtruded bases definitely have their place, as much as I hate their main downside of just being slow and unwaxable, they are low maintenence, easier to repair, and more durable than a lot of cheaper sintered bases. If I had the option between an extruded base and a ski with a thin low quality sintered base, I'd take the extruded any day of the week, especially at Bridger Bowl where deep coreshots are a daily occurance. And before anyone "corrects" my opinion and fanboys over their ON3P bases, I know a well kept 4001 sintered base will be miles ahead of any of the other options. Maybe it was the construction, or other factors, but I have thoroughly destroyed two pairs of libertys* in three seasons of light use, and worked on many of my friends skis that just peel apart at the base with lower quality sintered, on impacts that my extruded Surfaces would have taken like a champ.
*Disclaimer I know that Liberty uses higher quality bases on a lot of their skis now, which seem a little closer to the 4001 durasurfs on my ON3Ps, which seem to be absolutely indestructible on all but the hardest and sharpest direct hits to rocks.

Thanks Jaques for all of the dope content over the years and for being NS's crazy uncle figure. I have learned a lot of my tuning techniques from you.

A side note, would anyone be interested in a quick tutorial on how to do ptex base "tattoos" on their skis? I've been playing around with ptex filled designs on my extruded bases and they can turn out pretty well with some careful work and a creative mindset.

That's some great feedback right there. P-Tex and Isosport do claim some wax absorption on their extrusions. I have had some luck with them after several hot box and waxing sessions. It's just takes forever, and then it doesn't last too long.
I have worked on skis with the Durasurf bases and they seemed to respond quite well. They are the only maker that creates a sinter in the way they do. It really helps them to keep cost down.

I'd love to see a video on repair tattoos. I assume one carves a design and then fills it in. I can see it being a cool thing. Total custom bases!



On another long video note, here is how I fix the shots.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/854862/How-To---Welded-Ski-Base-Repair-Core-Shots
8 years ago
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SofaKingSick
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No.QuarterExtruded bases definitely have their place, as much as I hate their main downside of just being slow and unwaxable, they are low maintenence, easier to repair, and more durable than a lot of cheaper sintered bases. If I had the option between an extruded base and a ski with a thin low quality sintered base, I'd take the extruded any day of the week, especially at Bridger Bowl where deep coreshots are a daily occurance. And before anyone "corrects" my opinion and fanboys over their ON3P bases, I know a well kept 4001 sintered base will be miles ahead of any of the other options. Maybe it was the construction, or other factors, but I have thoroughly destroyed two pairs of libertys* in three seasons of light use, and worked on many of my friends skis that just peel apart at the base with lower quality sintered, on impacts that my extruded Surfaces would have taken like a champ.
*Disclaimer I know that Liberty uses higher quality bases on a lot of their skis now, which seem a little closer to the 4001 durasurfs on my ON3Ps, which seem to be absolutely indestructible on all but the hardest and sharpest direct hits to rocks.

Thanks Jaques for all of the dope content over the years and for being NS's crazy uncle figure. I have learned a lot of my tuning techniques from you.

A side note, would anyone be interested in a quick tutorial on how to do ptex base "tattoos" on their skis? I've been playing around with ptex filled designs on my extruded bases and they can turn out pretty well with some careful work and a creative mindset.


Great post. how much money is saved by using an extruded base though? I just don't see why anyone but a beginner would be okay with skimping on that of all things. Of course I feel your point about places like Bridger bowl but then I also think anyone who is putting skis to good use at a place like that should try to cut costs somewhere other than their bases! Haha
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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SofaKingSickGreat post. how much money is saved by using an extruded base though? I just don't see why anyone but a beginner would be okay with skimping on that of all things. Of course I feel your point about places like Bridger bowl but then I also think anyone who is putting skis to good use at a place like that should try to cut costs somewhere other than their bases! Haha

Good question. For some ski makers you don't save much at all. They sell them just as high. Dynastar for example only uses sintered on their race skis. All the rest are extruded. I got that info from them a few years ago.
For many others one may save around $200.00 to $300.00

If the specs. don't say what the bases are made of be weary. Try to contact them and get an answer. Some will not even answer. If they won't answer that should tell you something.

Not all extrusions are created equal. Some are better than others. Just as sintered, the quality and hardness can vary quite a bit.
8 years ago
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SofaKingSick
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DominatorJacquesGood question. For some ski makers you don't save much at all. They sell them just as high. Dynastar for example only uses sintered on their race skis. All the rest are extruded. I got that info from them a few years ago.
For many others one may save around $200.00 to $300.00

If the specs. don't say what the bases are made of be weary. Try to contact them and get an answer. Some will not even answer. If they won't answer that should tell you something.

Not all extrusions are created equal. Some are better than others. Just as sintered, the quality and hardness can vary quite a bit.


yeah that's what im wondering about. i know that the price doesnt always reflect whether the bases or extruded or sintered so it seems like a weird compromise to make in a lot of cases. if youre buying a cheap price point park ski for a kid or for yourself to destroy, i get that, cause you can get some of those for a steal. but if youre buying a ski that is around the same price as another similar one with a sintered base, it just seems crazy to me, like no one would buy a nice skateboard setup but chose shitty bearings for the same price as good ones
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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SofaKingSickyeah that's what im wondering about. i know that the price doesnt always reflect whether the bases or extruded or sintered so it seems like a weird compromise to make in a lot of cases. if youre buying a cheap price point park ski for a kid or for yourself to destroy, i get that, cause you can get some of those for a steal. but if youre buying a ski that is around the same price as another similar one with a sintered base, it just seems crazy to me, like no one would buy a nice skateboard setup but chose shitty bearings for the same price as good ones


Yes, this is why one needs to do the research prior to purchase. I save lots of money (spend less) buying old skis. Lots of my ski I have gotten on the cheap. As far as a front side ski the technology has not changed much in 10 years or more.

Point in case right here. https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/875233/Getting-Skis-On-The-Cheap-I-Love-It
8 years ago
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frickindarn
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The.FishI feel like a lot of kids have extruded bases so doing a thorough wax like is pointless since it lasts like 10 runs. I usually just do a crayon layer and melt it in and scrape every night. Man made snow and extruded bases are not friends.


I broke my thumb a few seasons back lol. I had waxed my armada JJs and throght it would be a blast to run through the fresh man made pile of snow. My skis literally went about 2-3 feet in distance STOPPED I double ejected and put my hands out to stop myself and tore a ligament in my thumb on my left ski pole.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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frickindarnI broke my thumb a few seasons back lol. I had waxed my armada JJs and throght it would be a blast to run through the fresh man made pile of snow. My skis literally went about 2-3 feet in distance STOPPED I double ejected and put my hands out to stop myself and tore a ligament in my thumb on my left ski pole.

well that shouldnt happen... like ever
8 years ago
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frickindarn
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The.Fishwell that shouldnt happen... like ever


No shit. I’m well aware it should happen lol. but it did. It was through the lower part of a51 at keystone 3 seasons back
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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frickindarnNo shit. I’m well aware it should happen lol. but it did. It was through the lower part of a51 at keystone 3 seasons back

was it preseason because resorts blow wet snow since it holds better as a base. Wet snow is definitely slower than dry snow.
8 years ago
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frickindarn
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The.Fishwas it preseason because resorts blow wet snow since it holds better as a base. Wet snow is definitely slower than dry snow.


It was. It happened mid November.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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frickindarnIt was. It happened mid November.


considering you did it during the day in the preseason, good chance that gun wasn’t even making snow, just slush / gunk. at my resort we crank our water content so high that the snow turns brown since the water is brown from the creek we get it from. We call it the peanut butter since it is so slow and brown.
8 years ago
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frickindarn
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The.Fishconsidering you did it during the day in the preseason, good chance that gun wasn’t even making snow, just slush / gunk. at my resort we crank our water content so high that the snow turns brown since the water is brown from the creek we get it from. We call it the peanut butter since it is so slow and brown.


Lol don’t eat Brown snow dawg.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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frickindarnI broke my thumb a few seasons back lol. I had waxed my armada JJs and throght it would be a blast to run through the fresh man made pile of snow. My skis literally went about 2-3 feet in distance STOPPED I double ejected and put my hands out to stop myself and tore a ligament in my thumb on my left ski pole.


That can happen. Man made is like sand. Very aggressive. Happened to me once years ago when I hit a pile of it from a snow cannon that was pointed down that created a huge pile of it.
I have a pair of JJ's and they responded okay to lots of waxing.
I have a feeling you may not have scraped and brushed enough. Any wax left on the base with aggressive snow will kill you as the crystals bite into it.

Here, watch this video.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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The.Fishconsidering you did it during the day in the preseason, good chance that gun wasn’t even making snow, just slush / gunk. at my resort we crank our water content so high that the snow turns brown since the water is brown from the creek we get it from. We call it the peanut butter since it is so slow and brown.


This is another issue with man made snow. Often times the water used is full of "impurities". These impurities make for even more aggressive snow qualities.
Any man made snow calls for a very hard wax no matter what the temperatures are. And then it still needs to be scraped and brushed out like crazy!
Remember though, that hard wax needs a soft wax under it to adhere to. Always prepare the ski with super soft wax first such as Dominator Base Renew. For man made the Graphite Renew would be the best choice.

See this link: http://www.dominatorwax.com/products/renewg
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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Come on in here and chime away. I gave a lot of good links up in here, and they are all fair game!
8 years ago
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Thisismyusethegw
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You got any videos for sharpening edges? I just used that new way of waxing and it worked much better.
7 years ago
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hemlockjibber8
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Came to learn how to get my balls shiny and hair free. Leaving knowing those wax strip will still just stretch my sack. disappointed
7 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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jackcropper25You got any videos for sharpening edges? I just used that new way of waxing and it worked much better.


This series pretty much covers all that. https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/739780/How-To--New-Ski-Tuning--amp--Base-Preparation-Part-1
7 years ago
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Thisismyusethegw
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DominatorJacquesThis series pretty much covers all that. https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/739780/How-To--New-Ski-Tuning--amp--Base-Preparation-Part-1


Sick thanks a lot!
7 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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jackcropper25Sick thanks a lot!

Work it! Full on deal here if you have hours! Ha ha https://youtu.be/N_aWiX_fekI
7 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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DominatorJacquesWork it! Full on deal here if you have hours! Ha ha https://youtu.be/N_aWiX_fekI

You reap what you sow. More time, less heat. Don't delaminate your sticks! Keepin' it real as I can.
7 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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I'm gonna' bump this thread because you young park rats need some info.

IDK, you want to be the dude that can't get the speed for the jumping deed?
When the snow is not perfect you might be the casing it dude!
7 years ago
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Crispy.
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Gonna watch this through with dinner tomorrow night!
7 years ago
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DominatorJacques
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Crispy.Gonna watch this through with dinner tomorrow night!

I got a ton of ski tuning waxing videos. I hope you have a lot of time! Ha ha
Stay crisp!
7 years ago
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