Race Wax
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Race Wax
Race-specific waxes, often known as fluorocarbon wax, were developed in the 1990s. They are composed of carbon molecules with negatively-charged fluorine atoms. Fluorocarbon waxes are known for their enhanced ability to repel water. They do this by reducing friction between the bases of your skis and water content in the snow. They also aid in keeping bases cleaner by repelling negatively-charged dirt particles
Fluorocarbon ski waxes are available in both universal and temperature-specific formulations. For example, ski racers usually prefer low-fluoro for dry, low humidity conditions, mid-fluoro wax is for medium humidity and high-fluoro wax for wet and high humidity.
Ski racers who want a Bode Miller type of edge control should consider adding a low-fluoro type of paste wax. This will improve glide when high up on the edges of your ski. It will also prevent excessive snow build-up on the ski's topsheets. These overlay waxes are available as fluoro powders, fluoro blocks and fluoro liquids and pastes.
To avoid wind dispensation, fluoro powders should only be applied indoors. Applying fluoro powders requires a good deal of expertise, so this is one wax job you might want to leave to the tuning shop guys. Fluoro blocks are powders that have been poured into a mold and compressed under extreme pressure, and can be applied by hand. However, they are only advised for long- distance Nordic ski races. Fluoro liquids and pastes are the fluid equivalent of the fluoro powders and blocks. Their convenience is their advantage. You can simply wipe them on to the bases of your race skis, and then wait five minutes for the solution to dry.
