09/12/2021
Liquid sliding lubricants
Liquid sliding lubricants are an easy and affordable way to prepare skis for training or competitions. No fixtures are needed and there is no garbage left.
Liquid sliding lubricants are called liquid paraffins, emulsions, gels – in fact, they are the same thing. They, like solid paraffins, are divided according to the content of fluorine.
The method of application is also the same:
Apply the lubricant evenly to the sliding surface of the ski
Let it dry for 5-10 minutes
Polish with a brush or felt
As a rule, liquid lubricants stay on skis for less than 10-20 km, depending on the hardness of the snow.
Preparation of classic skis
The preparation of classic skis differs from skate skis only by processing the pads or, as it is also called, the holding zone. The holding zone is the area of the sliding surface of the ski that clings to the snow when pushed off by a classic move. This is done so that the skis go forward, but do not go back. The sliding zones are treated similarly to skate skis, and the holding zones are treated with holding ointments.
The pad area is 50-60 cm from the heel of the attachment to the toe of the ski. This zone is individual, it depends on the rigidity of the skis and the training of the skier. The exact holding area can be determined experimentally or by a "paper test".
Paper test:
Place your skis on a flat, hard surface
Stand on 2 skis, distribute the weight evenly
Swipe a piece of paper under the skis
The area where the leaf walks freely is the holding area. Apply a holding ointment to this area.
Application of holding ointment
Choose a holding ointment according to the weather and the type of snow. In 99% of cases, you need a regular solid holding ointment that is suitable for temperature.
Remove the old holding ointment with a scraper and ski flushing
Mark the holding area if the skis are new
Apply the holding ointment in a thin layer and rub it with a cork (special cork rubbing) until a uniform layer
Apply a second thin layer and rub it again with a cork
The skis are ready for skiing. If during skiing the skis "stick in" and slide badly, make sure that the skis fit you in weight or reduce the holding area before the next ride.
Preparation of skis with camus and notches
For those who do not want to lubricate skis, manufacturers have come up with skis with notches and a camus.
Notched skis have a special ribbed surface in the pad area to cling to the snow. Such skis go much slower, but do not cause trouble with lubricants. They can not be processed at all or covered with liquid sliding lubricants.
Skis with a camus are made by analogy with hunting ones. A camus is installed in the holding area — an artificial wool that slides only in one direction. Such skis glide much better than notched skis and can compete even with racing classic skis.
Special liquid lubricants marked "Skin" are sold for processing skis with camus. They cover the entire ski along with the camus. The principle of application is the same as that of other liquid lubricants.
Processing of new skis before the first ride
In production, new skis go through the stage of grinding the sliding surface, after which the plastic still remains a little rough. The cheaper the skis, the less accurate the grinding. Therefore, the plastic of the new skis is slightly matte, and not glossy, as on the prepared ones.
There are 2 ways to bring skis into combat form:
Ride and periodically apply new lubricant. Gradually, the plastic will be polished, and the skis will go better. The so-called run-in period will take place.
Give the skis to the service for processing or make it yourself. Several times in a row, treat the skis with hard paraffin and a sharp plastic scraper. So the run-in period will be significantly reduced.
Fasteners and boots
After summer storage, check the integrity of the ski boots and fasteners. On the shoes, pay attention to whether there are microcracks in the sole or the upper material.
Check the operability of the fastening mechanism. If it works tight, clean and lubricate it. Pay attention to the flexor (elastic shock absorber). It should be elastic without cracks and delaminations. If necessary, buy a new flexor and change it. It is sold separately, so you do not need to change the mount completely.
Checking the sticks
Check the integrity of the straps and tips. If necessary, replace the straps and the tips of the sticks — they are sold separately. Inspect the shaft of the stick for cracks and detachments.
The main mistakes in the preparation and storage of cross-country skis
Storage of skis without a cover and preservation lubricant
If stored incorrectly, the surface of the skis deteriorates and slides much worse. Keep your skis in a case and cover the sliding surface with preservation grease in the off-season.
The use of lubricants is not according to the weather
The recommended temperature range and air humidity are indicated on the package of ski lubricants. Select the lubricant according to these parameters so that it works as efficiently as possible. There are universal lubricants where the temperature is not specified. Such lubricants are much worse than weather ones.
Using classic skis without holding ointment
Skiing on ordinary classic skis without holding ointment causes only hatred for skiing, and not pleasure and good mood. If you have regular classic skis, use a holding ointment. If you don't want to waste time on this, choose skis with notches or a camus.
Riding on a layer of paraffin
Hard paraffin must be removed from the ski with a scraper and brush so that the skis slide well. Clean the liquid paraffin with brushes so that the surface of the skis is shiny.
Applying the holding ointment to the entire ski
It seems nonsense, but such an error is common. If you apply the holding ointment to the entire surface of the skis, they will almost not slip. And it will be very difficult to clean the plastic to its initial state, most likely, in this case it will not be possible to do without service.
