How Often Should You Wax Your Snowboard
How often should you wax your board? The answer isn't as simple as it would seem, there are a lot of factors to consider.
Waxing your snowboard is a great way to maintain its performance, help it last longer, and make sure you are getting the most out of your board.
But how often should you wax your snowboard? Let’s dive into why it’s important to wax your snowboard, what type of wax to use, and how often to wax for optimal results.
Why Wax Your Board?
Snowboarding is a physically demanding sport that combines speed and agility with jumps and tricks. To make sure you have the best experience possible, it’s important to keep your board in good condition.
That means regular waxing! Waxing helps protect the base of your board from dirt and grime which can impede performance by reducing glide on the snow or slowing down turns. It also helps create a smooth surface for improved sliding across the slopes.
Additionally, properly waxed boards are more durable meaning they will last longer—saving you money in the long run! Fresh wax helps you glide across the snow.
What Should You Use Hot or Cold Wax?
There are generally two types of board waxes—hot waxes and cold waxes—and both serve different purposes.
Hot waxes require an iron to heat up and apply while cold waxes can be rubbed directly onto the base of the board with either a cork or rag.
Hot waxes tend to last longer than cold ones but they take more time and energy to apply properly so if you don't want to invest quite that much effort, you might want to go with a cold wax instead.
You will need to re-wax your board more often with roll-on wax you tend to lose wax from your base each run.
Just make sure you choose a quality brand that has been tested in cold temperatures by experienced riders since many cheap brands won't last very long or perform as well as higher-quality ones would.
Temperature Ratings
With winter temperatures creeping in, it's important to have the right wax when hitting the slopes. With so many choices out there, it can be hard to know which one to get.
Cold weather wax is a great choice for sub-zero temperatures and icy snow conditions, while warm wax is ideal for those days when the sun is shining and the powder is perfect.
For those in-between days when it's neither too hot nor too cold, cold wax gives you just enough protection from the elements and still allows your skis to cut through slushy snow and icy patches with solid performance.
So this season remember that whatever the weather or terrain, you'll find the right wax! Just be sure to remove the factory wax for optimal performance.
What Is the Difference Between an Extruded Base and A Sintered Base
An extruded base is a single piece of plastic that is heated and forced through a shaped die. A sintered base is multiple pieces of plastic that are heated and then pressed together.
The main difference between the two bases is that an extruded base is more durable, while a sintered base is faster. An extruded base will last longer, but a sintered base will be faster.
A sintered board has tiny holes that will absorb more wax. No matter what type of base you have be sure to remove all old wax before performing the wax job and get all the excess wax off for a fast smooth glide.
How Often Should You Wax?
Ideally, you should be waxing your board every few weeks depending on how often you ride it and where you ride it (powdery or icy conditions require more frequent waxing).
If you notice decreased performance then it's probably time for another coat of hot or cold wax!
Also, keep an eye out for any irregularities on the bottom of your board such as scratches or gouges which may require extra attention from a professional repair shop before reapplying any kind of new protective coating.
Conclusion:
Snowboarders who take care of their boards will reap rewards such as increased speed, smoother turns, better control over jumps and tricks, plus improved durability which will save them money in the long run.
Knowing when and how often to apply either hot or cold snowboard wax is key when it comes to maintaining optimum performance on the slopes!
So find what works best for you—whether that’s hot or cold—then stick with it so that each time out is better than ever! Nothing rides better than a freshly waxed board with a good hot wax. Happy shredding!
Check the top snowboard wax kits out there in our article below, the kits have everything including a good wax and all the tools:
If you liked this content check out our related articles below:
Michael Scott