early bird2 - 10-1-2016 at 02:45 AM
I'm looking for good ski wax for wet snow , I thought I had good one until yesterday , there was water on the lake and everytime I would hit a patch
of snow , It stopped me pretty bad . I'm using a minus 2C to plus 10C but it just did not do the job this one time .
Weather should get cold again from monday but with this strange winter we have I want to be ready for the next warming temperature .
Feyd - 10-1-2016 at 05:16 AM
In seriously wet conditions wax is not the only factor. Wax temperature is important but equally important is base structure. As in the tiny little
grooves, the pattern, that is stone ground into your base initially at the factory but often later at the shop when you have your skis tuned.
These patters channel water under the base of the ski. This water may be due to wet snow or in most cases due to heat generated by the friction of
your bases moving across the snow. The reason we glide is because of that water layer. Wax acts as a lubricant and the pattern, known as "structure"
allows the water to go somewhere. Without a pattern the ski reacts to snow like two panes of glass with water between them.
The patterns vary depending on snow conditions. Wet snow will require a wider deep pattern while fine snow or cold snow will use a tighter pattern.
Structures come in a variety of types, cross hatch "XXXX", linear " lllllll " or a mix "IIXXXII". And can even be set to bias. You can grind a
left/right specific ski.
For Kiting, a liner pattern serves you best. Cross hatch is great for very turny skiing, which generally kite skiers aren't doing.
In terms of wax for really wet snow, some flavor of silicone wax will do. Said makes a good one. This is a soft (yellow) wax impregnated with
silicone and made specifically for wet conditions.
Choosing a wax for the best performance is a science. Factors from both air and snow are critical. Snow temp, the age of the snow, moisture,
contaminants are factors. As is the air temp and humidity. And knowing which wax for what use. For example speed skiers will tend to run warmer
waxes than slalom because in speed events, the heat generated by the friction will be warm to the point that it exceeds the ability of colder waxes to
do their job.
wax for wet snow
early bird2 - 10-1-2016 at 11:48 AM
Thanks Chris for this accurate answer .
I did not know about the base pattern , I'll check with the skishop this week to know if they could modify the base of one of my pair of skis to
linear pattern .
I have played quite a lot with differents waxes in the past , I used to kiteski where there were tides , during the raising tides , the water makes
its way through the cracks in the ice and I ended up with water Under the snow eventhough it was cold outside . For durty snow or old snow , I used LF
wax , this was a darkgray wax and was doing a great job .
I am currently using a racing wax from SWIX , 28F to50F wich usually does miracles . But now I need more . I'll try to find the yellow wax from said ,
I guess this is a brand ?
Feyd - 10-1-2016 at 12:19 PM
Swix offers a silicone wax. It's usually a pale yellow. I don't think they color code it like the others. It is what one goes to after the warm red
wax you've been using.
My guess however is the base structure is very much part of the problem.
That slush situation you described is terrible. Nothing worse than hitting slush under the the snow and then having it instantly freeze when it comes
into contact with the air. 
wax for wet snow
early bird2 - 10-1-2016 at 12:51 PM
yes the swix I'm using is color coded , the 28f to50f is light yellow . I don't know if there is any silicone in it .
Thanks a lot for the tips .
Bladerunner - 10-1-2016 at 01:37 PM
Timely information.
I am due to get my skis tuned and did not know about the base patterns. I will be asking for tuning for exactly these sticky snow situations since
they are most common around here.
The XXXX pattern makes me think of a file. My skis feel like they have files for bases most late seasons.
TEDWESLEY - 12-1-2016 at 05:41 PM
Tognar Toolworks has a good website and an excellent catalog with lots of information on waxing and tuning skis and boards. They have the tools and
wax to do whatever level of tuning you aspire to. I get most of my tuning supplies there even though it's on the opposite coast.