Less Protection From Abrasion
The base of a snowboard is critical to its performance and fun factor. It is made from either an extruded or sintered polyethylene. The polyethylene base increases the abrasion resistance of the snowboard and makes waxing it easier. However, the base should not be stored in humid environments or in a basement, which can cause delamination. Waxing and sharpening of snowboard are the essentials.
Waxing prevents the bases from drying out. Waxing also reduces jerking, sticking, and need to pole on flats. It also provides a layer of protection from the elements. Without a wax, the base is prone to abrasion.
More Discoloration
In general, snowboarders should wax their boards about once every five days. However, there are some conditions that require more frequent waxing, including spring-like snow and high moisture. If your snowboard feels sluggish from edge to edge, it may be time to wax it.
When waxing your board, you should avoid overheating it. This is especially important for thin boards, especially the nose and tail. You can scrape away the excess wax with a wax scraper or brush it off with a nylon brush. After waxing, you should store your board in a warm location to prevent discoloration.
After applying the wax, you should let the board warm up for about five to 10 minutes to allow it to absorb the wax. Once the wax reaches the desired temperature, you should scrape it off, working your way from tip to tail, using the wax scraper. This will remove the excess wax from the base of your snowboard.
Dry Base
A dry base can be a problem, especially if you don't wax your snowboard often. This can make your board a little slower to ride. It will also rub off more easily along the edges. A sintered base is a better option if you plan to ride your snowboard frequently.
Different bases require different amounts of wax. One of the best ways to know whether your base needs waxing is if it feels sticky on the slopes. You can also check for dry spots and a whiter look. In both cases, it's a good idea to apply some wax every couple of weeks.
Another method to get a dry base is to use furniture polish. You can also use a high-fluoro wax. High-fluoro waxes stay on the base for longer, but they can add drag when snow conditions change.
Hot Waxing Is Better
Whether you ride slushy spring days or powdery winter days, there are a few things you should know about waxing. Generally, hot waxing will provide better grip and protection against light surface damage. However, this process can be time-consuming and involves additional equipment. If you're on the go, you can use a spray-on wax, which is just as effective. Waxing is a good prevention from rusting.
Snowboarding waxes are designed for specific temperatures. Some are made to be used in freezing temperatures, while others are made for warmer temperatures. Regardless of the type of wax, you should remember to dispose of the shavings properly. Otherwise, they can get embedded in the surface and make cleaning up the snow more difficult.
Cost of Waxing a Snowboard
The cost of waxing a snowboard is relatively low, but there are some costs associated with waxing your own board. The first step is removing the bindings from the snowboard. Binding screws can conduct heat, so you must take them off before waxing. This will also help ensure that your snowboard is clean and smooth after waxing. Waxing a snowboard will increase the longevity of your board.