FasterSkier Forums » Waxing

1. lakesurfer52
   Member

   Ok
   how do you test skis.
   today did 3 ,1.1 k tests on my classic skis. 2 on cold base and one on warm base.waxed the same every run was exactly the same time. skis did feel different but not performance. it was up hill ,flat and downhill
   Am i on the right path.
   Dan

   Posted 2 years ago #

2. OldManWinter
   Member

   Are you on the right path? I think the answer is 'it depends on what you are trying to accomplish'. The nature of the testing described above would help you to pick a winner on a given day. It sounds like you are working with a small quiver of classical equipment. If you can't detect a performance difference among those three pairs, then why not give each pair a dedicated grind for polar, average temp. and wet snow conditions? That would help eliminate the guesswork on race day.

   If that doesn't sound reasonable, then I would further suggest swapping skis between pairs (take one ski from pair a, one from b, ski, then swap them between feet and ski them again). Eliminate a pair in this fashion, then compare the winners to the c pair in the same fashion. You may be able to distinguish small nuances in performance this way, though your body will have to respond to small differences in length, flex and the wax pocket. Though you think that all three pairs are waxed the same (meaning the same wax brand(s)), you know that they can't be exactly. The wax pockets are most probably different to some degree.

   I'm sure others will have opinions as well. When Zach Caldwell and/or Nathan Schulz are done with the games I would strongly urge you to check in with one of them. Those guys are way into fleet management, and undoubtedly will have some good insight for you as well. Good luck...What a great problem to have!

   Posted 2 years ago #

3. prairiekid
   Member

   So I will explain what I feel is the best way to test skis for glide speed as well as the fastest way.

   To keep it simple lets say you have 4 pairs of skis and of course the same wax is on all of them. You will need someone else and the closer to your weight they are the better but not necessary.

   Test 1) you get onto "A" skis and your partner onto "B" skis you start at the top of a moderate hill and both double pole down the hill. Quickly one of you holds the others poles or shoulders so that you are side by side and moving the same speed when this is achieved glide out the rest of the way. Note if one pair glide farther or pulled away soon after letting go. Switch skis with partner and retest.

   Now do this for pairs "C" and "D" and take the winners of both tests, i.e. "A" and "D" are then tested against each other. And you now know which is your fastest pair.

   The reason I like this test is because it is very fast. But you need a team mate. It is also very accurate because you can choose the speed that you start the test, the closer it is to your avg ski speed the better because some skis will glide well at really well at slow speeds but at race speed not so much. So pay more attention to which ski pules away before the glide out is complete.

   I hope this helps, maybe I should make a video and load it on to youtube.com

   Posted 2 years ago #

4. WI skier
   Member

   Out of curiosity, with the two skier arrangement have you ever swapped skis to make sure you get the same results? My concern is if one skier is better at weighting the skis to get optimum glide then the other it may skew the results. For example one skier may lean too far forward and excessively weight the tips. This may be completely insignificant, I don't know.

   Posted 2 years ago #

5. lakesurfer52
   Member

   None of my buddies are even close to my size #205.
   So how about just measure the distance of each ski gliding on same hill.
   My classical skis really feel different.
   Dan

   Posted 2 years ago #

6. lsiebert
   Member

   I generally don't have more than 2 pairs of skis to test between, and I've found that a simple feel test can show me the clear winner. With my skate skis, they have similar flex, but have cold/warm grinds respectively. With classic skis, they simply ski differently. I find that just putting one on each foot I can easily distinguish a faster ski.

   Posted 2 years ago #

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