 Latest Wax update#2 released via newsletter, Jan 28th 2025. For further updates, sign up here Birkie 2025 Wax update#1 WARNING: Take everything you are about to read with a grain of salt. We are still three weeks away from the 2025 Birkie and no forecast is yet reaching that far. So it is important to focus on the trends, rather than specifics. FORECAST: Normal temperatures for this year’s Birkie weekend are: Overnight low: -15 Daytime high: -6 The long range forecast (at least as long as it currently goes) is in that vicinity. It is also good to see few days with temperatures above freezing, as well as some snow here and there. Things are looking good! GLIDE: Waxing for glide should be straightforward. Good options may include: - Rode RL/RXL Cold - Rex G/NF 21 or RG 22 - Star Next Cold For the long distance races (30km/55km), you might want to consider a base liquid first. Good options would include Star Next Durable or Vauhti Polar. GRIP: With the forecast temperatures and snow conditions, finding grip shouldn’t be a problem. It will be a matter of deciding which grip wax is running the fastest while still providing the necessary kick. Base Binder: As is always the case for the Birkie, a strong binder will be a must-have to ensure longevity of your grip wax. Our preferred option for hardwax conditions is always Vauhti Super Base. This binder is unmatched for both speed and durability. If you are concerned about durability, you might consider a klister binder. Swix Spray Klister Binder (KB20) or Vauhti KS Liquid Base Klister would be good choices. Kick Wax: The Birkie course can be misleading. You will often hear people talk about how flat it is. But don’t believe it! There are plenty of hills to climb and it can be a long day if you don’t have enough kick. Probable options for kick will include: - Rode B310 - Rode B17 - Swix VP30 - Swix VP40 - Etc. Lots of cold waxes should provide enough kick. The trick will be figuring out which one is the fastest. UPCOMING RECOMMENDATIONS: We'll post further updates as we get closer to race day & forecast becomes more accurate.  Author: Patrick Moore is a wax tech for the US National XC ski team, his knowledge helps make fast skis for the rest of us!
Comments are closed.
|