Wax testing update for AB Cup 5 & 6 (Jan 27-28th, 2024)

Wax Testing Results and Recommendations  Event info here
January 24th Update
We completed on-snow glide testing on the racecourse.  This consisted of running test skis through the timing lights, four passes per pair, for a statistically significant and very accurate result.
We tested the skis on the downhill just past the top of Retaining Wall Hill. This was a location representative of conditions on other parts of the course: at the time, it was a mixture of natural and man made snow, skied-in well by the weekend recreational skiers (though not glazed).

THE WEATHER:
The temperature was approximately -4 at the time of our test. The track was a mix of natural and artificial snow, as it will be on the weekend. 
Based on our preferred forecast (via Weather Underground), that temperature should be quite representative of morning race times on Saturday. However, Sunday appears to be warmer.
Saturday - morning low -6, 10:00am -4, afternoon high +1
Sunday - morning low -3, 10:00am +1, afternoon high +4

GLIDE RESULTS:
Overall glide ranking from today's test:
​
1. Star Next Cold (also won our test from Saturday, Jan 20)
2. Rode RXL Cold (virtually tied with Star Cold, trivial difference)
3. Vauhti Pure Race Cold
4. Rex G21
5. Star Next Mid (realistically, it was too cold tonight for this wax)


Depending on your start time for Saturday, you may wish to consider the mid (as opposed to the cold) version of your selected wax. Certainly, for Sunday we would suggest starting with the mid version of your selected wax. Depending on your start time and how much the sun comes out, it may be necessary to move to wet waxes.

Keep in mind that, as always, the application of the product is as important (or even more important) as the product selection. Using a rotowool and proper brushing continues to be a big part of making fast skis. 

GRIP:
The race course will end up being a mixture of natural and artificial snow. So base binder application will be very important. Our favourite base binder for this condition is Vauhti Super Base. 
Given changes in temperature and grooming to come, it is too early to complete grip testing for Saturday. It will be necessary to complete testing the morning of the race. 
Our favourite grip waxes for this condition are:

 - Rode Top Line - VXPS, VO, and VPS will all be worth testing. These waxes are reliably great in warm conditions on mixed snow. 
 - Guru Red
 - Swix V/VP range
Based on history, we would be shocked if something other than Rode Top Line is the best grip wax this weekend. 



January 20th Update
**Note: We debated whether to post these test results or not. Obviously the conditions from Saturday night to today have changed very substantially. And the conditions from today to next weekend are likely to change dramatically again. But we thought folks might find these results interesting & educational nevertheless; it never hurts to have more data points. So take this as that - a good test for the conditions on Saturday evening, but not necessarily a guide for what is going to work this coming weekend.

THE TEST:
On Saturday evening (January 20), we completed on-snow glide testing on the racecourse.   This consisted of running test skis through the timing lights, four passes per pair, for a statistically significant and very accurate result.
We tested the skis on the downhill just past the top of Retaining Wall Hill. This was a location representative of conditions on other parts of the course: at the time, it was a mixture of natural and man made snow, skied-in well by the weekend recreational skiers (though not glazed).

THE WEATHER:
The temperature was approximately -13 at the time of our test. The fresh snow that came down overnight on Sunday had not yet started to fall.
Note that the forecast, via Weather Underground is significantly warmer for next weekend:
Saturday - morning low -4, afternoon high +1
Sunday - morning low -3, afternoon high +3

GLIDE RESULTS:
Overall glide ranking from Saturday evening test:
1. Star Next Cold
2. Rex G21
3. Rode RXL Cold
4. Vauhti Pure Pro Cold
5. Swix HS6

Interesting to note that Star continues to produce good results in Edmonton snow.
So that may be something to keep in mind as we continue to test closer to the weekend.

Keep in mind that, as always, the application of the product is as important (or even more important) that the product selection. Using a rotowool and proper brushing continues to be a big part of making fast skis. 

GRIP:
This will depend largely on what happens over the next few days.  Likely, the race course will end up being a mixture of natural and artificial snow. So base binder application will be very important.  Given changes in temperature and grooming to come, it is too early to complete grip testing for Saturday. It will be necessary to complete testing the morning of the race. 
Assuming the Weather Underground forecast remains stable and comes to fruition, possible kick options to test may include Rode VXPS, Star M2 Beta, or other similar warm violet waxes.

NEXT STEPS:
We will do another substantial glide test later this week - likely Wednesday or Thursday.
Stay tuned for those results.

Author

Patrick Moore is a wax tech for the US National XC Team.
Paul Moore is a wax tech for the Canadian National Biathlon Team.
Their knowledge helps make fast skis for the rest of us!