Low vertical touring for turns: waxless scales or grip wax?

[lilcliffy]

I simply love grip wax- but, I must admit that I live in a climate (at least for the moment) where grip wax is very efficient and effective more often than not. And when the grip wax is right- it offers at least as much climbing traction as waxless scales.

However- I also greatly appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of waxless scales.

In either case- when touring for turns in low vertical topography (i.e. say less than 350m vertical), grip wax or waxless scales offer the efficiency of not having to be constantly attaching and removing skins.

So here's the question (Fisheater's as well): waxable or waxless base for a touring for turns ski with low vertical climbing?

Why should one consider waxless scales instead of grip wax?

Is it simply just a matter of climate and/or whether one wants to deal with grip wax or not?

[lowangle al]

I will use grip wax every time as long as the temp is below freezing. A well waxed ski will outclimb scales almost every time. They are faster and more quiet for K&G and smoother and faster on the downhill. Sometimes on lowangle stuff I can't even get up enough speed to turn with scales whereas a smooth based ski may work fine.

I have both versions of the Vector and the BCs are the only scaled ski I've ever liked. I have a waxless Karhu xcd-gt that climbs ok but doesn't turn well and a fischer outbound crown that didn't do either well. I do see that there are a lot ski choices out there today that work much better.

If I ever get another waxless ski it will be single camber. It may be slower on the tour but I think less grabby on the down.

I don't know why more people don't use kick wax for touring for turns.

[connyro]

I used to only wax when touring. Waxing is part of the entire ski touring experience. However nowadays, for anything that involves much climbing, I prefer scales. For low-vertical steep climbs, I HATE using skins unless I must, so the aggressive scale pattern that Voile uses works real well for me. I can usually find a route up almost anything with just scales. Also, when I'm looking for turns and scrambling up steep slopes, the last thing I want to mess with or even think about is wax. I just want to be able to climb and ski down with as little fiddling around as possible.

[lowangle al]

I agree Conny I hate skins too. I have both sets of Vectors and the BCs climb amazing but the wax version can climb better. The BCs though are such a good ski that I wouldn't miss the waxable version if I didn't have them. I usually don't have to mess with my wax on an outing but it's nice to not even have to think about "what wax"

Did your opinion about waxing change as a result of skiing the vectors? I know mine did.

[MikeK]

I vote waxless. Less fuss, more skiing.

[lowangle al]

Shunta sold da Instads.

[MikeK]

Shunta sold da Instads.

Still have those... interested

[lowangle al]

Yeah, hang on to them till I see you.

[fisheater]

[quote="lowangle al"]I agree Conny I hate skins too. I have both sets of Vectors and the BCs climb amazing but the wax version can climb better. The BCs though are such a good ski that I wouldn't miss the waxable version if I didn't have them. I usually don't have to mess with my wax on an outing but it's nice to not even have to think about

Al, if wax out climbs scales and out glides scales, why would you not miss the wax able and not theBC? I know I need scales sometimes, but do not enjoy the baseball card in the spokes and drag of my S-112's. I really think I would prefer a vector wax, I think the s-112 fills in when wax is required. I believe you are saying you prefer the BC, please help me understand why.
Thanks,
Bob

[lowangle al]

Hi Bob, the difference in performance is minimal, I know I will peg the stoke meter on either ski. I don't really get any noticable drag and the sound isn't a problem either.

Since I bought these skis we have had warm winters with frequent thaws so I've used them more than I thought I would. It also fits my quiver better being the only waxless ski I like.

I bought the BCs first for spring skiing and liked them so much I had to get the smooth ones for winter. If you are predominantly using wax for your skiing I would go for that. There both good but a smooth ski is always better. I'm not getting rid of them BTW but I want to replace the switchbacks with hardwires.