During operation, the snowboard gradually begins to slip worse. The cause is the abrasion of the previously applied layer of paraffin. Let's figure out which paraffin is best for snowboarding in certain situations.
Universal
Such snowboard paraffin is available in the form of a fairly soft, supple paste-like substance. The product can be applied by rubbing with a special scraper or ironing with a hot iron.
It is advisable to resort to the use of universal paraffin in cases where it is urgent to increase the sliding qualities of a snowboard, however, the optimum temperature for the planned race is unknown. In other words, such substances are a good improvised tool for all occasions.
Universal snowboard paraffin is suitable for applying on the sliding surface of the board to prepare for riding in almost any weather, in addition to truly extreme conditions. The means of this plan are perfectly manifested at temperatures in the range from -15 to -4 ° C.
Hot paraffin
This snowboard paraffin is familiar to every experienced rider. The advantage of the tool is the ability to create a stable sliding layer of one or another thickness. The main disadvantage is the need for a suitable iron, with which, in fact, the application of grease occurs.
With extremely limited time allotted for the preparation of inventory, the duration of the process of applying hot paraffin gives a whole lot of inconvenience. Removing a stable layer if necessary to replace it is also a difficult task.
Rubbed paraffin
Used by riders between races, when the first need arises to increase the sliding ability of the board. Usually resort to the use of funds of a similar plan in cases where there is not enough time for a full surface treatment with hot paraffin.
The rubbed product is quite soft and frankly short-lived. Despite this, professional athletes consider it an ideal option for independent quick correction of the level of glide of the snowboard.
Paraffin wax
Another paraffin for snowboarding, which can be quickly used between runs. The effect of applying such products is less durable even compared to rubbed substances. Usually pasty products are sold in banks. A special applicator is attached to it to cover the sliding surface of the board manually.
This is the best paraffin for snowboarding for riders who prefer to periodically lubricate the board during the ride. It becomes especially effective when driving on spring snow, which quickly eats up the base layer of solidified hot paraffin.
Warm paraffin
Good for use with warm spring weather. Such paraffin for snowboard provides optimal glide for the board at temperatures ranging from -7 to 2 ° C.
Cold paraffin
Designed specifically for use in the most frosty weather. Application of the substance to the sliding plane of the board reduces the effect of snow sticking. It is excellent at temperatures in the range from -25 to -7 ° C.
Hydrocarbon
It is used by athletes when it is necessary to practice complex techniques during a quiet ride. Means of this category are economical in cost. Therefore, they are often applied to rental boards, which are surrendered to novice riders. Carbon lubrication is also an excellent option for processing the board when placing the latter in storage.
Fluorine paraffin
More effective in terms of improving the speed properties of the board compared to carbon grease. Often, fluorinated paraffin is used by professional riders in preparation for the competition and therefore has a rather high cost.
The higher the percentage of fluorine in such a lubricant, the greater the speed an athlete can develop. The only drawback of the tool is the formation of environmental harmful chemical components when interacting with a snow cover, in particular, aggressive acids.
Racing
The name of the lubricant speaks for itself. Such paraffin is used to develop maximum speeds on the descent.
They distinguish between base grease, which is used to form a primer layer, as well as a means for forming a topcoat. Racing paraffin is used by serious specialists who are responsible for preparing snowboards for responsible competitions.
Snowboard Storage Paraffin
Sooner or later, the board has to be stored. To avoid damage to the snowboard at the end of the season, it is enough to treat its sliding surface with paraffin for preservation. The substance must be left on the board for the whole summer.
Storage paraffin has a fairly low price. If desired, it can be used as an alternative to expensive lubricants when preparing a snowboard for skiing in warm weather.
Cleaning
It is used to clean the sliding surface of the snowboard from old paraffin. It melts residual grease well and makes it possible to quickly scrape off all kinds of contaminants and remove a layer of dust. It is recommended to apply new paraffin only after treating the snowboard with such a cleaning agent.
Preparing the board for lubrication
Before the treatment of the snowboard with paraffin will be performed, experts recommend thoroughly cleaning the surfaces of the old product. For these purposes, special fluids are used. However, as an alternative, you can use ordinary household solvent.
After storing the board, a specific gray coating usually forms on the surface of the board. It is his contact with snow that is the main reason for the decrease in snowboard slip at the beginning of the new season. You can remove plaque by any convenient means at hand, for example, a spatula or a metal ruler.
Applying paraffin to a snowboard
For these purposes, it is advisable to use a well-heated iron. To start work, it is necessary to lean paraffin against a hot surface until the substance begins to melt and drip onto the board. Having melted a copious amount of paraffin, it should be smoothed out, using the same iron, a special scraper, a piece of plastic, etc. It is recommended to make movements in the direction from the nose of the snowboard to the tail. It is not necessary to apply paraffin with a thick layer, since in the future its surplus will still have to be scraped off, achieving the optimum thickness.
After treatment, the snowboard must be left alone for about a day. After 24 hours, you can proceed to the paraffin cycling, which implies a systematic decrease in layer thickness. Only the grease that has not been absorbed into the board needs to be removed. That is how you can achieve the best glide.
Some riders mistakenly believe that excess paraffin will be erased on its own during the ride. However, in most cases, the reluctance to thoroughly polish the surfaces leads to the formation of tubercles, which not only look unaesthetic, but also worsen the slip.