Yes, ski bases can "dry out," but not in the literal sense of losing moisture. The term refers to a lack of wax on the base, leading to a degradation of performance. A dry base isn't without moisture; rather, it's the absence of a protective wax layer. This exposes the microscopic pores of the base material (often polyethylene), making it vulnerable.
What Happens When Ski Bases Dry Out?
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Reduced Glide: Without wax, the base loses its smooth surface, impacting glide speed and overall performance. The base becomes rougher, increasing friction with the snow. As stated in one source, "Polyethylene, if left to dry out, does oxidize...reducing the strength and even the glide speed".
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Increased Wear: A dry base is more susceptible to scratches and damage from snow and ice. This can further reduce glide and potentially damage the base material.
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Chalky Appearance: A dry base may develop a chalky, white appearance due to oxidation and the exposure of microscopic scratches. One forum post mentions this "whitening" of the base as a sign of dryness.
The Myth of Literal Drying
It's crucial to understand the common misconception that ski bases literally dry out like wood. This isn't accurate. The "drying out" refers to the lack of wax, not a loss of internal moisture. One Reddit thread directly addresses this myth, stating that ski bases do "dry out," but not in a literal sense of lacking moisture.
Maintaining Your Ski Bases
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Regular Waxing: Waxing is essential for preventing the "drying out" of your ski bases and maintaining optimal performance. Wax fills the microscopic pores, creating a smooth, protective surface.
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Proper Storage: Storing skis in a cool, dry place, ideally with a layer of wax, can help protect them from environmental damage. One source mentions using storage wax to prevent drying out during the off-season.
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Cleaning: Before waxing, clean the base to remove dirt and debris which can further compromise performance.
