All major ski manufacturers, including Rossignol, Fischer, Madshus and Atomic, have introduced a classic ski that bridges the gap between a wax-up ski and a traditional fish scale-based wax-free performance ski. For tough waxing conditions, Nordic skiers have previously turned to performance-based skis that do not have wax, with the kick zone containing the pattern underfoot, also known as fish scales. However, these skis tend to be slow due to drag caused by the scales, but they work in difficult conditions, especially when one does not want to apply klister. For many, difficult or changing conditions make it difficult to determine the proper wax. Under certain conditions, this new classic zero-based or rubber-based ski line performs well. They work best in zero degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as in wet snow. At zero degrees or in wet snow, this may be the ski that works best for racing or just training. Several national skiers have competed with this type of equipment and they have done well. But these skis don’t work in all conditions and that’s why they understand their limitations when it comes to hitting the trails.
Rossignol has named their skis rubber-based skis, while Fischer calls them zero-based skis, but essentially different manufacturers offer these alternatives to having to wax regularly. Wax-free skiing requires a bit of specialized preparation in the wax zone to maximize the kick. The kicking area should be rough and then treated with a little anti-ice liquid, such as the new Swix Zero spray. Another manufacturer recommends scraping the base with 120-180 grit sandpaper and advises not to apply anything to the material, not kick wax or any other treatment. Leave him alone. With sandpaper, you can adjust the grip based on the moisture of the snow. It will be up to you to determine which one is best for your particular climate and conditions. Everyone who has used these classic rubber skis finds that they need to test the skis in different conditions to see when they perform best. Most also play around with the roughness of the kick zone to get the perfect kick. However, in exceptionally icy conditions or dry snow, this may not be the right tool for the job.
Rossignal offers the classic high-performance World Cup rubber-based ski for runners and technical skiers. The new carbon tip reduces the weight of the ski by 20-30 grams. The shorter, lower tip allows for less swing weight and better maneuverability. The honeycomb core is lightweight and provides excellent compression and strength. Each rubber ski comes with the NIS (Nordic Integrated System) plate, allowing for easy binding mounting. Excellent glide can be achieved by adjusting the position of the bindings rearward to remove the grip zone from the snow. Using sandpaper, the grip can be adjusted depending on the humidity of the snow.
The Fischer RCS Classic zero-based ski comes with glide zones pre-waxed with Swix fluoro. Fischer’s kick ground zero material is well placed. It stopped just where the rear end of the wax pocket would end. This makes the Fischers easy to ride and fast skis right out of the box. Madshus and Atomic also make similar technology.
Most make the investment in this type of waxless ski once they have bought other classic skis. Since these skis perform best in zero degrees or in wet conditions, these may be the perfect skis for training or running if your area frequently experiences these types of conditions. At zero degrees Celsius, or in wet snow, these may be the fastest skis out there. You can just say no to Klister with zero-based technology if the conditions are right.