NORDIC SKI PREPARATION

Zero skis
The new Zero skis might be an ideal alternative
on falling or new fallen snow close to 0°C.
All major ski brands now carry such models. They
have a special rubber/polymer blend material in
the kick zone, which to a certain degree can be
manipulated by sanding paper. The grit# to use
is determined by track and snow conditions. Most
common are #60 to #100.
General tip
With precipitation a combination of #80 and
#100 is satisfactory. These conditions are characterized
by a continuously supply of moist snow,
never creating very hard or glossy trails.
With shiny tracks a more coarse paper might
be used such as #60 and #80.
Remember that Zero skis are not always the
solution for difficult conditions. During long lasting
competitions or tracks having large altitude
differences, conditions might alternate or change.
In such cases, the alternatives of using traditional
wax, might work better.
PROCEDURE FOR RUBBING
1.
Set the marks for the kick zone, about the same
length as for soft kick waxes.
2.
Roll the sanding paper around a waxing cork to
get a stable surface for working.
3.
Sand the kick zone by working at a 45 degree
angle, towards the running direction along the
kick zone. Repeat the process from the other side,
thus creating an arrow pattern towards speed
direction.
4.
Remove dust and debris with Fiberlene (T150) or
similar.
5.
You can now repeat point 2-4 using a finer grit#
paper. Two different grits are often used, but
always start with the more coarse one.
6.
Lastly, treat the base with Zero spray (N0002).
Keep the bottle 4-5 cm from the base, spray on
both sides of the groove (4-5 sec. on each side).
Let the skis dry for 2-3 minutes before use. It is
also possible to work in Cera F powder (FC8X) by
hand to the rubbed kick zone.
a
b
c
SANDING
PAPER
#60 Coarse
Abrasive
55 cm/60 cm
SANDING
PAPER
#80 Medium
Coarse Abrasive
55 cm/60 cm
7.
The kick zone will always collect dirt. Cleaning
with a wax remover (I64 or I74) is recommended.
Let the ski dry for 30 minutes.
d
3 min.
60 61