Of the many types of plastic used on runners, some (notably P-Tex), can be waxed and others cannot. Some dealers told us that the popular QCR plastics could not be waxed, but QCR inventor Tim White told us that it could. However, he added that unwaxed yellow plastic, used in warm weather, often glides better than waxed plastics. Your dealer may be able to advise you about whether your plastic can be waxed or you can experiment to find out.

The wax used on sled runners is the same as that used on skis, and a good ski expert can advise you on what kind to use and how to apply it. Waxes are rated for temperature, so in warm weather you use a different wax than in cold weather. Appropriate waxes are available from ski shops, along with a wax iron to melt it.

Some waxes must be applied outside or in a well ventilated room due to fumes. It's best to get help or watch another musher waxing his sled before trying it alone. The wax is melted against a wax iron ( a regulare clothes iron will also work ) and allowed to drip onto the runner, covering the entire bearing serface. Be careful not to overheat the runner itself, as it will damage or burn the plastic. After being allowed to harden, the excess is removed with a plexiglass scraper, running it from front to back. The wax penetrates the pores in the plastic, reducing friction and also filling in the scratches and the dings. Some people prefer to use warm weather wax first because it penetrates better. That layer is followed by a wax sutible for the days temperature.

Some ski shops or other experienced people will wax sled runners for a price; you can watch them wax your runners so you can learn the technique. Try to find someone expienced with sled runners as well as skis, however.

During icey conditions wax wears off quickly, while on mushy snoy it lasts longer. Wax used at lower temperatures tends to get scraped off faster. According to Tim White, wax will pick up dirt from the snow, eventually reducing glide. He feels that wax is most beneficial in fresh or newly-packed snow.

Ski racers become experts in the use of wax and can pass tips on to mushers. For instance, in slushy snow the drag from the water tention under the runner can be broken up by running groves in the wax down the length of the runner.

As more mushers turn to waxing to get an edge in compitition, more information should become available on tips and techniques, which waxes to use, and which plasticks perform better when waxed.

For now, your best bet is to experement with different plstics and waxes at various temperatures and snow conditions while timing training runs. Study the results to determine which are most effective considering race day conditions. Remember that applying thec orrect wax can help you win--but the wrong wax can cost you. Racer Dan Daigle was reported to have lost several minutes in one crucial race due to the Wrong wax. Using wax to its maximum effct is an art in itself, requiring skill as well as knowledge both of waxes and trail conditions to obtian the most benefit.

Authors Miki and Julie Collins would like
to thank Cold Spot Feeds and Beaver
Sports of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Tim
White of Grand Marais, Minnesota, for
their help in preparing this article.