F.A.Q
Q: How Does NOTwax work?
A: NOTwax instantly absorbs into the pores of most bases and is held in place by capillary attraction, like water in a sponge. A thin, hydrophobic film of NOTwax will bead up moisture molecules in the snow, creating a hydroplaning effect. This minimizes friction and maximizes glide, especially in flatter terrain and at slower speeds. The "Zardoz Effect" will amaze you, particularly as the snow gets wetter.
Q: How is NOTwax applied?
1. Wipe NOTwax onto base using dampened felt pad. The base should look wet and shiny, but not feel wet to the touch. This can be done indoors or right on the hill.
2. NOTwax can be used for all snow temperatures. It works best when there is some moisture in the snow. In cold/dry snow, lightly buff base with a tissue or cloth to remove any excess lubricant. In warm snow buffing is not necessary, just wipe on and go!
3. NOTwax will last 1-3 days in most conditions. For "Peak Performance", NOTwax should be reapplied every day you ski or ride.
4. FOR BEST RESULTS base should be clean and smooth. NOTwax can be wiped on top of wax, but will absorb better into a base that is clean. Roughness from heavy structuring or wear will break up the hydrophobic film created by NOTwax. A "hairy" base should be stone ground to a high polish.
5. After skiing, a quick coat of NOTwax on your base and edges will help prevent edge rust.
Q: How safe is NOTwax?
A: NOTwax is completely inert. This means that it will not chemically react with anything. It will not burn, has no odor, and is nontoxic. NOTwax is insoluble in hydrocarbons, water, steam, chemical solvents, acids, and bases. NOTwax is considered environmentally safe because it won't cause injury to anything, including the ozone layer
Q. My base looks dried out- what should I do?
A: The "dryness" or fuzziness on your base is caused by the repetitive grinding action of snow crystals. This "fuzz" creates drag, and the base should be stone ground to remove it. For best results, we recommend a fine, polished structure, as some bases are more inclined to abrade than others. Prevent wear from reoccurring by regularly moisturizing your base with NOTwax. Use NOTwax with wax for an extra layer of protection.
Q. Does NOTwax work well with wax?
A: Yes! By itself NOTwax offers exceptional performance and glide. However, some people like the extra benefits of combining NOTwax with wax. They use the Felix Process (hyperlink): NOTwax first, then hot wax, then a topcoat of NOTwax. This broadens the temperature range of the wax, offers better low speed (and out of the gate) glide, and makes the wax last longer. Alternatively, you can use NOTwax simply as a topcoat for wax.
Q: NOTwax is so fast in wet snow, why isn't it as fast in cold, dry snow?
A: The fact is that cold, dry snow is much slower than warm, wet snow no matter what you do. At snow temperatures below 0º F, you can only slide half as fast as at 28º F. There is simply not enough free water in cold snow for fast sliding. However, if you use NOTwax with a very hard wax (the Felix Process), you can maximize your speed in cold snow and wet snow as well.
NOTE: Freshly applied NOTwax will feel sticky in cold dry powder unless you buff off the excess NOTwax. A tissue or
paper towel works fine.
Q: Are there any disadvantages to NOTwax?
A: Not that we have discovered. However NOTwax will not magically eliminate problems caused by poor base maintenance. A rough, hairy "dry" base will be improved by an application of NOTwax, but only for a few runs. For best performance, stone grind the base to a high polish. The sort of structuring that is used with wax in wet snow conditions will interfere with the performance of NOTwax.
Q. How was NOTwax developed?
A: Paul Ramer, a well-known inventor of backcountry ski equipment, stumbled across NOTwax while working with DuPont to develop waterproofing for climbing skins. In 1996 he was awarded a patent for his work. In March, 2000 Paul tragically passed away due to Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease, a rare brain disease. The company is now run by his daughter, and Zardoz cofounder, Kris Ramer and her fiancé Mike Van Horne. In October, 2000 Zardoz merged with the bike lube innovator, Finish Line Technologies, Inc. Together, the two companies strive to offer the most advanced and easy to use lubricants available to sports enthusiasts.