FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the main benefits of BASE BOOST?
By lowering the friction between snow and the base of skis and boards, you can expect easier turns, increased momentum through the flats, faster acceleration and longer intervals between waxing.
Is BASE BOOST used on top of wax or instead of wax?
Yes to both! BASE BOOST is typically applied as a topcoat for wax as it helps extend the life of wax and improve performance. Many skiers and boarders love the feel of BASE BOOST, especially in wetter snow and use it instead of wax.
How long does BASE BOOST last?
One application of BASE BOOST on top of your existing wax will optimize the performance of your wax for an entire day.
When should I apply BASE BOOST?
BASE BOOST should be applied before your first run of the day. Our handy puck shaped applicator case fits into a pocket or backpack so you can take it with you whilst skiing or snowboarding should you feel the need for an extra boost!
Does BASE BOOST work in all snow conditions?
Yes, BASE BOOST works on all types of snow but the wetter the better. BASE BOOST really rocks in high moisture snow.
Why are my skis or board feeling sticky?
If your base has been abraded by the snow (your base will look dry, white and fuzzy), it will likely start to feel sticky. This is caused by friction from snow and will feel like having velcro on your base. If this happens, take your skis or snowboard to a shop for repair. To prevent it re-occurring, we recommend hot waxing your base and then applying BASE BOOST at the beginning of each day.
How should I use BASE BOOST when using climbing skins?
BASE BOOST is an inert liquid and will not affect the glue of your skins. However, if you put it on before your skins, the base will be somewhat wet with BASE BOOST and the skins will have trouble sticking. It's best to apply BASE BOOST at the top of your climb after pulling your skins off. Another option is to polish the base after applying BASE BOOST with a tissue or shirt sleeve and then attach your skins.
How do I remove BASE BOOST?
You can use a standard base cleaner (we recommend a citrus cleaner) or a hot scrape to remove BASE BOOST. Many racers like to use BASE BOOST as a base coat, hot wax and then an overlay of BASE BOOST. We call this the Felix Process.
Will BASE BOOST dry out my base?
BASE BOOST chemically cannot dry out your base. Sometimes users mistakenly assume that BASE BOOST is like other quick waxes which use PTFE (generic powdered Teflon® fluoropolymer) suspended in solvent. These solvents can sometimes be harsh on a base, causing a dry appearance or sometimes even clogging a base. BASE BOOST uses pure liquid Teflon® fluoropolymer, which is completely inert (non-reactive, non-corrosive, non-toxic). Being 100% Teflon there are no solvents to dry out the base. By nature of being inert, BASE BOOST cannot chemically do anything to your base. However, most of the time when someone refers to "dryness", they are talking about the worn, fuzziness on their base. This is caused by the repetitive grinding action of snow crystals. This "fuzz" creates drag, and the base should be stone ground or belt sanded to remove it. Some bases (like graphite bases) are easier to abrade than others.
How should I use BASE BOOST with a graphite base?
Graphite bases are a higher performance material and require extra care. When you take them to a shop, ask for a BASE BOOST layer first, then a hotwax. Before you ski for the first time, put on a topcoat of BASE BOOST. This will make the wax last longer and give you a protected base under the wax. Wax a couple of times during the season to get extra protection. It will feel smooth and fast on the base so long as the base material is smooth. We recommend a cold snow, smooth structure in all temperatures. BASE BOOST absorbs into the molecular structure of your base and holds on like water in a sponge (by capillary attraction). The moisture in the snow wicks out a thin layer which constantly refreshes your base. The active surface layer of BASE BOOST is only several microns thick, so a heavy structure will break that up and make them less hydrophobic. The heavy structure is intended to reduce suction. But when a base is very hydrophobic it converts the moisture in the snow to beads which run off your base like ball bearings. All the fluorinated waxes do this, but as BASE BOOST is a pure fluoropolymer, it will give you the most hydrophobic coating.
What is the Felix Process?
Felix Rabanal, from Albuquerque, was the very first pro snowboarder to start using BASE BOOST regularly. He was also the first to tell us about his method of using BASE BOOST with traditional wax. Felix organizes snowboarding demos virtually every weekend in New Mexico and frequently has to deal with user-unfriendly snow conditions. He found that by using BASE BOOST with wax he could obtain a base treatment that outperformed everything else on the market. Since then we have received many reports of similar BASE BOOST-wax applications. This is how it's done:
What is BASE BOOST?
Zardoz BASE BOOST is a patented 100% liquid fluoropolymer base treatment. It 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 BASE BOOST will bead up moisture molecules in the snow, creating a hydroplaning effect. This minimizes friction and maximizes glide, especially in flatter terrain and at lower speeds. The “Zardoz Affect” will amaze you, particularly as the snow gets wetter.
Does BASE BOOST work on extruded bases?
Extruded bases are by nature, not very porous. BASE BOOST works well on these bases but will rub off a little faster. For the best longevity, use normal hot wax and apply a topcoat of BASE BOOST. It will make both products last longer.
How does BASE BOOST compare to wax?
Hot wax and other wipe on waxes only create a superficial bond to the surface of the base. The bond of hot wax is better than that of most wipe-on products, however, it doesn't truly penetrate the base. BASE BOOST is inert and cannot bond to anything. It works by fully absorbing into the base and holding on by capillary attraction - like water in a sponge. A thin, hydrophobic layer is wicked out by the moisture in the snow, constantly relubricating the base. On a snowboard- the most noticeable difference between BASE BOOST and wax, is that a board with BASE BOOST will be much more slippery at low speeds and in variable snow temps. It is also much smoother in wet snow.
Can I use BASE BOOST on it's own?
Yes! 90% of skiers and boarders either never wax or wax just once or twice a year. Waxing is confusing, messy and time consuming. BASE BOOST is the perfect alternative to expensive and time-consuming hot waxes. It’s also a great mid-day or mid-vacation touch up. You can use it instead of wax or on top of wax. BASE BOOST does not give you the long-term base protection of hard wax, but it is much better than using nothing.
Is anything special required for new equipment?
You don't need to do anything special with BASE BOOST. Just wipe it on and go!
Can I use BASE BOOST for anything else?
Zardoz is a liquid Teflon fluoropolymer which makes it a really versatile substance. So, from time to time, our customers let us know about some of the alternate uses they have discovered:
2. Chain Lube – it works great as a bicycle chain lubricant.
3. Ice Repellent – riders wipe it on the tops of their boards and skis to prevent ice and snow build up.
4. Rubber Protectant – when wiped on rubber, it helps preserve and protect it.
5. Lock Lubricant – can be used to lubricate stuck locks.
6. Cable Lubricant – use along a new bike cable before inserting into its housing.
7. Coolant Hose Anti-seize – use on the flange of your coolant hoses so they are easier to remove during the next repair.
Is BASE BOOST safe?