When it comes to ski maintenance, the steel brush is my go-to tool. It saves time, keeps my skis clean, and improves glide. Many skiers overlook it, but once you try it, you won’t go back.
Before I start brushing, I always use ski cleaner to remove old wax, dirt, and grime. This keeps the steel brush clean and ensures I’m not just spreading residue around. Once the skis are dry, I use the brush to remove oxidation and smooth out the base, helping to restore the ski’s natural glide.
On classic skis, I only brush the glide zones, avoiding the grip zone entirely. This prevents any kick wax from contaminating the brush and affecting the glide. For skate skis, I brush the entire base since there’s no grip zone to worry about.
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You can use an oval brush if you prefer that.
The key to this method is simplicity. After brushing, I don’t apply any wax. The final step in my glide prep is always brushing, nothing else. A clean base is the most important factor for good glide, and with a steel brush, I get there quickly and efficiently. A few passes are all it takes—too much brushing can wear down the base over time, but just enough makes a huge difference.
Many skiers spend extra time waxing and polishing when all they really need is a properly cleaned ski. If you want a quick, effective, and hassle-free way to improve glide, try using a steel brush. It has completely changed my ski prep routine, and I wouldn’t go back.
I am also fond of steel scraping my skies, read more here
Do you use a steel brush when prepping your skis? Let me know in the comments!
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