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The Overlay Guide
It’s nearing the end of the competition season, and everyone is fighting hard to reach the last few finish
lines as fast as possible. There should be no doubt that it’s your conditioning, training, technique, tactics,
and line that combine to play the greatest role in success — but having a race wax overlay can give you a
final burst of speed to take advantage of your efforts this season.
I connected with several top wax brands and asked them to share info on overlays, and how to apply them.
Knowing that most folks might not purchase the entire line, I was also very interested to ask each brand
what three overlays would be their must-haves. It’s important to note that the methodology of application
varies widely among brands and products, and watching the application videos is a great way to learn
proper application techniques for each product. Let’s take a look at what’s out there.
Maplus has been a quiet leader in liquid waxing technology for some time now, and two seasons ago
they added in the Briko wax product to the lineup, allowing them to redefine and re-engineer their product
line-up. Distribution in the U.S. is through Montana Sport (the Swiss machine company). In their overlay
lineup, they offer a powder, liquid, and solid in each temp range, plus a unique “super” wide range product
in each.
“My top three overlays” says John Dyste, the U.S. Ski Team sales manager, “would be the FP4 SuperMed
powder for its huge range (minus 16 to minus 2 Celsius) and ironed-in durability, the FP4 Solid for it’s ease
of application in sprint situations, and the FP4 Hot Spray for really warm wet snow.”
Briko-Maplus also offers a roller system of three separate rollers for application, brushing and polishing of
overlays. While more expensive than a traditional cork or felt, it could become a favorite system for technicians or coaches applying a lot of overlays.
$204 for 30 grams of powder; $153 for 50 millileters of liquid; $153 for a 20-gram block
Learn more about the Briko-Maplus line-up: http://tinyurl.com/7sul68u
Learn more about the application of Briko-Maplus overlays: http://tinyurl.com/7ycualh
Learn more about the unique roller overlay application system: http://tinyurl.com/72ns3ob
