Max_501 wrote:But to what extent? How much time can be gained by this serious base prep? If there is a scientifically supported answer I haven't been able to find it.
I'd say it is highly dependent on the course and conditions. On a long, flat course that has fresh snow or soft, wet snow the differences could be seconds... On a steep icy course you would probably find the differences to be less assuming you waxed for the appropriate temperature (not using warm wax when it is 0 degrees, etc.).
A guy I ski with regularly recently got a pair of 192cm GS skis to replace his 185's from last year. This year's 192's are up to a second slower on all courses, regardless of how much he preps them and waxes them. He skied them in an open GS a few weeks ago - a course which a 192 should have beaten the whole pack - and he was a second slower than the top guys. For the second run (similar set) he switched to his shorter skis and won the run... and this is a guy who can easily handle a 192cm GS ski with ease. He still hasn't been able to figure out why the 192's are slower... At this point the skis have been waxed over 30 times and skied in several times. They are just slow skis for some reason.
So... what you're looking for is a pretty variable topic. Those on the WC who regularly prep skis are pretty tight-lipped about what they use on the skis because it is the last line of offense in the speed department. You might have good luck looking to nordic skiing wax tests. I remember seeing something once that showed what those guys go through to select wax combinations (glide tests, etc).
Later
Greg
Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.
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