Normally the main difference is the life time / stability / wear resistance… in other words how long the improved gliding properties can last under given snow and weather conditions.
Normally the cheaper liquids last on the ski base for a much shorter time and therefore provide a much shorter improvement of gliding features.
Why? Most of the cheaper liquid gliders are solutions containing two main components: active ingredients dissolved in a carrier. The carrier is responsible for liquid state of the solution, enables application on the ski base in the liquid form. After application the carrier evaporates more or less fast and leaves only the solid component on the ski base.
The only way how this solid component sticks to the surface of the ski base is the mechanical retention in the microscopic irregularities and roughness of the ski base surfaces. The chemical bonds are extremely weak.
How cheaper liquid gliders can be identified?
· You need to shake the bottle before you properly to mix the active ingredients with the carrier.
· Often sponge head is used for application.
· After application you can see a wet film on the ski base.
· They dry quite fast (5 to 10 min.)
· You need to brush them softly with nylon brush.
Normally the more expensive liquid gliders perform a bit better, but especially last longer, in other words provide the improved gliding features for a longer time.
Why? Most of the more expensive liquid gliders contain a component which actively disrupts the surface of the ski base in a gentle way, in other words which allows the active substances in the glider to soak or to be integrated into the ski base. In other words: more expensive gliders create their own irregularities or micro roughness for better integration into the ski base.
How more sophisticated liquid gliders can be identified (except for they are more expensive)?
· Normally they are sprays – you spray them or apply with fleece.
· After application they often create small bobbles on the surface.
· They need more time to dry / be integrated (normally 25 min. to 30 min.)
· Often they are not brushed.