PHANTOM Glide Base Cleaner

Important: Don’t call it a wax! PHANTOM is in no way whatsoever a topical temporary wax. It is a unique waxless permanent base treatment. We have patented a novel method of avoiding unstable chlorofluorocarbon functional groups and instead, our proprietary formula permeates throughout the thickness of your base and is permanently bonded to the polyethylene, increasing the glide characteristics of your base. Therefore it does not wear off like a topical wax. This eliminates the need for constant and expensive application of fresh coats of wax, which is harmful to your wallet and the environment.

It’s easier to apply. For Do It Yourself (DIY) application, the Original PHANTOM 1.0 formula required at least 6 hours of UV cure time in direct strong sun. This was a challenge for those in lower light areas, especially in the winter. In PHANTOM 2.0, we have reduced the DIY direct sun cure time to be approximately 1 hour per each Part A and Part B, dramatically reducing potential application issues as it pertains to sunlight/UV availability. In sum, PHANTOM 2.0 saves 5 hours of curing time—a dramatic and practical change.

Traditional wax is a topical application (i.e. it adheres to the base surface, but does not penetrate the base surface) and thereby wears off on every run you take. Some specialty waxes can last a half run and are just temporary topical accelerants. With PHANTOM, and in standing by its lab and on-snow assertion of permanence, in non-technical terms, we essentially miniaturized the “slippery stuff” into molecules small enough to absorb into the base. We then utilize UV light to create a reaction with the polyethylene base molecules and a permanent bond is formed throughout the entire thickness of the base. So technically, if you were to grind and grind through all the layers of your base, you’d still have the benefits of the PHANTOM treatment at each layer.

The simple answer lies in PHANTOM’s stable chemical structure. Traditional topical wax is a phase-change polymer. Meaning, it melts at high temperature, hardens at lower, and changes hardness and structure throughout temperature changes from morning to afternoon. PHANTOM is a crystalline structure which does not dramatically change over wide temperatures, enabling consistent glide to be maintained beyond what an ‘all-temperature wax can accomplish. PHANTOM does not and cannot overcome slush or prevent the laws of thermal dynamics.

Waxing is costly in terms of time and money––service fees, dropping off and picking up your skis at the shop, etc. PHANTOM only requires a single application and it lasts forever. One and done. The cost of PHANTOM 2.0 ($99 USD) is equivalent to three standard wax services, which collectively typically lasts for only a matter of runs or days. In the end, PHANTOM yields a completely different and revolutionary value proposition: delivering consistent and reliable performance—saving you time, money, and energy so you can focus on the skiing part

Yes—with zero concerns. If you are racing competitively, you can still apply special temperature-specific waxes onto a PHANTOM treated base. When your temperature-specific wax wears off (typically in just a few runs), you’ll still be benefiting from the consistent performance of a PHANTOM treated base, which is far superior to the performance of an un-waxed base. We have also learned in our own testing that topical wax lasts longer on a PHANTOM treated base than on an untreated base. Why? Because there is a positive molecular attraction between the paraffin and the permanently bonded PHANTOM chains in the polyethylene ski base.

PHANTOM eliminates the need to wax, but does not eliminate the need to take care of your base strucutre and your edges. All skis and snowboards still need to be stone ground and tuned to address the natural oxidation of polyethylene, fix damaged areas, and de-bur and tune the edges. PHANTOM addresses the base’s gliding surface exclusively. And again, if you happen to enjoy waxing, go for it—your topical wax is temporary but it will at least last longer on a PHANTOM treated base than un-treated base. And once it wears off, you’ll still enjoy the consistent all-temperature glide and performance of PHANTOM.

Damages to your base should always be promptly and professionally repaired. Given that your ski or snowboard has a PHANTOM application, a shop can repair the PHANTOM treated base just as you would normally with base welds and patches. Depending on the size of the repaired section, we recommend that PHANTOM be applied to the P-tex repair zone to maintain consistency across the entire surface area of the base.

Yes. PHANTOM can be applied on your own with good strong direct outdoor sunlight for a minimum of one (1) hour cure time for each Part A and Part B. There’s about 20 minutes of required prep (removing wax prior to application and brushing out the structure after each step). Starting in October, 2018, select PHANTOM Dealers will have rapid cures stations with specific UV lights designed for PHANTOM formula, which nets a precise cure inside of only twenty (20) minutes for each part.

Not at this time. PHANTOM has been developed to work specifically on alpine ski and snowboard bases. We do not endorse PHANTOM for any other sport.

PHANTOM is an excellent solution for backcountry skiing and splitboarding. With PHANTOM, you no longer need to worry about wax being removed by skins; skin glue is no longer contaminated by wax, and you always can rely on glide in variable snow conditions throughout the season (and even into the summer for the diehards out there). One important reminder for those using skins: make sure you “ski-in” the treatment over a few runs on-piste. In doing so, you will have prepped the bases for skin use. While brushing out the structure removes most hard residue from the surface, you still need a few runs on snow crystals to buff things out to get the most out of PHANTOM’s permanence attributes and use with climbing skins.

No. PHANTOM does not change the appearance of your skis or snowboard bases, whereas wax does. Wax is a topical and temporary coating. When your boards look greasy and coated with fresh wax, they can be temporarily fast. When the coat of wax wears off, the bases have the natural polyethylene appearance (which can also mean they are slow). Lack of a greasy look with PHANTOM in no way correlates with a lack of speed. With a PHANTOM treated base, there is no topical or temporary change of appearance in the base, but that doesn’t mean they are slow—by any stretch.

No. PHANTOM does not have a shelf life, or storage temperature requirement.

A single PHANTOM 2.0 package includes: four (4) pouches of PHANTOM (Part A x2 and Part B x2—each packet contains approximately 7.5ml in liquid volume). Each packet is to be used in its entirety for each single ski. If applying on a one snowboard, use both packets at once. It is important to use the entirety of the packets. As PHANTOM absorbs into the base, if the full contents are not used, you may not have enough treatment on the running surface after absorption. In sum, use all of the contents to the fullest on your ski or snowboard base. Do not attempt to apply a single PHANTOM package to more than one pair of skis or more than one snowboard, as the efficacy will fall short of ideal.

In respect to extruded bases, PHANTOM was developed using sintered bases, but we did test on extruded bases in Spring conditions against all-temp wax as a benchmark. The result is PHANTOM on the extruded base exceeds the performance over time of waxed extruded bases, especially in the Spring, where after a few runs, your wax is abrading so quickly. Technically, an extruded base has much less intra-molecular space for PHANTOM to adhere to than sintered, but there are available bonds to be had.

As follows is the 'best, 'better' and 'good' scenario for preparing your bases for PHANTOM application. The 'best' path is to get your skis or snowboard stone ground at a shop to first remove all wax and dirt from the base before application; this allows maximum PHANTOM penetration. 'Better; is using a ski industry wax cleaner (we have found that these work, but don't remove 100% of wax in its entirety), or instead, using an alternative natural cleaner like olive oil, or hot water/dish soap before applying PHANTOM. 'Good' is applying PHANTOM over a waxed ski or board; we have tested this scenario, and we were pleased to find that PHANTOM still penetrates through wax into the depth of the base, and permanent on-snow performance is still good.

PHANTOM is formulated with a very specific wavelength of UV light initiating the curing reaction. If available, strong natural sunlight at temperatures above freezing can achieve a full cure. This can be problematic in northern latitudes in Winter and anything short of a full cure will not perform as expected. The good news: we have developed a PHANTOM Cure Station which select PHANTOM dealers will have starting in October, 2018. Cure stations enable the year-round rapid curing of PHANTOM [see PHANTOM Cure Station dealers here]. We have developed very specific UV wavelength lights, intensity, distance from the surface, and station temperature to achieve the desired cure and performance. To sum: other forms of artificial UV light have not proven to work with PHANTOM, apart from our carefully constructed PHANTOM Cure Stations located at select DPS Dealers

Following the instructions that come with your PHANTOM package is critical to achieving the optimum and desired outcome. Parts A and B must be individually cured by the time guidelines in the application instructions. Time between Part A application and Part B application does not matter.

PHANTOM cures properly with at least one consistent hour of strong, consistent, and direct sunlight. Do not start the curing process if rain or snow is in the forecast. If sunlight diminishes after the curing process has begun, resume curing at the earliest opportunity when the sun has returned and wait until the formula has changed from a liquid to a solid. If rain or snow develops, make sure that your bases have not been exposed to moisture.

For PHANTOM application to work properly, you should apply PHANTOM when the outdoor temperature is above 0°C/32°F—and preferably during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest. Again, direct sunlight to the bases, free of moisture, for a minimum of one hour is required for the liquid PHANTOM to change to a hard polymerized solution.

With the possibility of UV window treatments, refraction, etc. we only endorse outdoor sunlight for proper curing.

We do not endorse any curing mechanism or manner than described in our manuals and instructions. It is best to apply PHANTOM to your bases at least room temperature to 32°C/90°F which helps speed up the absorption period. Hotboxing or artificially heating to any temperature above this is to be avoided.

PHANTOM applies as a liquid. If the top surface at all remains in the liquid state, it is not cured. Timing is approximate based on many outdoor factors (strength of sun, cloud coverage, time of day, etc.), and the only way to achieve full performance is for the liquid to change state to a solid, after which you know the formula has polymerized into the entire thickness of the base. Again, we strongly recommend that for optimal PHANTOM curing you choose a day where direct and clear sunlight is consistent, and allow your bases to cure outside for a minimum of one hour under direct sunlight for each Part A and Part B. Or, find a select PHANTOM dealer for a rapid cure in a PHANTOM Cure Station.

No. PHANTOM will not in any way alter the appearance of your bases.

Your skis or snowboard will retain a glossy black appearance after a PHANTOM application. After approximately thirty days of use, any base material, whether it has PHANTOM or wax, will begin to look ‘dry’ as snow abrasion starts to take its toll; a stone grind will freshen the visual appearance to new. It is critical to note that even though your PHANTOM bases will eventually look less glossy, this in no way is representative of diminished glide. PHANTOM is a one-time application that retains the same consistent glide characteristics over time and over unlimited days skiing. However, to clarify any prior confusion: stone grinding is NOT required on a PHANTOMed base at any prescribed interval. Stone grinding is generally a good idea irrespective of your use of PHANTOM to remove abrasion and dirt, and place a fresh structure on your ski or snowboard. Stone-grinding does not remove PHANTOM or reduce its efficacy. Finally, In wet Spring conditions, whether you’ve treated with PHANTOM or not, if you do not have a proper structure, you may experience suction against the liquid snow interface.

PHANTOM in its cured state is inert and non-toxic. We recommend that you wear protective gloves to avoid contact with skin as it could be an irritant to you. The same with wearing protective eyewear and avoid getting it in your eyes as it could cause serious eye irritation. Should PHANTOM come in contact with your skin, it should be washed away with soap and water. And if in eyes, rinse with water for several minutes. As with most any liquid other than water, there is the potential of flammability and care should be taken to avoid open flame during application. Material Safety Data Sheets are available upon request. The application process should be done in a well-ventilated area.

With respect to base gouges and repairs, P-tex bonding performance and repair procedure is identical to a base without PHANTOM.

In a real-world application, the amount of surface area relative to the rest of the base in most repairs is relatively small, and you shouldn't experience a reduction in overall glide performance, but that will be subjective and relative with many possible variables: size, location, surface area of ski/snowboard in question, prior base quality. etc.

No. PHANTOM has no negative effects on the structural integrity of your ski bases.

If there are any issues with the product received (damaged packaging, etc.), please let us know right away. Replacements of damaged shipments can be exchanged within three months of purchase. Once the product has been applied, we stand by our performance assertions and associated expectations. Should you feel PHANTOM is not performing as expected, please contact our customer service department immediately. Our technicians will work with you to troubleshoot your issue—which in our experience is typically directly correlated to incorrect PHANTOM application and/or curing.

Please contact our customer service department within one month from your date of purchase.