If you are an avid snowboarder, you know how important it is to have the right wax for your snowboard. Snowboard wax, not only helps your board run smoother but also prevents the base of your snowboard from drying out.
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to figure out which is the best snowboard wax for your board.
That’s where this article comes in! We will give you an in-depth review of the five best snowboard waxes in 2024, as well as all the essential information you should know before buying a new wax.
Is ski wax the same as snowboard wax?
Yes, the wax for skis is the same as the wax for snowboards. That is because they both have an identical base made of pores that need to be hydrated by the wax. It is often sold separately, but they are the same.
I recommend reading our guide if you want to learn more about the two types of snowboard bases: extruded and sintered.
#1 Demon Hyper Wax
Quantity: 480 gr (1.06 lb)
Type of wax: hot wax
Temperature range: all temperature wax
Sufficient for: 35 – 40 waxing
If you are looking for the best wax for snowboarding, look no further than Demon Hyper Wax.
This universal wax allows you to snowboard in all temperature conditions. It is a hot wax, so you must use a waxing iron to apply it. This allows the wax to be absorbed by the base pores, increasing the lifespan of the waxing.
The greatest strength of the Demon hyper wax is its quantity. Its 480 gr (1.06 lb) will allow you to wax your snowboard 35 to 40 times! This way you will not have to repurchase wax for a long time.
This wax is also available in the best snowboard wax kit. By purchasing it you will have at a cheaper price, (compared to buying the materials separately), everything you need to wax your snowboard.
Strengths:
- 35 – 40 waxing!
- Long-lasting
- No fluorocarbons
Weaknesses:
- Bulky
#2 ZUMWax RUB ON Snowboard Wax
Quantity: 70 gr (0.15 lb)
Type of wax: rub-on wax
Temperature range: all temperature wax
Sufficient for: 7 – 8 waxing
ZUMWax RUB ON snowboard wax is an ideal choice for those looking for a quick and easy application.
Its rub-on formula allows the wax to be applied directly to the base of the snowboard without the need to use a waxing iron. This allows it to be applied between runs.
Although this wax is all temperature and can be used in any snow condition, however its durability is shorter than hot wax.
Therefore, it needs to be reapplied more frequently to maintain optimal performance on snow.
The advantage of this wax is its ease of use, making it ideal for beginners and snowboarders who do not want to spend too much time on board maintenance.
The package of ZUMWax RUB ON includes a 70 gr (0.15 lb) block of wax, which lasts about 10 to 12 waxing. This amount may vary depending on the board size.
Strengths:
- Quicker application
- Can be used anywhere
- No fluorocarbons
Weaknesses:
- Less performing
- Less durable
#3 Swix North Speed Universal Snowboard Wax
Quantity: 180 gr (0.4 lb)
Type of wax: hot wax
Temperature range: all temperature wax
Sufficient for: 17 – 20 waxing
Swix North Speed wax is an excellent wax for snowboarding. It is all temperature, so you can use it in any temperature and snow conditions, without having to worry about choosing a specific wax for each situation.
In addition, this hot wax is very durable and high-performing, thanks to its ability to penetrate the pores of the snowboard base. This means that Swix North Speed wax will last longer than other waxes, providing greater glide and speed on the snow.
The 180 gr (0.4 lb) block is large enough to allow for at least 17 waxes, so you will not have to worry about repurchasing wax frequently.
However, it is important to remember that you will need a waxing iron to apply this hot wax.
Strengths:
- High performance
- High durability
- No fluorocarbons
#4 Swix F4 Universal wax
Quantity: 180 gr (0.4 lb)
Type of wax: hot wax
Temperature range: all temperature wax
Sufficient for: 17 – 20 waxing
The Swix F4 Universal wax is one of the best snowboard waxes available on the market. It can improve the performance of the board on any type of snow.
This hot wax is very durable, which means that its application will last for many days of riding.
Swix F4 Universal comes in 180 gr (0.4 lb) blocks, which is enough for about 17 waxes. This makes it a very convenient option, as you will not have to worry about having to buy new wax often.
Strengths:
- High performance
- High durability
- No fluorocarbons
Weaknesses:
- Expensive
#5 One Mfg Dude Snowboard wax
Quantity: 115 gr (0.25 lb)
Type of wax: hot wax and rub-on wax
Temperature range: all temperature wax
Sufficient for: 9 – 12 waxing
One Mfg Dude is a snowboard wax that differs from others in its versatility. It can be used as hot wax as well as rub-on wax. Because of this feature, you can take it with you on a riding day and use it as a rub-on when you think it is necessary.
In addition, a feature that makes One Mfg Dude unique is its scent. With this wax, your snowboard will smell fresh and pleasant, making the snowboarding experience even more enjoyable.
Although sold in smaller blocks than other waxes, the 115 gr (0.25 lb) quantity is enough for several applications. In fact, with one pack of One Mfg Dude, you can wax your board about 10 times.
Strengths:
- hot wax and rub-on wax
- Scented
Weaknesses:
- Only 115 gr (0.25 lb)
What to consider when choosing the right wax?
When choosing the right wax for you there are several factors to consider.
– Temperature range:
Snowboard waxes can be distinguished by snow temperature, however, there is also all the all temperature wax (also called universal).
If you are a beginner, you will not notice the difference between a specific wax and a universal wax. For this reason, all the waxes I have suggested are the best all temperature waxes.
To learn more I recommend you read our guide on types of snowboard wax.
– Quantity:
Each waxing requires 12 to 15 g of hot wax and 6 to 8 g of rub-on wax. I also recommended waxing the snowboard every 3 to 4 days of riding.
So depending on how many days on the slopes you will do a season, you can figure out how much wax you need.
– Hot wax vs Rub-on:
Hot wax is the best in terms of performance, durability, and protection for the snowboard. That is because the waxing process allows the snowboard to absorb the wax.
However, this type of wax needs a waxing iron or better a waxing kit.
Rub-on wax, on the other hand, can be applied at any time and quickly. However, it protects the base less, and you have to use it more often. That is because the pores of the snowboard do not fully absorb the wax.
Note: Rub-on wax cannot replace hot wax; it only extends the time between the waxing with the iron.
Read more about the differences between hot wax and rub-on wax.
Curiosity: another type of waxing, similar to rub-on is machine waxing. Read our guide to find out more.
– Waxing kit:
Instead of buying snowboard wax separately, many kits contain all the waxing materials at an affordable price.
Some of them include the best waxes we have discussed here. That’s why I recommend you to check out our review of the best waxing kits.
Buying a kit is also affordable in terms of the cost for waxing. Read our research to find out how much it costs to wax a snowboard and what pays to do it!
How to wax a snowboard
If you have chosen a hot wax, it’s time to learn how to wax your board and get maximum performance!
That is why I recommend you look at our guide on how to wax your snowboard easily. You’ll see that by following the steps you won’t have any problems!
FAQs
What kind of snowboard wax is best?
The best snowboard wax that lasts the longest and gives the best performance is hot wax. That is because the waxing process it requires, makes the pores absorb the wax completely.
However, this needs a snowboard waxing kit, unlike rub-on wax which can be used directly on the base.
Why is it important to wax the snowboard?
Waxing the snowboard is essential, not only for the more experienced but also for beginners. It improves snowboard performance by making the base glide better.
It also hydrates the base to prevent it from drying out. A dry base is more brittle.
How often should you wax your snowboard?
If you have a sintered base, I recommend waxing (with hot wax) after 3 or 4 days of riding, while if you have an extruded base, every 7 or 8.
If you can not wax it that often, remember not to put it off too long because the cost of a new snowboard will definitely be more than a waxing kit.
Read our guide to find out more about how often you should wax your snowboard.
How much wax do you use to wax a snowboard?
Typically we use about 12 – 15 gr of wax for each waxing of an adult snowboard using hot wax. With rub-on wax, on the other hand, you will use about 6 – 8 gr of each waxing.
If you are new to this world you will probably waste more wax at first.
How to wax a snowboard without an iron?
The only way to wax the snowboard without a waxing iron is to use a rob-on wax. It can be applied as a spray, as a liquid, or by rubbing a paste on the base.
