Wax is an essential thing for any skier or snowboarder to keep in mind. You can have the best equipment in the world, but if you don’t have good wax applied correctly, you won’t get the best performance when you ride.
I’m a certified snowboarding instructor who has been on the snow for decades. All of this experience on the snow has taught me about the importance of wax for skiing and snowboarding.
ZUMWax Rub On Wax is my top pick for the best wax for skis and snowboards. This is a versatile option that will work in all temperatures and is very easy to apply.
I’ll show you a handful of other options in this post so you can choose a wax that seems to suit your needs or preferences.
Let’s get waxed.
Contents
Who Should Get This
There is not a snowboarder or skier out there who can’t make use of good wax. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been on the mountain, a good wax job is always timeless. All of the options in this guide are excellent for every type of ski or board, and most will work in all temperatures.
Wax is vital to help your ski or board slide properly down the mountain. Every type of rider and ability level can benefit from having a good wax job. If you want to go as fast as possible, fresh wax is an absolute necessity.
Top Wax for Skis and Snowboards
Here are my top picks for the best wax for skis and snowboards.
1. ZUMWax Rub On Wax
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Easy to apply, works in all temperatures, good for both skis and snowboards, non-fluorinated
- Temperatures: Universal
- Application: Rub-on
- Cost: $$
ZUMWax Rub On Wax is my pick for the best overall wax for skis and snowboards. This is a high-quality option that will give you reliable performance in a variety of different on-snow conditions.
The wax is universal, meaning that it is designed to work in all temperatures and for boards and skis alike. This gives you outstanding versatility that you can use to your advantage when you need a quick wax job.
It also features a rub-on application that is very effective and easy to apply. You simply need to rub the wax into your skis or snowboard base and then use the cork on the top of the tube to rub it in. It works better if you do it indoors.
It also comes in a smaller size that makes it easy to carry along with you to the slopes for quick application, if needed. I like the versatility that this provides.
This wax won’t give you the best performance in terms of base protection (compared to hot wax), but it still does a solid job for quickness and basic protection.
2. Swix F4 Glidewax
- Best for: Travel
- Key features: Easy application, all-temperature use, quick preparation time, good for travel
- Temperatures: Universal
- Application: Liquid
- Cost: $$
Swix F4 Glidewax is a good option for anyone who needs an easy and effective tube of wax to travel with.
This is a liquid-style wax that is very easy to apply. You just apply the wax to your skis or snowboard by using the foam applicator on the bottle to get started. Rub in around a bit, buff it off, and you’ll be ready for action.
This makes for a swift and easy waxing process that takes minimal time and effort. Convenience is great for everyone, and it doesn’t get much easier than this.
The Glidewax is also designed to be used in any temperature, so you can get a good glide, no matter what the thermometer indicates. This also means you can apply the wax in the cold, which isn’t always the case.
The downside to a liquid wax option is that it doesn’t work for very long. You’ll need to reapply this wax nearly every day.
==> You can also get it on Equipe Sports or Walmart or Utah Ski Gear.
3. Demon Hyper Wax
- Best for: The Money
- Key features: Affordable, strong coverage and protection, quality wax, all-temperature, fast melting
- Temperatures: Universal
- Application: Iron-On
- Cost: $
If you want the benefits that come with using an iron-on wax, Demon Hyper Wax is the way to go.
The option makes for excellent value because you’ll get nearly half a KG for the same price as a small bottle of some of the other options on this list.
This is a universal wax that will work well in all temperatures to keep your skis and snowboard running smoothly when you get on the snow. It also provides good base protection to guard against any knicks or scrapes.
Hyper wax is also very quick-melting, making it a good option for anyone who has never used iron-on wax before or wants an easy-to-use option.
This isn’t as easy to apply as other wax styles and can be difficult for the novice.
4. Hertel Super Hot Sauce
- Best for: Long-Lasting
- Key features: Versatile, effective, all-temperature performance
- Temperatures: Universal
- Application: Rub-On/Iron-On
- Cost: $$
Hertel Super Hot Sauce is another high-quality wax option for any skier or snowboarder to take advantage of. This is one of the longest-lasting options around, which means a single wax job will give you weeks of use.
It has a universal temperature rating so that it can be effective all-season long. This adds a little extra value.
Super Hot Sauce also has the advantage of being both rub-on or iron-on. You can get out the iron and give your skis or board a deep wax job, and this will provide excellent base coverage and protection.
Or you can simply rub the wax on if you just need a good refresh while you are out on the slopes.
This option does take a while to melt, which means it can take time to complete your wax job.
==> You can also get it on Sears.
How to Choose the Best Wax for Skis and Snowboards
Here are a few factors that you should consider while selecting a wax that fits your needs.
Temperature
When getting wax, you want a brand that matches the conditions you most often board in. For example, if you constantly find yourself in cold, dry conditions, you want to get wax made for low temperatures.
In contrast, if you’re someone who boards when it’s a bit warmer outside, then you need wax made for clear days.
Universal wax is becoming more common, and this type can work at any temperature. That makes it a very convenient and versatile option. I like to have all three types of wax around in case I need them.
Wax Type
There are many different types of ski and snowboard wax on the market, and the one you pick comes down to how you want to apply the substance to your board and if you have any tools to help you out.
Block wax is the most popular form out there, but there is also liquid, paste, powder, and spray. Each one has its unique properties. Liquid and powder both help with speed, while paste and spray are both easy to put on.
Material
Though all wax has the same purpose, each brand uses its own unique makeup. Some are high fluorocarbon products, while others are low fluorocarbon products.
High fluorocarbon wax works best in extremely cold conditions, while low fluorocarbon wax is better at a range of different temperatures. If you want to branch out, there are also several soy-based waxes. Such options are biodegradable and better for the environment.
Also Read:
Additional Tips and Resources
Of course, great wax doesn’t do much if you don’t know how to properly apply it to your skis or snowboard. Though you can simply lather it on, there’s a technique to the process.
This video outlines the steps for waxing a snowboard:
If you want to learn how to wax your skis, here’s a great video to watch:
In the above sections, we broke down some aspects of snowboard wax and explained its importance. However, there’s a bit more to understand the substance. If you want a more in-depth breakdown of why you should use wax, also read:
Final Verdict
My top pick for the best wax for skis and snowboards is ZUMWax Rub On Wax. This is a universal wax that will work for skiers and snowboarders of all types. It’s easy to apply and works at any temperature, as well.
To make the most out of the time you have on the snow, you need to make sure your gear is properly waxed. This ensures you can ski or ride to the highest level and go as fast as you want to go out there.
All of the options mentioned here will work really well for all skiers and snowboarders. Just make sure to get a wax that matches the temperature you will be in and has the application method of your choice.
About Lorraine