Rub-on snowboard and ski wax has been a game-changer for me.
Whilst I initially used it in emergency situations only, things quickly got out of hand.Â
Last season I found myself using almost exclusively rub-on wax. I may have only done a couple of hot waxes in the whole season! Shocking right?
What this means is that I have tested a helluva lot of rub-on snowboard wax!Â
I therefore compiled an official list of the best rub on snowboard wax.Â
 Drumroll please…
The 3 Best Rub On Snowboard Waxes
- Super quick to apply
- Safe for the environment
- Made by snowboarders
- Available in 3 temp choices
- Proven quality (Dakine)
- Free base scraper!
- Doubles up as a hot wax.
- Large block - should last a while.
- The infamous One Ball Wax Co!
- "Dude scented wax"
- Great for all temps
- Made In The USA
The above are all super solid options. I won’t bore you with too much detail, but the Zumwax option is the best rated and is the easiest to use. The wax is slightly softer and so is easier to spread, even at colder temperatures. It also comes with a cork polisher on the lid.
The benefit of the other two options is that they can also be used as hot wax. This means you can pick up a handful of these and use it as your go-to wax for the whole season.Â
I have a soft spot for The Dude wax as it smells awesome and the branding is top-notch. In truth, the Dakine probably lasted longer though. It’s a difficult choice!Â
Detailed Reviews
1. ZUMWAX Rub On
I recently tried out the ZUMWax Rub On Snowboard Wax on a weekend trip to the slopes, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.
The application process was a breeze; it glided on smoothly, and the included cork made buffing almost effortless.Â
I noticed an immediate improvement in glide, even on the colder snow where my board usually tends to drag a bit.
The size of the wax was perfect for tossing in my pocket, allowing for quick slope-side applications. Throughout the day, I felt my board maintained consistent speed, which isn’t the case with some of the other waxes I’ve used in the past.
Even though it’s a rub-on and not a hot wax, it held up well, and I didn’t find the need to reapply as often as I thought I would.
Durability is where I harbored some skepticism, but ZUMWax held up throughout the day. By the afternoon, I noticed a slight decrease in performance, but it was nothing a quick touch-up couldn’t fix. For those looking for a quick, no-fuss wax that doesn’t require an iron, ZUMWax is a solid choice.
It’s not a complete replacement for a hot wax by any means, but for a short trip or mid-day boost, it does the trick. Overall, it’s a handy little addition to my snowboarding gear and makes a noticeable difference.
2. Dakine High Octane Wax
I had the chance to test the Dakine High Octane Wax on my latest snowboarding trip, and it didn’t disappoint.Â
Application was straightforward and the included scraper was a nice touch for removing the excess. The wax provided a noticeable uptick in speed, and my board felt slicker underfoot.
It also doubles up as a hot wax, which is handy if you only want to buy one for the season. It is less portable though and I certainly wouldn’t ride with it in my pocket.Â
3. One MFG Dude Wax
This wax comes in a convenient size and the scent added a nice touch (without being overpowering).
Applying the wax was smooth and it didn’t take long for it to set and get me back on the slopes. The wax worked well in varying conditions, from icy patches to softer snow.
You do get less bang for your buck though, and the plastic wrapping is pretty useless once you’ve cracked it open.Â
Nonetheless, the One MFG Dude Wax is a solid choice for anyone looking to boost their snowboarding performance without any hassle. It’s efficient, long-lasting, and the fun branding is a bonus.
One To Avoid!
There’s been a lot of hype around the Dynamic Wax Ghost Glide Wax. It claims to last longer than a hot wax and can be applied simply by spraying it on. Sounds good right?
I had high hopes, especially given the $50 price tag!
Sadly I found that the spray wore off very quickly. The spray applicator was also slightly flimsy and stopped working after the first few tries.
At more than double the price of other options, I’d steer clear. Go for the Zumwax instead.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading about the best rub on snowboard wax!
Rather than tell you about the multiple sub-optimal products that didn’t make the list, I’m going to keep this article short and sweet.Â
For a much more detailed look at rub on wax, including how to apply it, check out my other article here!
Happy riding!
