Snowboarding is as much about preparation as it is about skill.
The right gear, optimal weather conditions, and a finely tuned snowboard all play a role in a successful day on the slopes.
Among the most essential tools in a snowboarder’s arsenal is the wax iron, a seemingly simple device that can make a profound difference in your ride.
But with so many options on the market, how do you pick the one that’s right for you?
Well, I’m about to reveal the best snowboard wax irons. Buckle up!
Our Snowboard Wax Iron Top Picks
- Best Overall Snowboard Wax Iron: XCMAN Digital Wax Iron
- Best Value Snowboard Wax Iron: Swix T77
- Best Snowboard Iron Package: The Demon Wax Kit
- Best Budget Snowboard Wax Iron: XCMAN Basic
The Best Snowboard Wax Irons
Brand: XCMAN
Size: 160 x 95 mm
- Best Snowboard Wax Iron 2024
- Highly accurate digital temperature display
- An impressive 15mm non-stick base plate
- Excellent value for money (though not the cheapest)
- Comes with free temperature resistant mat
✖️ May be overkill for your average weekend warrior
Details: This is now my personal weapon of choice. It includes an intuitive dial and a digital temperature display. This makes it so much easier to keep the temperature constant.Â
With other models I found myself constantly having to pause to increase the temperature (as the wax stopped melting). This never happened with this iron, as I could keep my eye on the temperature.Â
If I was being picky, I’d say it doesn’t feel quite as premium as several other digital models, such as the Toko T14. However at a 25-30% lower price-point, I can’t really complain!
Beginners who want a super straightforward snowboard wax iron could save a few bucks and get one without a display. But honestly, this is probably easier to use and a better investment.
Brand: Swix
Size: 100 x 160 mm
- Offers the bang for your buck
- Swix make the best-selling wax irons in the world
- Extra thick base plate to absorb and hold heat
- Accurate temperature adjustments
- Ergonomic design
✖️ No digital display
✖️ Flat heat plates (tend to stick more than dimpled & textured)
Details: The Swix T77 is a solid, reliable iron I’ve used for several years. It heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature, which is crucial for an even wax application.
The design is also ergonomic and comfortable to use.
I dubbed the T77 “the best value snowboard wax iron” due to it’s combination of performance and price.Â
The only downside might be the lack of a digital display, but once you get used to the settings, it’s not a big issue.
If I’m feeling really pedantic, I also tend to opt for a patterned or dimpled heat plate. These are less prone to sticking to the surface. However, the Swix T77 is super easy to move around regardless.Â
Brand: XCMAN
Size: 160 x 90 mm
- The most-budget friendly snowboard wax iron
- An effective and precise temperature dial
- Great size and shape for transport
- Excellent customer reviews
✖️ No digital display
✖️ Struggled to maintain the higher temperatures
Details: Another gem from XCMAN!
This non-digital version of the XCMAN Wax Iron is a more budget-friendly option. It provides decent control over temperature, and it’s base does a good job of distributing heat evenly. I found it a little less intuitive without the digital readout, but for its price point, it offers good value and performance.
Brand: Demon
Iron Size: 145 x 88 mm
- Everything you need to wax and tune your board
- The travel-friendly carry case is awesome
- Excellent bang for your buck
- A great option for beginners
✖️ No digital display
✖️ Smaller iron size takes much longer to use
Details: Demon have offered a pretty comprehensive solution, including not only their iron but most other waxing accessories (13 in total!).
The iron itself has an easy-to-use temperature dial and heats up at a reasonable pace.
What impressed me was the overall package, offering a convenient carry case. It’s great for someone looking to have all their tools in one place.Â
The quality might not match some standalone irons, but as a kit, it’s an excellent starter option.
One thing to note is that the wax iron is “mini” and so waxing your board will take longer. I didn’t find this to be a big deal, especially on trips away, but I thought I should let you know!Â
Brand: Toko
Iron Size: 145 x 88 mm
- Professional-grade performance
- Ultra thick base for even temperature distribution
- From a respected wax company
- Well-designed digital display
✖️ Somewhat overpriced compared to the competition (XCMAN Digital)
Details: The Toko T14 is a professional-grade iron that performed excellently in all of my tests. It offers precise temperature control and maintains temperature consistently throughout the waxing process.
The build quality feels robust, and the patterned base glides smoothly. The price might be on the higher side, but if you’re serious about waxing, this iron could be worth the investment.
Edit: When putting all of the test scores together, I had to mark the T14 down a couple of spots for pricing. It’s hard to justify it being $30-40 bucks more than the XCMAN Digital.
Snowboard Wax Iron Buying Advice
Choosing the right wax iron can make all the difference in preparing your board for the slopes. Here’s what you need to consider:
1. Temperature Control
A quality wax iron allows you to precisely regulate the temperature. Different waxes require different temperatures to melt properly, and using the wrong temperature can cause the wax to burn or not adhere properly to the board.
What to look for: A wax iron with adjustable temperature settings and, ideally, a digital display for accurate readings.
2. Even Heat Distribution
An unevenly heated base can lead to inconsistent wax melting. This inconsistency can translate to an uneven ride on the snow.
What to look for: Look for an iron with a thick base plate (like the XCMAN Digital), as it will typically distribute heat more evenly.
3. Shape and Size
The size and shape of the iron will affect how easily you can cover the entire base of your snowboard. It also needs to fit comfortably in your hand.
What to look for: An iron that’s not too small to make waxing tedious but not so large that it becomes unwieldy.
4. Wax-Specific Design
Regular clothing irons might look similar, but they are not suitable for waxing snowboards. Wax-specific irons are designed to operate at the temperatures required for snowboard wax, without damaging the iron or the board.
What to look for: An iron explicitly made for waxing snowboards, not your mum’s clothing iron!
5. Durability
Waxing your snowboard is something you’ll likely do several times throughout the snowboarding season, so you need an iron that can withstand regular use.
What to look for: A well-constructed iron with solid reviews. Don’t worry, all of the above options meet this criteria.Â
6. Price Range
Wax irons come in a variety of price ranges, reflecting their features, brand, and quality.
What to look for: An iron that fits your budget but doesn’t compromise essential features.
7. Brand Reputation
Some brands specialize in snowboarding equipment and have a reputation for quality products.
What to look for: Â Consider brands known for their snowboarding gear, such as Dakine, Swix, or Toko.
8. Choose the Right Wax!
A good snowboard wax iron is still pretty useless with sub-par wax. Make sure you’re using high-quality snowboard wax, specific to the conditions you’re riding.Â
What to look for: Choose well-rated, thoroughly reviewed snowboard wax, such as those in the article below.Â
How To Use a Snowboard Wax Iron
Using a snowboard wax iron is actually pretty straightforward. Prepare your board (which includes removing the bindings) then follow the steps below:
- Start by choosing the appropriate wax for the current snow conditions. Set the wax iron to the corresponding temperature (usually indicated on the wax packaging).
- Once heated, hold the wax against the iron to melt it, allowing it to drip onto the snowboard’s base.
- Then, use the iron to spread the melted wax evenly across the surface, moving it in smooth, continuous motions without letting it sit in one place for too long (this can cause damage).
- Ensure a thin and uniform coating, being cautious not to overheat any part of the board.
- Once the wax has cooled, you can scrape off the excess and buff the base to finish.
Always consult your iron’s specific instructions, as some features or requirements might vary by model. I’ll drop a helpful video from the team at evo below too.Â
Final Thoughts
In summary, each of these wax irons has its own unique features and price points. From the digital precision of XCMAN’s Digital Wax Iron to the outstanding value of the Swix T77.
Your choice depends on what you prioritize more, be it quality, overall value, or the convenience of a complete kit.Â
Happy shredding!Â
