Swix F4 Universal Paste Wax review

Every ski season, I’ve tried to make sure that I put a fresh new coat of wax on my snowboard every 2 to 3 times I go riding. I’ve always viewed my snowboard as another vehicle, meaning I make sure to stay up on its maintenance. Unfortunately, I found myself extremely busy during this winter season, and so this wasn’t always the case.

In the past, I’ve used spray waxes when I haven’t had time to throw on a good solid wax with an iron. The spray waxes that I’ve used would work great for a few runs, but I felt that that as soon as the day got started, I was heading back to my car to throw on another coat of the spray.

Lucky for me, I recently stumbled upon SWIX F4 Universal Paste Wax. This wax comes in a small container much like that of a shoe polish container. Included in the container is a small applicator pad. 



SWIX’s instructions are simple:

1.       Apply
2.       Polish
3.       Go!

My instructions on the other hand are:

1.       Apply a dime size portion of the paste wax 10 times all along the base of your ski or snowboard.
2.       Rub in the wax with the applicator pad in a circular motion to cover your entire ski or snowboard.
3.       Wait 5 minutes.
4.       Although I’ve been told not to use cotton to remove spray and paste wax from snowboards (cotton fibers on the base of the board can cause friction in snow), I tend to use an old cotton t-shirt and in a circular motion remove all of the wax. It’s exactly like waxing a car.
5.       Take a nylon or steel brush and brush the entire base of your ski or snowboard in the direction that the ski or snowboard would normally flow.
6.       Tune the edges of your ski or snowboard with an edge tuner.
7.       Check to make sure your bindings are secure and in good operating condition.

What I’ve found is that if I follow the directions above, I can get in a good 3 solid days of snowboarding while using SWIX’s F4 Universal Paste Wax. I’ve ridden in all weather conditions with this wax, and it has outperformed any spray and even some ironed waxes.

The next time that you’re at a ski shop, pick up a can of F4 from SWIX. I think you’ll be surprised by how well it is going to work out for you. Plus, SWIX is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. It’s a win-win.

Now, who’s going to be finishing up their season at A-Basin? Make sure you come waxed, tuned, with your lawn chair, and with some food to throw on the grill!

I’ll see you on the slopes!

- James Gardiner