7 Best Ski Waxing Irons for At-Home Tuning
- January 17, 2021
Waxing your skis or snowboard is actually pretty easy to do at home if you have the right equipment. Finding the best ski waxing iron will make applying the wax a simple and quick process so that you frequently do it throughout the season. This means faster speeds and smoother turns on the mountain!
Learning how to wax your own skis or board can be a fun DIY project at home. It also reduces the number of visits you need to make to the ski shop, which should make your wallet happy. If you haven’t bought any other tuning tools, you may want to consider getting an all-in-one tuning kit, since most of these also include ski waxing irons.
Ski Waxing Irons: Product Overview
- Ergonomic design
- Thick, wide plate
- Convenient built-in stand
- Digital reader display
- Integrated microprocessor
- Hefty, grooved plate
- Dual voltage
- Smart, compact design
- Great value for price
- Includes holder & wax
- Sturdy, lightweight design
- Easy to use temp dial
What Kind of Iron Should Be Used to Wax Skis and Snowboards?
You may be tempted to find your mom’s old clothing iron and use that for your next wax. We highly recommend you don’t do this. Although a traditional iron can be used to wax your skis or snowboard, it is not nearly as effective as a ski waxing iron.
Clothing irons have holes along the base metal plate because they were designed to de-wrinkle clothing by releasing steam. Wax can get clogged in these holes and then burn, which can not only damage the iron, but also your gear. Dirt and grime can also get collected into the holes. If this occurs, then you will end up contaminating your bases and risk causing damage.
Ski wax irons, on the other hand, are designed specifically for the purpose of waxing skis and snowboards. They are curved up along the sides so that they effectively push the wax along, rather than allowing it to bunch up.
In addition, ski waxing irons have a lower maximum temperature and have thicker base plates to retain heat. They also maintain their temperature better than regular household irons. So, for the best results, it’s best to use a specific ski wax iron when waxing your skis or board.
Best Ski Waxing Irons
At a Glance
- Temperature Range: 176 – 338°F
- Plate Dimensions: 100 x 160 mm
- Plate Thickness: Unknown
- Voltage: 110v
Favorite Features
- Ergonomic iron that gets the job done
- Thick and wide plate makes waxing easy
- Convenient stand built into the back
The Details
A great economy ski waxing iron, the Swix T77 provides the best value for the money you’ll spend. The iron has an ergonomic body and a wide, thick metal plate that distributes heat evenly across your skis or board. With an incrementally adjustable temperature range, you can quickly wax your gear with ease. The stand built into the back is also quite convenient so that you can set it aside without worrying about damaging your workspace.
At a Glance
- Temperature Range: 176 – 338°F
- Plate Dimensions: 105 x 146 mm
- Plate Thickness: 16 mm
- Voltage: 120v
Favorite Features
- Digital reader displays precise operating temperature
- Integrated microprocessor adjusts heat as you wax
- Hefty, grooved base plate distributes wax efficiently
The Details
Built with quality, comfort, and safety top of mind, the MDXONE is a great training harness, especially for young snowboarders. Its long, retractable leash helps you control the speed of your child as you cruise down the slopes. These are attached to foot long bungee cords so that as you adjust the leash length, there is less of a jarring effect on your kid.
This harness has a built in backpack but it’s designed slightly differently than the others. Y-shaped straps are attached to the bottom of the backpack and tuck under your child’s legs. This makes the harness more sturdy for beginners.
The straps can also be removed so that your kid can simply have a stylish pack to wear on the slopes when they no longer need the harness. Elastic pouches along the pack can stow away the straps when not in use. Lastly, the reinforced handle at the top helps you to pick up or pull along your kid with ease.
At a Glance
- Temperature Range: 140 – 356°F
- Plate Dimensions: ~76 x 152 mm
- Plate Thickness: Unknown
- Voltage: 120v
Favorite Features
- Includes an iron holder with adjustable clamp and enough wax for up to 20 wax jobs
- Sturdy but lightweight design
- Easy to use temperature dial
The Details
If you’re looking for an all-in-one package to start waxing now, the Demon United Slide Iron is the perfect choice. It comes with a holder and one pound of universal temperature wax so that you have everything you need to wax your skis or board. The iron has an easy to use turn dial to adjust the temperature, which is displayed in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. With a sturdy base plate and large handle, the Demon United Slide Iron is great for beginners looking to save some money by waxing your gear at home.
At a Glance
- Temperature Range: 212 – 320°F
- Plate Dimensions: ~102 x 152 mm
- Plate Thickness: ~13 mm
- Voltage: 110v
Favorite Features
- Thick aluminum base plate retains heat well
- Swivel cord allows you to easily guide the iron in all directions
- Intuitive temperature adjustment dial
The Details
The TOKO T8 Wax Iron is another great choice to get your waxing done at home. It provides precise temperature adjustment with an easy to use dial. With a very strong, aluminum cast base plate, this iron stores heat well, even for the coldest temperature waxes. The curved structure, large handle, and swivel cord make it easy for you to distribute the wax evenly across your gear.
At a Glance
- Temperature Range: 176 – 338°F
- Plate Dimensions: 105 x 146 mm
- Plate Thickness: ~16 mm
- Voltage: 120v
Favorite Features
- Thick, durable, and heats up quickly
- Grooved base plate provides enhanced wax distribution
- Long cord makes it easy to use in any workspace
The Details
The RaceWax ski and snowboard waxing iron quickly heats up and makes it easy to tune up your gear at home. The base plate is thick and made of durable aluminum. There are also dimples and grooves embedded into the plate to better distribute the wax across your skis or board. Customers have reported the cord is long enough, and there is a swivel in the handle for the iron to rest on when not in use.
At a Glance
- Temperature Range: 212 – 302°F
- Plate Dimensions: ~108 x 132 mm
- Plate Thickness: ~10 mm
- Voltage: 110v
Favorite Features
- Compact and lightweight for travel
- Variable temperature adjustments for all waxes
- Comfortable handle makes it easy to use
The Details
A compact and lightweight option, the Swix North T75 is perfect for any skier or snowboarder looking to do their own waxing. The variable temperature control works for all wax types, and the ergonomic shaped handle makes it easy to slide the iron along the base. Also, there is a light to indicate that the temperature is being properly maintained. With a broad and wide base plate, you can efficiently apply wax to both snowboards and skis. Last, but not least, a built-in heel rest allows you to position the iron upright to cool when you’re finished.
At a Glance
- Temperature Range: 140 – 365°F
- Plate Dimensions: 105 x 146 mm
- Plate Thickness: 12 mm
- Voltage: Dual (110 – 120v and 220 – 240v)
Favorite Features
- Dual voltage iron for global usage
- Smart, compact design provides tidy storage
- Great value for the price
The Details
If you have a smaller budget, the WSD Ski and Snowboard Wax Iron works well at a low price point. The thick base plate efficiently retains heat and smoothly applies wax to your gear. With full temperature adjustability, you can dial in the right amount of heat for every type of wax. A notch that is located at the bottom of the handle helps keep the cord in place while the iron is in use or in storage. In addition, the dual voltage and compact design makes it great for traveling.
More Ski and Snowboard Wax Irons
Ski Waxing Iron: Buying Guide
Plate Thickness
While you look for the best ski waxing iron, one of the most important features is the thickness of the base plate. A thicker plate may take longer to heat up, but it will also hold a much more consistent temperature, providing a precise wax. Thinner base plates don’t retain heat as well, which makes it more difficult to wax your skis or board evenly. For most recreational skiers, a base plate that is at least eight millimeters thick should get the job done.
Temperature Control
Different types of waxes require different levels of heat to melt them, so the best ski wax irons have a way to easily change the temperature. Most of the ski waxing irons on this list have a dial that roughly adjusts the temperature, depending on what wax you’re using. Digital irons, such as the RaceWax, are microprocessor-controlled in increments and readout the operating temperature on a screen.
How to Use a Ski Wax Iron: Swix T77 Demo
Shop Related Products
Ski Wax Irons: FAQs
How much does it cost to get your skis or snowboard waxed?
Most shops charge about $15 to get just a wax for your skis or snowboard. It’ll cost more if you want them to do a full tune-up.
Can you use a clothes iron to wax your skis or snowboard?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. It’s possible to damage both the clothes iron and your gear in the process, and clothes irons won’t provide the proper wax you likely need. Consider purchasing a ski waxing iron as an investment to maintain your gear throughout the season.
What temperature should your iron be before waxing your skis or snowboard?
It depends on the type of wax you’re using. Typically cold temperature waxes require a higher heat setting, while warmer temperature waxes require a lower heat setting. Wax typically comes with instructions that explain what temperature range is best to use with your iron.
What happens if you don’t wax your skis or snowboard?
Waxing your skis or snowboard is important for both protection and performance. When wax is applied to the base of your gear, it provides an additional layer of protection from scratches and abrasions. It also repels water, allowing you to glide better across the snow. If you don’t wax your gear consistently, you won’t ride as fast and your gear will be at a higher risk of becoming rusty or damaged.
Final Thoughts
Waxing your skis or snowboard at home can be a simple, painless process with the proper tools. The best ski waxing irons have thick base plates and adjustable temperatures so that you can effectively apply and spread hot wax onto your gear. Swix is a dominant brand in the ski tuning space, and their T77 Economy Ski Waxing Iron does not disappoint. With a little practice, you can master the art of waxing and speed past your friends and family on the slopes!
