When you’re hitting the waves, having the right surf wax is super important. It helps you stay on your board and gives you the grip you need for riding waves. Two of the most popular surf wax brands sold are Sticky Bumps and Sex Wax. Both brands have been around for a long time and both make quality wax. But which one should you choose? Let’s compare Sticky Bumps vs. Sex Wax right now!
The Companies Behind These Surf Wax Brands
Sticky Bumps
Sticky Bumps is produced by Wax Research, a family-owned company based in California. Founded in the 70’s by John Dahl, the company has been in the surf wax game for decades. Dahl, an avid surfer and chemist, was the first to create a wax that didn’t melt in hot conditions. Sticky Bumps was introduced as the first surf wax with an additive that made it, well, stickier! This innovation made the brand a household name in surfing communities.
Wax Research has been consistent in its commitment to quality and sustainability. Sticky Bumps wax is eco-friendly, using non-toxic ingredients and recyclable packaging. By doing this they stay aligned with their dedication to minimizing environmental impact. They’ve also developed a strong relationship with the surf community.
Their R&D team constantly tests new formulas to improve performance in the water. They ensure surfers can trust their products no matter where they paddle out.
Sex Wax
Mr. Zog’s Original Sex Wax was founded in 1972 by Frederick Charles Herzog III, better known as Mr. Zog. The name “Sex Wax” came from a marketing decision to grab attention, and it certainly worked! The catchy name combined with the product’s effectiveness helped turn it into one of the most recognizable surf waxes on the market.
Mr. Zog’s, located in Carpinteria, California, and like Sticky Bumps, has remained family-owned. What sets Sex Wax apart is its branding—colorful, simple, and instantly recognizable. The wax itself became famous not only for its performance but also for its distinctive coconut scent. The brand expanded beyond surf wax to offer products like apparel and other surf accessories.
Over the years, Sex Wax has built a loyal fan base, with its appeal rooted in both nostalgia and reliability. The company remains involved in surf culture, sponsoring events, and collaborating with artists and surf shops to keep the brand fresh and connected to the community.
Sticky Bumps
Sticky Bumps is known for being easy to apply and long-lasting. It was the first wax to be made with a special formula that makes it stickier than other waxes. This stickiness is great because it helps you grip the board better. Here are some key things to know about Sticky Bumps:
- Great for all temperatures: Sticky Bumps makes wax for cold, cool, warm, and tropical water. This means you can find a wax that’s perfect for the water temperature where you surf.
- Long-lasting: Once you apply it, it tends to last longer, so you don’t have to keep reapplying it. This makes it ideal for longer surf sessions.
- Smell: Some surfers love the smell of Sticky Bumps. It has a light, fruity scent that’s not too overpowering.
- Eco-friendly: Sticky Bumps claims their wax is made with eco-friendly ingredients. They even package it with recyclable materials, so it’s a good choice if you’re environmentally conscious.
- Application: Sticky Bumps is known for being easy to apply. The wax goes on smoothly and evenly, so you can get a good layer on your board with less effort.
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Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax
Sex Wax is another classic surf wax that has been around since the 1970s. It’s a go-to for many surfers because of its performance, quality, and iconic branding. Here’s what makes Sex Wax stand out:
- Comes in different formulas: Sex Wax offers different formulas depending on how sticky you want your board to be. These formulas are called “Quick Humps” and they are designed for different water temperatures (cold, cool, warm, tropical).
- Iconic smell: Sex Wax is famous for its coconut scent, but it also comes in other scents like strawberry and grape. Many surfers say the smell is part of what makes Sex Wax special.
- Performance in the water: Sex Wax tends to provide a strong grip, making it ideal for more aggressive surfers who need extra traction for high-performance maneuvers.
- Easy to find: You can find Sex Wax at almost any surf shop, which makes it super convenient. It’s also available in different sizes, so you can grab a small bar for travel or a bigger one if you surf a lot.
- Wax beads: One thing to note is that Sex Wax can sometimes create small wax beads on your board as it wears down, which might need to be smoothed out or reapplied.
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Performance in Different Conditions
How these waxes perform can also depend on the type of waves you’re surfing:
- Sticky Bumps tend to be more durable in smaller, mellow surf where you don’t need to reapply wax as often.
- Sex Wax shines in bigger or more technical waves, where you need maximum grip for carving and fast turns.
Sticky Bumps vs. Sex Wax for Different Boards?
- Longboards and Funboards: If you’re riding a longboard, you might appreciate Sticky Bumps for its long-lasting nature. It’s great for cruising and hanging ten.
- Shortboards: For shortboards, where quick turns and strong traction are key, Sex Wax’s stickiness might be better suited, especially in stronger surf conditions.
The Verdict: Which One is Best?
Both Sticky Bumps and Sex Wax are excellent choices, and the decision really comes down to personal preference. So the argument Sticky Bumps vs. Sex Wax is kind of all overblown
For me, from cool all the way up to tropical water temp I go with sticky bumps. A couple of years ago I started using quick humps. It’s one of the Sew Wax brands and works FANTASTIC in cold water.
Just coming from me, it’s worth trying both to see which one fits your style, your board, and the conditions where you surf. I’d also say that there is a ton of other great surf wax out there. If you’re new to surfing these two brands are great choices and don’t overthink it too much!
As always, we would love to hear your opinion. Drop us a comment below or shoot us a message on the contact page.
