Synthetic Wax vs. All-Natural Wax: Why Your Hockey Stick Deserves Better

Synthetic Wax vs. All-Natural Wax: Why Your Hockey Stick Deserves Better

What is Synthetic Wax?

Synthetic waxes are made from petroleum-based products, like paraffin or microcrystalline wax. They're easy to produce, cheap, and have been widely used for decades. A lot of the popular big-brand hockey waxes fall into this category.

The Pros:

- Inexpensive to manufacture.

- Provides basic water resistance.

- Widely available.

The Cons:

- Tends to leave a greasy, sticky residue.

- Breaks down faster, especially in cold conditions.

- Loses grip quicker, requiring frequent reapplication.

- Contains chemicals that aren't great for your skin, your gear, or the environment.

Over time, synthetic wax can make your tape feel heavier, softer, and even slightly "gummy"-which isn’t exactly ideal when you’re trying to snap a crisp pass or snipe top shelf.

What is All-Natural Wax?

All-natural waxes (like Hockey Brothers Varsity Wax) are made from ingredients like beeswax, tree resins, and plant-based oils. No harsh chemicals. No petroleum byproducts. Just a pure, clean blend designed specifically for high performance.

The Pros:

- Superior durability in all weather conditions (cold rinks and outdoor games included).

- Stronger, cleaner grip on the puck.

- Better snow and ice repelling properties.

- No greasy buildup - your stick feels lighter and more consistent.

- Safer for your hands, your tape, and the environment.

The Cons:

- Slightly more expensive to produce (but you get what you pay for in performance).

Natural wax doesn’t just sit on the surface — it soaks into your tape better, creating a longer-lasting barrier that actually enhances the texture of your blade without compromising feel.

Performance on the Ice: Synthetic vs. All-Natural

Feature Synthetic Wax All-Natural Wax
Snow Repellency Average – needs frequent touch-ups Excellent – longer lasting
Puck Feel Can get slippery over time Consistent, tacky grip
Durability Wears off quickly Long-lasting in all conditions
Environmental Impact Petroleum-based, non-biodegradable Eco-friendly and biodegradable
Impact on Tape Softens tape over time Preserves tape texture
Skin Contact May cause irritation Gentle and natural on skin

So... Why Choose Hockey Brothers Varsity Wax?

At Hockey Brothers, we spent over 30 recipe trials perfecting a wax that gives you the absolute best grip, feel, and durability-without a single synthetic ingredient. We didn't cut corners with cheap additives. We wanted a wax that players could trust on every shift, from backyard rinks to championship games.

When you use Varsity Wax, you're choosing:
✅ Natural performance.
✅ A cleaner, lighter feel.
✅ Gear that lasts longer.
✅ A smarter, more sustainable way to play the game you love.

Ready to ditch synthetic junk for good?
Grab your tin of Hockey Brothers Varsity Wax and experience the difference for yourself. Your hands, your stick, and your game will thank you.

Back to blog