I didn’t expect much from PURL. Eco waxes usually sound great until your board (or skis) feel like they’re dragging a parachute.
But after a few test laps, I had to eat my words. Nom nom nom.
It went on easy, held up in cold snow and didn’t leave my board feeling dead halfway through the day. Definitely not just some greenwashed gimmick.
Let’s break it down.
Full Review
I first came across PURL at a shop I used to hang around in. The guys there all swore by it, despite one of them actually being sponsored by a different wax brand (which shall remain nameless).
Since then, I’ve seen it in tuning rooms, ski resorts, rental shops and DIY garages across Colorado – and beyond.
Over the past season, I’ve extensively tested PURL myself (mostly the purple brick) across powder, slush, ice and even dry slope.
Here’s my 2 cent.
1. Speed
Let’s be real. You’re not hitting World Cup race speeds with PURL, but for a fluoro-free wax? It’s quick. Especially at the right temp range.
The purple block is their all-temp option, but it really shines between 8°F and 28°F (-13°C to -2°C). That covers most real-world riding these days, unless you’re stuck in a January deep freeze or spring slop. In those cases, they make separate blue (cold) and yellow (warm) versions. I have only minimally tested these so far, but will release separate reviews once I’ve put more days on them.
The result is smooth, not sticky or overly dry like some “eco” waxes I’ve tried. It holds speed well across flats and feels noticeably better, especially after going waxless for a few weeks (whoops).
2. Durability
It holds up pretty solidly. I’ve gotten 2 to 4 decent days per hot wax depending on the snow quality. Hardpack and drier snow tends to eat it faster, while packed powder seems to give it longer legs.
That said, don’t expect magic. If you’re riding every day or hitting heavy spring slush, you’ll still need to rewax regularly. But compared to some of the softer bricks I’ve tested, PURL punches above its weight.
3. Ease of Use
PURL goes on smooth and is easy to apply. No weird residue, no chemical stink, and it doesn’t gum up your tools. It does take a little extra effort to scrape off, but nothing major.
It’s a big 340g block too. Enough for a season or more if you’re just waxing your own setup.
Even better, it’s non-toxic and biodegradable – for those of you who care about not trashing the mountain (which is everyone I hope).
4. Pros & Cons
About PURL
PURL is a small ski and snowboard wax company out of Colorado. They’ve been around since the early 2000s and focus on keeping things clean, simple and non-toxic. All their waxes are biodegradable and made without fluoros, which makes them a solid choice for riders who care about what they’re putting on the mountain.
PURL isn’t flashy. You won’t see big-budget marketing or sponsored pros. But their wax has earned a quiet following among tuners, shop techs, and everyday riders.
PURL vs Hertel Super Hotsauce
After testing both, I can confirm that PURL is legit. It’s clean, biodegradable, and made in Colorado, which a lot of folks will love. The purple block is their all-temp option, but realistically it performs best around 8°F to 28°F. It holds up well for a few days of solid riding and feels good in typical winter conditions.
That said, Hertel Super Hot Sauce still takes the edge for me. It performs better in warmer, slushier snow and extreme colds. Its temp range (6°F to 52°F) really does hold up across almost any condition you’ll run into. Plus, the block itself is softer, melts faster and scrapes off way easier.
If I had to choose one wax year-round, it’d still be Hot Sauce. PURL’s a close second though, especially if you’re looking to support a smaller brand or just want something a little more low-key.
Comparison Table
| PURL | Hertel Super Hot Sauce | |
|---|---|---|
| Temp Range | 12°F to 32°F (Purple block) | 6°F to 52°F |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes – biodegradable & fluoro-free | Yes – biodegradable & fluoro-free |
| Ease of Use | Melts clean, decent to scrape | Soft block, scrapes like butter |
| Best For | Typical winter days | All-season use |
| Made In | Colorado, USA | California, USA |
| Block Size | Approx. 340g | Approx. 340g |
| My Take | Great all-temp option for mid-winter | Better all-rounder, easier to work with |
Who This Wax Is For
PURL’s a great pick if you wax your own gear and care about what’s going into the snow. It’s made locally and completely fluoro-free, so you’re not melting sketchy chemicals into your base (or mountain).
It’s ideal for:
Riders who mostly stick to regular winter conditions (not extremes)
People who want a solid all-temp wax without the race price tag
Skiers and snowboarders looking to support a small U.S.-based brand
Not the best choice if you’re tuning for max speed in a race gate or trying to ride 50-degree spring slush. But for the 90% of us just out riding for fun? It does the job nicely.
How to Apply PURL Wax (Quick Tips)
PURL works like most hot waxes, but a couple of tricks make it easier:
Crayon method: Heat the wax briefly on your iron, then rub it onto your base like a crayon. This gives better coverage and helps avoid wasting wax.
Traditional drip: Hold the wax to the iron and drip it along the length of your base, then iron it smooth.
Set your iron to around 250°F–270°F (121°C–132°C). You want the wax to melt cleanly but never smoke. Once it cools fully, scrape it off, give it a good brush, and you’re ready to go.
Pro Tip: Using a ski and snowboard base cleaner before waxing makes the job a heck of a lot easier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a reliable, eco-friendly wax that just works, PURL is a solid shout. It’s not flashy, but it holds speed, lasts well and doesn’t stink up your workspace. The purple all-temp blend covers most average riding days, and it’s satisfying to hot wax something you know won’t trash the planet.
That said, if you’re chasing versatility or waxing for mixed conditions, Hertel Super Hot Sauce still wins for me. It’s smoother, easier to use, and performs better across a wider range. But honestly? Either one’s better than scraping your base across old crust with no wax at all.
Hope that helps!
