How it surfs
Cleanline Surf's listing sums up the appeal: "Dependable and sweet smelling, Sticky Bumps Original Wax will keep your stoke levels up as you prepare to paddle out. The Sticky Bumps Original Cool formula holds fast in cool water conditions and will deliver its best performance when used with a Sticky Bumps Basecoat underneath."
At $2.70 a bar there is no real argument to be had. The practical decision is not which brand but whether you are running the right temperature band and a proper basecoat — see our waxing guide for the bump-building method. Because retailers publish almost no scored reviews on individual wax bars, the Surfex score here is an estimate based on specification, price and longevity in the market rather than an average of numeric ratings.
Volume & sizing chart
Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.
| Size | Volume | Rider weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basecoat | All water temperatures | 85 g | Applied first, under any topcoat |
| Cold | Below 58°F / 14°C | 85 g | All |
| Cool | 58–68°F / 14–20°C | 85 g | All |
| Warm | Warm-temperate water | 85 g | All |
| Tropical | Tropical water | 85 g | All |
Verdict
There is no reason to overthink wax. Buy a Sticky Bumps basecoat and the temperature bar that matches your water, keep a spare in the car, and spend the saved money on a leash that will not snap.