Gear of the Week | PHANTOM Glide by DPS

PHANTOM Glide promises a remedy. Instead of classic wax, it is a wax-free polymer treatment that is intended to permanently improve the gliding properties. Once applied, it is supposed to remain in place for the entire service life of the base and drastically reduce the amount of maintenance required. According to the manufacturer, the formula is also environmentally friendly, contains no PFAS or fluorine compounds and is therefore safe for both humans and the environment.

How does it work?

Technically, PHANTOM Glide is based on microscopically small polymer compounds that penetrate deep into the porous structure of the P-Tex base - something that classic wax cannot do due to its larger molecules (see also). You can think of it like a fine sieve: sand falls through, larger pebbles remain on top. After application, the material is cured using UV light. This works either through direct sunlight or in special "cure stations" (see next picture), which are equipped with UV lamps and enable even curing. According to DPS, the effect is maintained even after a complete ski service, as long as not too much material is removed.

Does it really work?

In forums and tests, opinions differ, as you would expect. Many users report consistently good gliding properties over a long period of time. Those who rarely wax their skis are particularly enthusiastic: "If you're a lazy waxer, Phantom is great," writes one user on Reddit. Another adds: "It's not quite as fast as a perfectly waxed ski, but it's consistent across all temperatures."

Others remain more skeptical. Some report that the effect is less than hoped for or diminishes in wet snow conditions. One even writes: "I'm not sure if my board was really treated or if they just ripped me off - so far it feels more like an expensive sticker." He is referring to the PHANTOM Glide sticker that is given to every processed ski.

Many people agree, however, that PHANTOM Glide primarily saves time. One user sums it up aptly: "It's not worth it financially, but my free time is more important to me than the money - and I hate waxing my boards. A no-brainer for me."

I personally was lucky enough to be able to treat my skis with PHANTOM Glide at a test festival and can agree with the average opinion. If you're not a wax fox who regularly waxes according to temperature, it's definitely an upgrade. Whether it's worth the approx. 120 € is something everyone has to decide according to their wallet, especially as you can never be sure whether the ski will live to see the next season.