The Marathon line from Swix introduces race wax level performance with incredible durability. The white version works better on cleaner and colder snow conditions while the black version performs better in warmer and dirtier snow conditions. There is no difference between the paraffin and powder besides the application method. The powder application is slightly easier with the high melt temp on the waxes. You can also do a cold application using a roto wool with the block version of the wax. Apply the wax directly to a spinning roto-wool, and then apply the roto-wool to the ski base.