Whether you are an enthusiast, or a pro, you can’t skip on gun maintenance. And by now, you’ve probably heard the names of FrogLube and Ballistol. While the eco-friendly FrogLube is lovable, Ballistol is a tried and true recommendation.
To top it off, both have a decently loyal fan-base, so trying to decide through forums and reviews will probably be a headache. But holster up because in this informative read, you will be rpesented with an unbiased comparsion of the lubricants.
Background
Ballistol is a century-old choice for many in the market. The story starts over a 100 years ago, in 1904, in Germany, where Ballistol was first initiated. Its usage from firearm to leather industry speaks volumes about its success.
Compared to Ballistol, Froglube does seem like a newbie. While conventional gun care products were filled with toxic chemicals, Froglube was introduced by the U.S in the 2010 as a considerably more eco-friendly product.
Formula Base
The formula for Ballistol is based on natural oils etc., whereas FrogLube is plant-based in composition. They are made of mostly natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals, which help to clean, lubricate and protect the guns.
Ballistol is typically an amalgam of alcohol, natural oils, oleic acid, benzyl acetate, natural alkaline salts, anhydrous ammonia and water. FrogLube is made from waxes, vegetable oils (prevent corrosion), mint oils (antifungal qualities), and surfactants (emulsification and removal of dirt).
Mechanism of Action
The two lubricants are similar in the respect that both are biodegradable, and non-toxic. They dissolve, emulsify and therefore, remove dirt and fouling (copper, carbon) on most metals, (including leather and wood in case of Ballistol) and stuff.
Additionally, a protective layer is formed for protection against corrosion in the future.
Product Range
As mentioned above, Ballistol has been in the market for long and has managed to form a product range enough to get you dizzy. From lubricants, cleaners, rust removers, insect repellants to other gun products, you name it.
Froglube isn’t as versatile and diverse but offers a decent range anyway. Solvents, degreasers, lubricants and rust removers are available. Overall in firearms, the product range for Ballistol includes-
- Ballistol Multi-purpose Oil
- Ballistol Gun Wipes
- Ballistol Gun Cleaner
- Ballistol Aerosol
For Froglube-
- Froglube Extreme
- Froglube Solvent
- Froglube CLP
- Froglube Super Degreaser
Reliability
Both lubricants, as mentioned previously, are safe, eco-friendly and generally reliable. Froglube has been tested and approved by a surplus of third-party labs. Expert reviews also speak in favor.
As for Ballistol, the reputation is quite sound. It is also considered a source of highly effective products to which you can safely entrust your guns.
Uses
Both serve a similar purpose, but remember that froglube was designed primarily for the function of gun maintenance. It can remove fouling from the surfaces of firearms and provide advanced protection.
Ballistol is much more diverse though, and can be used for woodworking, and leather treatments in addition to gun cleaning.
Difference in prices
The price difference can vary largely based on the specific product, quantity and retailer etc. However, due to the specificity of Froglube, it costs more than Ballistol does with its versatility.
If you buy an 8 oz container of Ballistol it will be somewhere between $13-$16. The same quantity paste from Froglube would be priced between $20 and $25.
Conclusion
While buying a lubricant, factors you should keep in mind will generally include safety, reliability, efficiency, environmental impact and pricing.
Froglube and Ballistol are quite good in efficiency, safety, and eco-friendliness. But, I would not buy either of them.
Instead what I would do is get the Original Gun Oil. It is also a 3-in-1 clean, lubricate and protect formula like these two, but better.
It has an effective temperature range of -47°F to +497°F, which really puts the difference during those rapid-fire session where compnents do not get enough time to cool down.
The best thing is that the Original Gun Oil is NSF H1 certified and is, thus, safe in case of accidental food contact. This ensures your safety and of your loved ones.
The only con I know of is that it costs a bit more, overall. The $15 dollar bottle is 2 oz, and while a smaller amount is required each time to lubricate, it stills runs out pretty fast. If you are still interested, you can click here and get a 3% discount.
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