But most importantly of all, we can’t imagine what would happen if Jax had a real weapon. However, thanks to cosmetics, I can imagine Jax looking like a more modern champion and not an old relic. So it’s that time again. Let’s take a look at all of Jax’s cosmetics and see which ones are the best overall – according to price point, design, and my snarky opinion.
12. Angler Jax
Released: June 8th, 2010 Price: 975 RP Since Jax is as old as time, a lot of his earlier skins don’t feature any new particles or sound effects. And while that isn’t always an issue (as we’ll soon see), here it comes as a great demerit. For 975 RP, getting just a character model change is already a bit bogus. But to make matters even worse, the new character model isn’t even that good. Sure, yellow does suit Jax quite nicely and it’s somewhat hilarious to beat people up with a fishing pole, but it’s not enough. Also, while it’s conceptually hilarious, the pole looks way too thin and fragile. And that just isn’t indicative at all of the top lane monster that is Jax. Overall, I know some people dig it because it’s a bit odd. But that doesn’t mean it’s worth the price point.
11. SKT T1 Jax
Released: May 4th, 2014 Price: 750 RP This is at least a slight step-up from the previous pick, as the price is more realistic. Plus, your new outfit doesn’t look half bad. You get the backward hat, a headset, and a pretty cool mask design. Plus, you beat people up with a trophy – which is what the League community is all about. All of that being said, it gets really boring really quickly. And over the course of a few games, you’ll see that the character model just isn’t a good fit for Jax. And since there are no new animations or particles – that’s all we have to judge this skin off of. So, pretty mediocre.
10. Vandal Jax
Released: February 24th, 2010 Price: 520 RP Correct me if I’m wrong, but a plank with nails going through it is definitely a weapon. Or at least that’s what I was told at the airport. Not only does this go against Jax’s whole theme, but it’s also a bit on the ugly side. It’s thicker than Jax’s usual staff of choice and it’s also a bit shorter. If you laughed while reading that sentence, you need to get your head out of the gutter. This mismatched weapon makes your auto attacks feel somewhat clunky and disconnected – which is not something you want while playing Jax. And the drip game isn’t much better either – with random blues and reds being splattered all over. But hey, at least it’s very cheap.
9. Warden Jax
Released: September 30th, 2015 Price: 750 RP This one is just okay. It might not be all that creative, but at least it does what it’s supposed to. You take a look at the splash art and see Jax decked out in some pretty cool knight armor. You then get in-game and find the exact same knight armor waiting for you there. The headpiece is my personal favorite part, as it gets around the whole bugeye issue rather smoothly. And your lamp (although very decked out and fancy) is still a lamp. Overall, I don’t have any gripes with this skin. It isn’t exactly going to blow your pants off, but you definitely get what you paid for.
8. The Mighty Jax
Released: February 12th, 2010 Price: 520 RP This is one of those old-timey skins when “Jax, but he plays hockey” was a legitimate skin proposal. And I honestly kind of love it. He might not be a Duck, but he’s definitely mighty. And he’s brought his favorite hockey stick to beat the ever-living hell out of your towers. The character model is simple and to the point. A nice color scheme throughout (especially since you don’t see pinks that often outside of chromas). And the splash art truthfully showcases what you’re getting. No ifs, ands, or buts – just hockey.
7. Conqueror Jax
Released: April 29th, 2021 Price: 1350 RP After going through so many old skins with no new effects or animations, it feels weird bashing a newer release. But slightly bash it I will. As far as the base skin is concerned, everything is just extremely random. The character model makes you look like a juiced-up caster minion. And all of your new animations just look like Battle Boss rejects. You even have a staff! Why the hell would Jax ever carry a staff around? A staff that can open a portal to the trophy dimension no less (according to the new backing animation). And worst of all, the skin just gets rid of all the oomph Jax originally had. Smacking people just doesn’t feel as satisfying with this skin on. That being said, the Prestige edition does mend most of these issues and makes you look cool as hell. Overall, I neither completely hate it (because of the Prestige) nor do I like it (because of everything else).
6. PAX Jax
Released: March 26th, 2010 Price: Code Redemption I wrote down the price to keep to the format, but let’s be honest here – this skin is basically a myth at this point. Which oddly enough makes it one of the most sought-after Jax skins ever. Who doesn’t want to be the 1% of skin owners? And besides just being rare, the skin is also fairly decent on its own. Although it doesn’t come with any new particles or animation. And the staff is way too thin. But the overall aesthetic is somehow still just cool enough to make it all work. Or that could just be the copium talking – who knows?
5. Jaximus
Released: May 10th, 2011 Price: 975 RP If we look at this skin objectively, it’s just okay. The gladiator theme was an obvious choice for Jax and the skin fulfills that fantasy quite nicely. Although, yet again, an axe is definitely a weapon. The splash art is pretty swagged out and the overall experience is decent. There aren’t any new particles or animations, so it’s a bit pricey for what it is – but nothing more to say about it. But then you notice that this skin comes with a new voice line – “Here’s to you kid”. Out of curiosity, you search the story up (if you don’t already know it) and now you’re on the ground crying. I don’t wish to elaborate further – Jaximus is a pretty amazing skin.
4. Nemesis Jax
Released: September 14th, 2012 Price: 975 RP This skin honestly just feels like the Prestige version of the original skin. It just takes everything that was good about the base design and makes it slightly better. You like purple? Have all the purple! You like particle effects? Here are some actual particle effects! And they’re also purple! That’s truly the extent of this skin and yet it works oddly well. So, if you basically just want to play with the base skin but also be way cooler while doing it – Nemesis is calling your name. Also, we have to acknowledge the fact that the splash art is absolutely badass.
3. God Staff Jax
Released: January 11th, 2018 Price: 1350 RP This is the only Jax skin that truly makes you feel divine. And if you’ve ever been full build at 20 minutes on this champion, you’ll know that divinity is never too far away. Yellow is the main color of the skin and even though I disliked it at first, I have to say it’s kind of a vibe. Your auto attacks feel very impactful and your ult feels like proper witchcraft (which it totally is). I’m a bit disappointed that his multiple arms don’t get used outside of his backing animation and the splash art – but you can’t have it all. You also get a voice filter. It doesn’t really change things that much, but it’s always nice to get a few more features into that 1350 RP package.
2. Temple Jax
Released: November 15th, 2011 Price: 750 RP You don’t have to be part of the Jax family for long in order to realize how much they love this skin. In fact, I bet most people would put it at number one. This is quite something when the current number one is a literal legendary skin and Temple Jax is just a character model redesign. This is because the theme just fits in so perfectly. Just seeing that straw hat rolling into the top lane is enough to inspire fear into your bones. And if you’re going to push top lane all game, why not feel like a ronin while doing it? Plus, just look at that splash art. You can’t tell me that you wouldn’t immediately watch a movie that used that splash art as the promotional poster. Overall, the skin is incredibly simple and cheap, and yet it’s one of the most (if not the most) beloved Jax skins in the game. Sometimes less truly is more.
1. Mecha Kingdoms Jax
Released: January 15th, 2020 Price: 1820 RP I’m all for giving cheaper skins the spotlight and shouting how “money can’t buy you happiness”. But this skin is just objectively amazing. It has so many little features that you never even knew you wanted. I thought I was fine with the Q being a normal leap, but adding a jetpack makes it so much better! And the passive having said jetpack flare up? That’s just brilliant design right there! You also get new emotes – and they’re leagues above what the base skin had to offer. And a new voice-over! There’s so much stuff here! Each attack feels so much more powerful with this skin. And the fact that it also has five jaw-dropping chromas just adds so many cherries on top of the cake. Sure, if you’re not into flashy skins, you won’t like this one. And a case could be made that the jetpack makes your character model look a bit bulkier than usual. But at the end of the day, it’s cool as all hell. So if you have the dough, treat yourself with some mecha samurai goodness! Note: this content was created under Riot Games’ “Legal Jibber Jabber” policy using assets owned by Riot Games. Riot Games does not endorse or sponsor this project.
