Choosing your climbing skins is no simpler than finding the right pair of skis or the ideal bindings. The offer is abundant and each manufacturer boasts perfect glide and impeccable grip, regardless of the model or composition. Result: it is impossible to rely solely on marketing speeches. Especially since some ski brands offer their own “in-house” skins — the famous OEM versions — which are actually just rebranded models from the original manufacturer.
In this updated file, we sort things out: first by explaining the key points to know to choose with full knowledge, then by testing and comparing the main models on the market.
THE BEST CLIMBING SKINS
THE TESTED CLIMBING SKINS
WHERE TO BUY CLIMBING SKINS?
SNOWLEADER – AU VIEUX CAMPEUR – TELEMARK PYRENEES – MONTAZ
HOW TO CHOOSE?
WHAT COMPOSITION?
Originally designed with animal skins (seals or elks in particular), seal skins have retained this name even today but their composition is of course different.
There are 3 main types of skins on the market:
100% mohair: Made from the hair of alpine goats, 100% mohair skins provide the best performance in terms of glide at the expense of grip. The effort required to bring the ski forward is thus less than with synthetic skins. However, on hard snow in particular, the grip is less effective and requires better climbing technique. They are also more fragile and wear out faster. 100% mohair skins are also more sensitive to moisture with more significant clumping. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain them with a little waxing, for example. A good choice for experienced skiers who like to climb quickly and lightly. Competitors exclusively use this type of skins.
Mixed: To overcome the disadvantages of mohair (grip, fragility, sensitivity to moisture) and keep the advantages, manufacturers offer skins with a mohair/synthetic blend, usually 70% mohair, 30% synthetic but sometimes the opposite. Whatever manufacturers say to sell these models, the glide is necessarily less good than with 100% mohair skins. That said, it is true that mixed skins remain a good compromise for versatile use over time with good grip and less sensitivity to moisture. To be preferred for fairly regular and occasional hikers who are not in a hurry to climb.
100% synthetic: Models primarily with good grip at the expense of glide. More effort will be required to move the skis forward. In return, the good grip makes it easier for beginners to use, especially on hard snow. These skins are also the most resistant. They are also cheaper. To be preferred for beginner or very occasional skiers.
WHAT WIDTH?
The choice of width obviously depends on the width of your skis. Ideally, the width of the skins “before cutting” should be equal to or greater than the largest dimension, usually the tip. In practice, if you take skins 20mm wider than the waist, it may be sufficient to ensure good grip. You can also choose straight skins to the width of your waist but you will lose grip and will need good technique to climb on hard snow. This last choice is often made by competitors or for narrow skis (65/70mm at the waist).
Several options are available to you to have the skins at the right width:
1 custom-made skins already cut to the dimensions of your skis. This is what ski brands offer by partnering with skin manufacturers (OEM version in the jargon). Some skin manufacturers also directly offer custom-made skins. This option is the simplest and most practical but also the most expensive.
2 a pack to cut yourself with often a cutter provided. You must then choose a sufficient width at purchase (see above)
3 skins by the meter where you have to adjust the width yourself and mount the front and rear attachments.
4 straight skins to the width of your skis (generally for narrow skis).
WHAT LENGTH?
WHAT ADHESIVE?
WHAT FRONT ATTACHMENTS?
Download issue 63 to read more…
PHOTOS
