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Ski touring
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Ski touring skins
Without touring ski sealskins, you can't climb snow-covered slopes, so you can't tour. Touring ski sealskins attach to the underside of your touring skis. They prevent your foot from slipping with every step on a slope. This anti-slip effect is achieved by the part in contact with the snow. The part in contact with the ski adheres to the board thanks to an adhesive (glue) or a self-adhesive system, as well as an attachment system placed on the ski. Skin care is also essential for a long skin life, so Colltex accessories will come in handy.
Which system to choose: glue or self-adhesive?
Manufacturers have developed self-adhesive skins based on the molecular suction cup principle. They are made of acrylic or silicone. They are easier to use and maintain. Glueless touring skins require no messy DIY. They can be easily stored in your backpack or rolled up in a jacket pocket.
Which materials to choose?
Originally, ski touring used real animal skins, with short, hard hair, attached to the bottom of the skis (mainly seal or elk skins). Nowadays, wool and synthetic fibers have replaced animal skins, but the name has stuck for "seal skins", which provide grip on the slopes and are divided into three categories:
- Mohair sealskins
Mohair is a wool harvested from the angora goat of Asia. Its gliding quality is incomparable, and it offers excellent uphill grip thanks to its highly effective anti-backwards effect. 100% mohair skins wear quickly and kick (snow accumulation) quickly. Regular maintenance is essential to combat this phenomenon and maintain optimum performance. They are the first choice of competitors.
- Synthetic sealskins
Self-adhesive and made entirely of synthetic materials, these skins are highly resistant but offer less glide than 100% mohair skins. They are, however, an entry-level purchase for beginners or gentle tourers. This type of ski touring skin offers a less efficient glide.
- Mixed sealskins: mohair + synthetic
70% mohair plus 30% synthetic, the most reasonable choice today. Mixed ski touring skins made of 70% mohair and 30% synthetic are ideal for good glide quality and a high-performance anti-reverse effect. Their lifespan is possibly longer than that of the ski touring skins mentioned above. For regular or occasional athletes. A perfect compromise on both performance and price.
Alpinstore offers a wide range of skins, includingPomoca universal skins or the various models available from brands such as Black Crows zebra skins.
