Hittin' Skins

[K_Y_L_E]

Lookin for some climbing skins. Anyone have a preference for good old mohiar, or for nylon? What woudl be the advantage/disadvantage to these?

thanks

[Sphinx]

Mohair is less durable. People claim it glides better, but when I want to glide I take em off.

[Rainier_Wolfscastle]

I have found that Mohair (Angora Goat hair) tends to grip a little better and does not ice up as much. Nylon is more durable and climbs almost as well. Given the choice at same price, I'd get nylon. If you are skinning steeper grades, be sure to get "wall to wall" carpeting for your skis. It may cost a little more to get full coverage (especially if you have fat boards), but it will payoff on the steep stuff. Nothing more frustrating than sliding backwards. If you are anal about weight, checkout the yellow BCA brand skins. They are thinner and lighter than Ascension brand, but also not as durable.

[cj001f]

My Mohair's grip better in powder powder (not PNW powder) Nylon's are much more durable on corny crap snow. Rainier - where'd you get the BCA's were low fat? From what I've read & seen they're the same as all the rest?

[Rainier_Wolfscastle]

No one seems to publish the exact weights, but I did compare the BCA low fat's side by side with the ascension's and they are quite a bit thinner/lighter. They also fold up smaller if you are going to stash them in your jacket while descending. Here's a link to the BCA skins if you are interested http://www.bcaccess.com/bcaproducts/lowfat_skins.php

[cj001f]

Off Piste did a review last year http://www.offpistemag.com/themag/hardcopy/op_17_web.pdf

Which claimed they weighed the same - but had crappier glide. I've no first hand experience - but packing up smaller would be nice.

[K_Y_L_E]

Thanks for all the help.

My bro has a set of older nylon skins, given what ya'll said I will give them a shot for a season and then decide if I like em' .

 

Skoal