What Skins Should I Buy?

Black Diamond, G3, and 4FRNT all make some killer skins.

Also, sorry for dub post but you might want to make a thread in the Backcountry/AT forum as well. You'll get some good answers there

AKskiaI'm just now getting a touring set up after saving for a long time, and I'm wondering what skins work the best without having to go over the top with spending money. After I take an avalanche class I'll probably be climbing some pretty steep stuff. Any recommendations?

I've had BD & G3 and prefer BD. Glue stayed in better condition, the G3s went a bit goopy.

minihefI've had BD & G3 and prefer BD. Glue stayed in better condition, the G3s went a bit goopy.

Yea I'm not expert backcountryist or take long technical tours, but my BD skins worked great

I have both bca and g3 skins and I like the g3 alpinists the best. They have the best attachment system imo and their glue is sticky enough and stays sticky in even super cold temperatures. The bca magic carpets are good to but I dont like their attachment system and their glue is insanely sticky. The first couple times I ripped them apart I had to get one of my friends to help.

1kewldewdI have both bca and g3 skins and I like the g3 alpinists the best. They have the best attachment system imo and their glue is sticky enough and stays sticky in even super cold temperatures. The bca magic carpets are good to but I dont like their attachment system and their glue is insanely sticky. The first couple times I ripped them apart I had to get one of my friends to help.

Good job mentioning that, I actually bought some twin tip tail connectors by G3 to slap on my BDs so they would come off Cus I'm on a twin

Thanks for all of your input homies. +k to all of you

I've used G3, BD and Coltex Skins. Coltex had the best glide, but I wasn't a huge fan of the connection system. Personally I feel like G3 have the best balance of desirable attributes in their offering. I've owned both the Alpinist skins and the High Traction skins, and I prefer the High Traction offering. You don't sacrifice to much glide over the Alpinists but they're significantly more grippy on icy skin tracks.

I heard HG Skis is about to do a kickstarter where you can get crazy deals on their new skis. Top quality, super durable, poppy and really great all around the mountain.

I've used various G3, Black Diamond, and Pomoca skins (Pomoca also makes OEM skins for Dynafit, Blizzard, K2, and others).

Personally I think the Pomoca climb pro skins are the best. Excellent glide, secure attachment system, they don't hold water and pack down small.

The current crop of G3 alpinest skins are better than the BD ones IMO, The attachment system is by far the best (outside of the Dynafit system). They glide better and give up little in terms of grip compared to the BD mohair mix. Better grip than various Pomoca skins I have used. The price point G3 offering is pure shit however.

From BD I would say get the Mohair Mix skins, unless you want ultimate traction. The Mohair mix is both lighter and glides better than the nylon. It still has sufficient traction for almost all climbs, even with atrocious technique. BD skins are generally heavier and bulkier than the alternatives.