You may have noticed an increase in the number of no-wax skis with synthetic “skins” on the bases (instead of engraved or extruded kick patterns) on no-wax skis lately. In case you haven’t, let us catch you up:
THE SKIN-NY:
A few years ago, Atomic made a bold move in no-wax ski technology by producing the Skintec, which uses Teflon-infused synthetic mohair in the kick zone of a performance classic ski. Skins have been used for decades in the alpine world, of course, but never as a permanent insert in the base of a high performance nordic ski. Enter, the Skintec: a very fast, no-wax ski which skied very close to the performance of a well-waxed waxable ski, and with better glide and grip than (and without the most enjoyable “buzzing’ noise of) a traditional no-wax ski. As a result of this successful undertaking, Atomic has not only perfected the Skintec, but has created other skis using the same technology. What’s even more interesting, though, is that other ski manufacturers are jumping on the skin-wagon as well.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?
We have researched this small yet emerging world of skin skis with some intensity, and have selected three excellent skin ski options to carry in our shop. From the sport-touring Aero 9 Skin from Salomon, to the more fitness-oriented Pro Skintec from Atomic, to this year’s race-ready Sport Pro Skintec, skiers will have an array of options to try skin technology for themselves!
MORE, PLEASE.
In the sport touring category, you will find Salomon’s Aero 9 Skin classic skis, which uses Salomon’s own SkinGrip+ technology. What we love about the Aero 9 Skin is that we now have the benefits of mohair on wider, more recreational-friendly skis. With a 48mm shovel, the Aero 9’s are more stable than a race ski, and offer more versatility for imperfect conditions (skied-in tracks, golf courses, etc.). Think Fischer SuperLite Crown meets Atomic Skintec, and voilà! You have the Salomon Aero 9 Skins.
For a great no-wax fitness ski, try the Atomic Pro Skintec’s. With a 45-45-45mm side cut, these are narrower than the Aero 9’s which make them excellent for in-track skiing. The glide zone has the great gliding BL 4000 base, and the Ultra High Densolite core makes them lightweight yet durable. Perfect for avid recreational and/or fitness skiers, and a great value for a skin ski!
And last (but not ever last in a race), is the Atomic Sport Pro Skintec’s (also available in a “lite” version for “light” weight skiers). These are the original speedsters who revolutionized the no-wax world 4 years ago, and they’re even faster this year with Atomic’s best BL 5000 base. With 43-44-43mm sidecut, they most definitely have a racing profile and make for a great high performance ski, for fitness, racing, or just a ridiculous amount of fun.
THIS ALL SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.
There is, alas, one downside to skin technology, which is that, over several years of rigorous skiing (like, 5,000 kilometers or so), the mohair can eventually wear out. But not to worry! The manufacturers sell replacement inserts separately for less money than a decent haircut. Also worth noting is that, while the Teflon does a great job at preventing ice build-up on the bases, we do recommend a skin treatment called Skin Wax, made by Swix and designed to keep your skins gliding seamlessly over the snow.
HOW CAN I BUY THESE? AND DO YOU GUYS STILL HAVE ALL THOSE FREE GRANOLA BARS?
Ah, the easiest questions yet! We sell all three of these skis in packages on our webstore, which you can visit by visiting www.crosscountryski.com/shop. Or, make our day by calling us directly at 1.800.832.2663. As for the granola bars, you’ll have to visit the shop to find your answer.
OH! In case you’re still reading this, mark your calendars for October 31st & November 1st, which is our SEASON OPENING SALE!! Stu is building a cider press by hand (no kidding) so that after you shop, you can press your own apple cider and reward yourself by feasting on this season’s first batch of chocolate chip cookies from the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. Until then, we are open by appointment and during most week days. Let it snow!
– Bob, Lynne, Mariah, Stu, Fran, Erin, Matt, Dana, Steve, Sarah, and the crew
