I have both a new pair in the training quiver and a pair whose mohair plush is so worn down after much use (and abuse) that it is capable of ascending only grippy late-spring and summer snow (or snow-like substances).
When new, this model is pretty generic compared to something like nine different race models I’ve used, but generic in a good sense: grip, glide, adhesion, attachment … all good!
The amazingly impressive aspect though is the glue: worn down in general from that much mileage/vertical, dirty from skinning up long-closed New England ski resorts in the late spring, contaminated with volcanic grit from Mt Hood, yet somehow still … almost as good as new?
The glue sure looks gross, and touching it (even after a few rinses) leaves my fingers every so slightly coated with Cascades grit.
But these still stick perfectly!
Last month on the Palmer snowfield, the adhesion finally started to fade in room temperature weather only after only ten thousand vertical feet of ascent.
This would be a good performance from a brand new skin, but for a totally trashed skin long since retired from frontline duty, I’m amazed!
Atomic Race Skins
As a nearby company similarly steeped in the lore of the Austrian Alps, Atomic naturally partnered with Contour to make its skins. The Atomic Race Skins are durable climbers that adhere reliably to the base of your race skis and let you focus on the mountain ahead. The straight-cut skins feature a luxurious race plush that bites into icy terrain and, depending on what the goats ate that year, glide quite well. Contour's hotmelt adhesive works great for racing as it sticks reliably so you are less likely to pull out your backup pair. The Atomic Race Skins are a perfect match for your Atomic race skis.
- Backland 65 skins are for the UL 65 race skis and climb well at 62mm wide.
- Backland 62 skins perfectly match the Vert 62 skis at 59mm wide and can be used as a faster option for wider race skis.
- Contour race mohair is a premium selection that is shorn from the nicest and most talkative goats in the world.
- Traditional hotmelt adhesive will keep sticking lap after lap or until you do something dumb.
