Dear Skimo,
I recently purchased a pair of these skins, and so far I am disappointed with the glide. They perform significantly worse than almost any skins I have previously owned, even non-mohair skins. Compared to the Pomoca Race Pro, the difference is substantial—you feel almost stuck, the stride becomes shorter, and it slows me down noticeably.
The plush also seems quite coarse compared to other mohair skins I own. Simply dragging my hand over the skins, the high friction is very noticeable.
Can I expect the glide to improve as they break in? Approximately how long (verts) does it typically take before they are properly broken in?
Best regards from Eric
Contour Guide Speed Skins
Do you find yourself wanting a race skin that comes with reliable hot-melt glue, a prebuilt bungee tip, and is easily self-customizable for skis up to 185cm in length? We did, which is why we picked up the Guide Speed skin from Contour. Reliable in all temperature conditions, the traditional hot-melt adhesive provides consistency for long traverses, mid-winter powder farming, and everything in between. The 100% race mohair plush provides excellent glide on all snow types, allowing you to move quickly and efficiently. Coming with unattached tail hooks, the Guide Speed is easily customized for ski length, all you need is scissors and a hammer. When the situation arises for the best gliding skin with reliable adhesion, the Contour Guide Speed skin has you covered.
- 100% race Mohair has excellent glide across all snow types.
- Hot-melt adhesive is extremely reliable in winter and spring.
- Width of 105mm allows the skin to be trimmed for a variety of sidecuts.
- Comes with hammer rivets and a hole punch for (optionally) attaching the tails.
- Rubber race tip comes pre-attached.
- Trimming tool is included.
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Questions & Reviews
4/21/2026
4/21/2026
Hey Eric,
Sorry to hear you are struggling with the glide on these! We have found they have a slightly longer break-in period than other skins. Once they're broken in, we find them among the glideiest skins.
Of course, this break in time depends on how abrasive the snow surface is, but within ~10,000 - 15,000 ft of skinning on springtime surfaces, you should be good to go. If you're in a rush, some people will include a few runs down with skins on to expedite the process.
Another contributing factor, besides the plush, is that these are most often trimmed as full coverage (edge-to-edge) full-length skins with the included tail attachment. While this improves grip and skin retention, if you're comparing the glide to a straight-cut shorter tailless race skin, it will be hard to compete... no matter the plush.
Sorry to hear you are struggling with the glide on these! We have found they have a slightly longer break-in period than other skins. Once they're broken in, we find them among the glideiest skins.
Of course, this break in time depends on how abrasive the snow surface is, but within ~10,000 - 15,000 ft of skinning on springtime surfaces, you should be good to go. If you're in a rush, some people will include a few runs down with skins on to expedite the process.
Another contributing factor, besides the plush, is that these are most often trimmed as full coverage (edge-to-edge) full-length skins with the included tail attachment. While this improves grip and skin retention, if you're comparing the glide to a straight-cut shorter tailless race skin, it will be hard to compete... no matter the plush.
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I have owned a half dozen pairs of these and find that they are significantly more durable and longer lasting than the Pomoca Free Pro (pink) skins, have much better glide than the Kohla mohair skin, and the glue is more user-friendly than the Coltex option. They might be the slightest bit heavier than the Pomocas but the marginal addition in weight is more than offset by the the longevity gains.
As with all skins, rubbing some wax into them and then passing over it with a warm iron to melt the wax into the plush improves glide and prevents glop.
As with all skins, rubbing some wax into them and then passing over it with a warm iron to melt the wax into the plush improves glide and prevents glop.
Comment on this review:
3/15/2024
Can anyone speak to the durability of these? Would it be appropriate to take these on a long, remote tour or would it be wiser to stick with tried and true Contour Guide? I'm scared of ripping a skin in half deep in the backcountry
3/15/2024
Hi Ben,
These should be plenty durable for long, remote tours - I would do it! That said, the race mohair formula will wear out faster than the Guide mohair or mix, especially on more abrasive snow surfaces (melt-freeze crusts and debris). The Guide will last longer under such usage.
These should be plenty durable for long, remote tours - I would do it! That said, the race mohair formula will wear out faster than the Guide mohair or mix, especially on more abrasive snow surfaces (melt-freeze crusts and debris). The Guide will last longer under such usage.
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3/14/2024
Just curious the width of the skin? Thanks!
3/14/2024
Hi Shane, the Contour Speeds are 105mm wide.
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2/29/2024
Hey, what skins have the most durable adhesive for cold weather and many transitions?
2/29/2024
Hi Miles, the Contour hot melt glue (the stuff on these Speed Skins) is among the best. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these for the kind of cold weather use you're describing.
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10/25/2023
Any thoughts on these vs the Kohla Performance Mohair skins? The two seem pretty similar. I’m looking for something to pair with a Black Diamond Cirque 84 171 for springtime mountaineering objectives and a few inbounds uphill laps.
10/25/2023
Hi Andy, the two are competing products that would both work well with that ski. Grip and glide are similar. The Kohla has pre-attached adjustable tail straps attached whereas Contour ships with an optional fixed clip which would require ripping from the tip. It might come down to glue, with the Kohla using their smart glue while the Contour is a traditional hotmelt.
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4/2/2023
Are these the same as the regular Contour Guide apart from the attachments and color?
4/2/2023
Hi Ben, no these are the same plush as the race skins.
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