The Hybrid glue system from Contour solves the stickiest skin problem. That is designing a glue strong enough to adhere to the backing but not so strong that you can’t separate a skin from itself. Contour achieved this goal by using multiple layers of glue. An especially sticky formula rests against the skin which is covered in another layer of less tacky glue that keeps the interface manageable. The resulting Hybrid glue system is easy to use and reliable. It’s also easy to maintain, since you can simply wash the skin with detergent to refresh the stickiness. Attached to the fancy adhesives is a mix of fibers that also blend multiple goals: grip, glide, and durability. This is achieved with Contour’s signature mohair woven with some rugged nylon. The Hybrid Mix skins offer the benefits of newer glue formulas with the reliability of traditional fare.
Hybrid glue technology offers good adhesion even in low temperatures.
Glue is easy to pull apart and can be washed to refresh the tack.
65% mohair / 35% nylon blend is a good all-around fiber formula.
Attached adjustable tail clips fit securely on just about any ski out there.
A wire bail tip attachment keeps things simple and reliable.
Two included cleaning wipes help refresh the adhesive side.
Also includes a carry bag and a trimmer for customizing the side cut.
Backing foil has a center strip for mess-free trimming.
* Please note the kits labeled Universal (without a length range) come without the tips attached so you can cut them to any length.
Skin Size
Tip Bracket Width
115mm
85mm
135mm
95mm
Update 2020/21: Contour changed out the tips to be sleek metal buckles that are permanently riveted on (previously they used Vario tip hardware with swappable buckles). They also changed to an offset-style cutter which doesn't require repositioning the skin between cuts like the previous letter opener.
Thanks for the question, Krap. I'd suggest the 115mm Universal skin as we are out of stock on the size that best fits that ski. It comes without the tip attached and you will want to trim a few cm's off the top before installing. It comes with a punch and the hammer rivets needed for the install.
Climb Pro S Glides were my go-to skins, but all my pairs eventually kept leaving glue strips across the skis at the point where the skin had been folded. I like my Movement precut skins but the glue was extremely sticky making it a pain to pull the skins apart; these skins also picked up a lot of water out of spring/summer snow and formed ice along the edges--that was cured by applying a waterproof treatment. So I decided to try the Contour Hybrids. Now I have 4 pairs!: on my Movement Vertex-X, Alp Tracks 85, Alp Tracks 100, and Alp Tracks 106. I have used them in the coldest driest snow we've had in western Washington and in the warm, wettest snow we've had this spring. No problems. I did use one cleaning cloth and waterproofing on the oldest pair I had used at least a dozen times. They are so easy to put on and take off the skis that I now will climb even shorter slopes to ski down on my way to longer slopes just because the transitions are so quick and easy. And we don't use skin savers/cheat sheets in the field at all; just when the skins are going to sit for several days or longer without use. My wife now has no problems applying, removing, folding, separating, and reapplying the skins whereas with the Climb Pro Glides she had to use cheat sheets and fiddle with those.
I have about 20 days on my pair and I have mixed feelings on them. On the one hand they have performed perfectly on every occasion that they have been used. The adhesive has held up, even on one long day in particular where my friend's BDs were failing. The skin surface is grippy when needed and glides great, better than my BD mohair mixes. On the other hand, on my 5th day out on them I found a 3 inch tear coming in from the side. The tear is straight and clean. I used the Pomoca skin cutter which left a good, crisp cut, so there was no tear to start the tour, and I do not recall skinning over any rocks or surfaces that may have caused the tear. I've now skinned about 15 days on them since the tear occurred and it hasn't gotten any worse, but I feel like I need to baby them now and I'm worried about ripping them when off in some remote zone. I'm considering a repair by sewing them but I'm worried it will bunch up the material which will cause some loss in glide and allow snow to build up on the adhesive side.
Comment on this review:
1/22/2021
Question from
My dog Seamus
Hi, I was looking into these skins in a 135mm so I can have full coverage on my V8’s but it sure of lengths. I’m on 165’s, so the Med would be perfect, but my next pair of skis could be a bit shorter. Is there some wiggle room if I go with the 161-168 (M) and wind up on a 160 in the future. Thanks!
Hi Emily, it's tough to speculate as that can be ski dependent, but there's a good chance you could make it work on a 160. One tweak is to change the tip buckle to a skinnier model so the skin sits "higher" on the ski.
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1/20/2021
Question from
Jet
I have QST 106 x 174 cm what would be the best option for skins ?
Hey Saghar, the kits labelled Universal (without a length range) come without the tips attached so you can cut them to any length! That 115 Universal should work great for you!
Hello! I am interested in buying these in 115mm for my DPS Yvettes which are 112mm underfoot and 158cm long. I only see these options for length: 115 x 145-152 and 115 x 161-168.
Since my 158 is not included in these ranges for some reason, would you suggest I purchase the universal? Thanks!
Based on the length and tail dimensions of your Yvettes, I would actually recommend the Contour Hybrid Mix Skins in the 135mm x 153-160cm size.
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12/28/2020
Question from
Jen
Hi! Thanks for your great site with so many accessories, etc. I have some super old skins - purple ascensions with BD Clipfix tail clips. The nap is good but glue no longer sticky, so I decided to reglue with some BD Gold Label Adhesive. I finished one skin and ran out of glue, but am already thinking I don't want to get more of the BD Adhesive, because it is just absolutely toxic smelling. When I put it on, it stunk, and it still smells horrible (like toluene, a carcinogen!), when I stuffed them in my jacket a day later. Plus my whole garage smelled till I left the garage door open all day. So, I'm curious about other glues for the other skin. I also need to replace one of the BD Clipfix tail clips. Thinking about this contour clip since it sounds fairly adjustible. Suggestions? Many thanks!
Hey Jen, all the skin glues smell quite bad. In order to get the most out of the skin glue, you do need to let them dry out for a least 24 hours and ideally apply the glue in a well-ventilated area. The gold label glue is a pretty good option overall but both Colltex and Ski Trab sell pretty good glues as well. The Contour tail clips could work but it really depends if they will fit with whatever tail strap you have on the skin.
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11/26/2020
Question from
Heather
What size Contour Hybrid Mix skins do I need for Volkl RISE HIGH 88 170cm. Thanks
Would you be able to do a size check on a 177cm Mythic 97 for me? I definitely want the 115mm length and would love the 169cm-176cm version if there is enough slack. Thanks!
I just went and checked that skin on that ski and it looks like you'll have enough room!
Hope this helps!
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11/3/2020
Question from
reed
Hi,
I've been using nylon skins and trying to get a feel for mixed fiber. How do Contour Hybrid Mixed compare to Pomoca Free Pro 2? I see a glide measurement on Pomoca's site, but don't have anything to compare it to.
Also, what size would fit best for Salomon QST 99 (138-99-120) in length 181?
Hi Reed, either will be much faster than your nylons! I feel the Contours glide a bit better than the Free Pros, and actually grip a touch more as well, especially in powder with the longer hairs. The Free Pros pack down smaller if that's your main criteria. I would grab the 135x 177-184s for that ski.
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10/29/2020
Question from
acousticbiker
Hi there, I have 170mm Volkl 90eights (133-98-116). Which size would you recommend? Also, what is the 'Universal' option?
I also see that Contour Hybrid Mix skins come in a split version that doesn't require trimming - any downside to going that direction?
Thanks for the great question! For the Hybrid Mix skins I would suggest the 115mm 169-176cm sizing for your skis. You will get full coverage through the tail for plenty of grip, and the bit of exposed base up front will increase glide without sacrificing grab on the uphill. The idea behind the split skins is to save on weight and to increase glide, but there is an inevitable loss of grip that comes along with that design. If speed is your top priority it could be an interesting option, but for steeper skin tracks, or to make sure you have proper grip I would stick with the traditional skins. Hope this helps!
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2/10/2020
Question from
Nyla
Hi! :)
I have Alpina Discovery 102 Skis, they are 158cm back/cross-country skis. Do you think these skins are a good match? If so, should I get the XS or S? Thank you very much!!
The correct size for your skis would be the Small size (153-160cm) in the 115mm skin, which we are out of at the moment, but expecting more soon! I would check out the Pomoca Pro S-Glides (155-170cm length in the 100mm width), or the G3 Minimist (150-166cm 100mm width). Given the dimensions of your skis the 100mm width skins will be a better fit out of the box before trimming. Happy trails!
Hi Kelly, that length will be a bit too short, but keep your eyes peeled for the imminent arrival of some more skins in the longer size!
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1/26/2020
Question from
Jon
Looking for these skins for my 180cm, Atomic Bent Chetler 100's (129.5-100-120). Assuming neither the 169-176, nor the 169-177 lengths will work? I could probably go with the 115, but the 135 would be better? Any idea when you might have them in stock? Thanks
Hey Jon, the 169-177cm length *might* fit in a pinch, but if you wanted to be safe, we should have a shipment of Contours coming to Skimo Co shortly!
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1/22/2020
Question from
Kimber
My Line Sakana's are 166cm long with 150-105-138 widths. Since they're swallowtails and the cutout is 11cm deep, I believe I should get the 135mm, 153-160cm skins. Could you check my thinking? I'm also curious if you think the tail Contour clip will be accommodated within the Sakana's cutout, which is about 3.5mm wide just before it begins the interior curve. If not, do you have any suggestions for swallowtail clips? Maybe the BD style would integrate better.
Hi Kimber! Wow, interesting skin dilemma. We are big fans of swallowtails here at SkimoCo although typically our swallows, or should I say ~rondines~, fly in from Italy. For your American breed, I'd likely recommend a narrower profile to the tail clip such as what's available on the Black Diamond Ultralites. If you want a more specific recommendation feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co with a photo of the tail plumage in question!
1/26/2020
Answer from
Peter C
Kimber's husband here. We ended up getting the Contours based on their glue's rave reviews by a few friends. I had a pair of STS tail hooks that I had picked up for hut-trip repairs awhile back. The plan was that if the Contours clip wouldn't fit, we'd just cut off the original clip and add the BD ones. Turns out, the Contour clip sits in the Sakana's swallowtail cutout pretty well. She'll tour on them later today, so we'll see how they are in transitions.
Hi Gaston, we are likely going to be seeing those skins within the next 3-5 days, keep your eyes peeled!
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1/17/2020
Question from
Marty
Hi - outfitting my first AT set up and looking for Contour Hybrid skins for my DPS Wailer Alchemist 106s-168cm. Sidecut is 136/106/124. Do you have a recommendation for best fit for these skins? Thanks!
Hey Marty, welcome to the world of the backcountry! The 115mm x 161-168cm would fit your skis well, or you could bump up to the 135cm if you were concerned about having full skin coverage.
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1/10/2020
Question from
David
I have a pair of 184cm Volkl VTA 98s (133-98-116). What width/length combo would you recommend?
David, you would need the 115mm x 175-184cm. Sorry, we are out now. I tried the 185-195cm, but that won't work. Email us if you would like to be set up for Email notification when we get more in.
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1/9/2020
Question from
Tom
Hi,
Would 169-176 be long enough for 178 long DPS 112 Tour skis (you are out of the one up longer size)?
Hey Tom, the 169-176cm skins would fit your Drake PowderworkS water skis just fine! Contour skins have a generous amount of length on the adjustable tail clip.