I have the la sportiva lo-fis in a 178. Better to get the 169-176 or the 177-184?
And if Im looking for backcountry skiing with multiple runs per day - do I want the hybrid mix or the guide?
Thanks
Contour Hybrid Mix Skins
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.
| Specifications | |
| Weight per skin (with backing) | 312g [115mm x 169-176] |
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Questions & Reviews
1/21/2023
1/21/2023
Hi Brian,
For your ski, you could get the 169-176 length as the tail strap will allow for additional length. Although the glue on the hybrid mix is not as resistant to the conditions presented during transitions as the guide mix, with proper skin care management such as keeping snow off the glue and storing them inside your jacket on the descents, they'll last all day. The guide mix does utilize a more "traditional" glue that is less likely to fail and more durable but is tackier and possibly more difficult to manage. Thanks!
For your ski, you could get the 169-176 length as the tail strap will allow for additional length. Although the glue on the hybrid mix is not as resistant to the conditions presented during transitions as the guide mix, with proper skin care management such as keeping snow off the glue and storing them inside your jacket on the descents, they'll last all day. The guide mix does utilize a more "traditional" glue that is less likely to fail and more durable but is tackier and possibly more difficult to manage. Thanks!
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1/8/2023
I have the Madshus Panorama M68 back-country touring skis and while they are waxless/fish scale, I need a bit more bite when doing anything other than rollers. Especially while I am pulling a gear sled - uphill/slopes. Is there a skin you would recommend for these 99tip/68/84tail sized skis? Thanks! M
1/9/2023
Matt,
These would work great! The hybrid glue can fail a bit quicker than traditional glue, so if you're doing lots of transitions most days, or skinning in loose snow often, you could check out the Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 or the Contour Guide Mix skins.
These would work great! The hybrid glue can fail a bit quicker than traditional glue, so if you're doing lots of transitions most days, or skinning in loose snow often, you could check out the Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 or the Contour Guide Mix skins.
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1/4/2023
The glue on my ~2 year old Countour Hybrid skins seems to have lost a lot of its tackiness, the skins are not sticking my skis very well anymore. I haven't seen where I can buy similar glue or get them reglued - any suggestions?
1/4/2023
Hi Colleen, the Hybrids don't typically need to be re-glued, just washed! Here is some cleaning spray to help.
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10/28/2022
Hi, I have Line Vision 118 , 183cm (152-118-138) skis. Do you think this Contour 135 mm skins will perform well or should I look for a wider skins like 145 G3 Alpinist glide.
10/29/2022
Hi Dima,
Thanks for reaching out! Generally, we recommend sizing skins based on the tail width of your skin. The tip of your ski does little to contribute to traction. Instead, wall to wall plush will just add friction. At 135mm, the Hybrid mix will leave 1.5mm of edge showing at the widest point of your tail, which will be just about perfect. Trimming your skins will handle the rest!
Thanks for reaching out! Generally, we recommend sizing skins based on the tail width of your skin. The tip of your ski does little to contribute to traction. Instead, wall to wall plush will just add friction. At 135mm, the Hybrid mix will leave 1.5mm of edge showing at the widest point of your tail, which will be just about perfect. Trimming your skins will handle the rest!
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10/27/2022
Best size for Atomic Backland 95s-169cm? I'm thinking 115 169-176, but wondering if I could get away with the 161-168 size. Ski measurements are 125-95-113.5
10/28/2022
Hi John,
I tested it for you. Contours skin sizing is only 7cm per size, but the straps will accommodate a good bit more then that. The 161-168 fits in the middle of the tail strap on the 169cm ski. Go for that one.
I tested it for you. Contours skin sizing is only 7cm per size, but the straps will accommodate a good bit more then that. The 161-168 fits in the middle of the tail strap on the 169cm ski. Go for that one.
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10/17/2022
What is the best way to store these skins when not out on a tour - glue to glue or using the contour backing sheet (this does not come with a new set of skins)?
Thanks
Thanks
10/17/2022
Hi That dude out west,
Best practice for the Contour Hybrid Mix skins is to store them glue to glue, in a cool dry place. Contour emphasis fully drying the skins before storage. If you have further skin questions, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
Best practice for the Contour Hybrid Mix skins is to store them glue to glue, in a cool dry place. Contour emphasis fully drying the skins before storage. If you have further skin questions, feel free to reach out to help@skimo.co!
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9/18/2022
Best choice for Icelantic Natural, 132/101/117, 185cm, so right at the length change? Thanks!
9/19/2022
Hey Devo, I would recommend going with 185cm length. They will fit great in the smallest setting.
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2/25/2022
Which would be the best to buy for Armada Trace 108's?
Measurements: 133 / 108 / 125.5 mm - 172cm
Measurements: 133 / 108 / 125.5 mm - 172cm
2/25/2022
Hey Amy, the 135mm x 169cm-177cm should work just fine!
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1/26/2022
Hello,
My Contour Hybrid skins become dirty, but I do not have the opportunity to buy a branded cleaning agent. Could you, please, tell me if any household or automotive chemicals can be used to clean the glue on these skins in case of contamination?
My Contour Hybrid skins become dirty, but I do not have the opportunity to buy a branded cleaning agent. Could you, please, tell me if any household or automotive chemicals can be used to clean the glue on these skins in case of contamination?
1/26/2022
Fedor,
Thanks for the question and your patience! We are waiting to hear back from Contour on their official suggestion. The Contour Hybrid Wipes are certainly the preferred method, we will update this as soon as we hear anything!
Thanks for the question and your patience! We are waiting to hear back from Contour on their official suggestion. The Contour Hybrid Wipes are certainly the preferred method, we will update this as soon as we hear anything!
1/26/2022
Thanks! I'll wait for info from Contour
1/27/2022
Fedor,
We have an answer! "Mild dish soap and lukewarm water could work well. Really saturate it and wipe it a bunch then let it dry for a while." Hope this helps!
We have an answer! "Mild dish soap and lukewarm water could work well. Really saturate it and wipe it a bunch then let it dry for a while." Hope this helps!
1/27/2022
Thanks for your info; I hope it will help
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1/21/2022
My skis are 189cm 128-96-110. Should I get the 115 185-195 or the 115 177-184?
1/21/2022
Hans,
Given the dimensions of your skis the 115mm 185-195cm length is the one for you!
Given the dimensions of your skis the 115mm 185-195cm length is the one for you!
Answer this question:
I've used about every brand of skins over the years. These ones are unique. At first you notice how easy it is to separate the skins. My first thought was these aren't going to stay on my skis for multiple transitions. My second was, man these are so compact compared to other skins.
So after a season of use last winter I can say they held up well to many many transitions in the field last season and they are super compact and tuck nicely in to your jacket between laps.
This season I had about 10 days on them when I had what appeared to be total glue failure. Temps were below zero F with fluffy powder. I was pretty bummed thinking that maybe these skins are only good for one season.
I called the great folks at SkimCo and they told me about the cleaning packets that are used for these skins. I looked through my pile of ski crap and found the packets that came included with the skins. I didn't really even notice them when I got the skins. I cleaned as directed and the glue seems good as new. Super tacky and they stick like new. I think these skins are awesome. Good stick, good climbing, and good glide. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah compact as well.
So after a season of use last winter I can say they held up well to many many transitions in the field last season and they are super compact and tuck nicely in to your jacket between laps.
This season I had about 10 days on them when I had what appeared to be total glue failure. Temps were below zero F with fluffy powder. I was pretty bummed thinking that maybe these skins are only good for one season.
I called the great folks at SkimCo and they told me about the cleaning packets that are used for these skins. I looked through my pile of ski crap and found the packets that came included with the skins. I didn't really even notice them when I got the skins. I cleaned as directed and the glue seems good as new. Super tacky and they stick like new. I think these skins are awesome. Good stick, good climbing, and good glide. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah compact as well.
10/29/2022
Thanks, nice to read these kind of reviews! Werner from contour
Comment on this review:
12/25/2021
Hi there! Wondering about sizing for Contour Hybrid skins . . . to fit a set of WNDR Vitals, 126-100-118. Will the 115 size work? Those are 176 in length.
Thanks!
Thanks!
12/27/2021
Jeremy- The 115 width would be perfect and I would buy the 169-176cm length for you ski.
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12/17/2021
Hello,
I am looking at using these skins for my 169 icelantic riveters 95. I am right on cusp for length. Knowing that most skins stretch over time I don't want to get a skin that starts too long and cant absorb lengthening from use. Do you think the 115mm x 161-168cm would accommodate my 169s? I would prefer to go shorter than longer if possible.
I am looking at using these skins for my 169 icelantic riveters 95. I am right on cusp for length. Knowing that most skins stretch over time I don't want to get a skin that starts too long and cant absorb lengthening from use. Do you think the 115mm x 161-168cm would accommodate my 169s? I would prefer to go shorter than longer if possible.
12/17/2021
Hi Cara,
I put the 161-168's on another pair of skis that were 169cm in length and there was an extra couple of centimeters to spare. Do it! I hope that helps.
I put the 161-168's on another pair of skis that were 169cm in length and there was an extra couple of centimeters to spare. Do it! I hope that helps.
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5/13/2021
Hey,
Voile Vector V6 BC 183 cm - 124, 100, 109 Which Contour Hybrid skin?
Thanks in advance for the help..
Best Regards,
Krap
Voile Vector V6 BC 183 cm - 124, 100, 109 Which Contour Hybrid skin?
Thanks in advance for the help..
Best Regards,
Krap
5/14/2021
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.
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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.
Comment on this review:
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.
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
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!
1/22/2021
Thanks for reaching out! I'd say there may be chance it might work depending on the tip shape of your next ski, what model are you considering?
1/22/2021
The Contour Hybrid Mix Skins 135mm in 161-168 length
1/22/2021
Oh, ha, you meant ski model. Nothing in mind right now but will never have a longer ski than a 165.
1/23/2021
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
I have QST 106 x 174 cm what would be the best option for skins ?
1/20/2021
Hey Jet, the 135mmX 169cm-177cm should work quite well for you.
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1/6/2021
Hi I was wondering what is the 115 universal? does it fit the DPS Pagoda Tour 106 155 cm?
Thanks!
Thanks!
1/6/2021
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!
1/6/2021
Thanks for your quick response! Does it come with the brackets and atachments?
1/6/2021
For sure, it absolutely does!
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1/2/2021
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!
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!
1/2/2021
Hi Tay,
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.
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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