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    • Fischer Profoil

    Fischer Profoil

    Mohair, synthetic and blended fibres all have their own unique grip/glide properties when it comes to climbing skins, and backcountry skiers are polarized into several camps as to which is the best option. There’s a new contender in the climbing skin market that falls into none of these categories: the Fischer ProFoil. Notice that Fischer doesn’t even call the ProFoil a skin. That’s because it’s not. It’s a piece of textured plastic that adheres to the base of your skis just like a skin, except there’s no hair involved, of any kind. Think cross country fish scaled pattern, and you’re on the right track. In fact, Fischer developed the ProFoil through what they learned from years of perfecting the technology used in their cross country skis.

    Fischer Profoil

    Traditional nylon and mohair skins have friction when they glide, and collect snow and water throughout the day which adds considerable weight (they need to be dried after each use). The ProFoil, on the other hand, glides like a ski and doesn’t absorb moisture which avoids “glopping”, or the accumulation under your skins when the snow turns warm and wet.

    With a texture like this, it's no wonder they grip so well.

    Fischer Profoil
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEO

    Thanks to the low-friction-coefficient of the ProFoil base material it’s said that you can lengthen your stride by up to 20%, which theoretically means improved efficiency and less energy output. However, just because they glide better than traditional skins that doesn’t mean they sacrifice grip when climbing. Fischer’s “Crown Grip Technology” means the scales are arranged in a crown pattern which maximizes grip, and not in a traditional perpendicular pattern. The ProFoils also fit your skis differently: unlike traditional skins which leave the ski’s edges exposed, the ProFoils fit edge to edge to provide even more grip and glide.

    Fischer has also developed a unique attachment system which they call the “Fischer Fast Fix”. This is an ultra-simple and effective attachment at the tip and tail which adds minimal weight and doesn’t affect the speed at which you can attach and remove the ProFoils—even if you wish to perform the fancy skin-peal method while leaving your skis on.

    Currently, the ProFoil is only available for Fischer skis in a pre-cut format, so you won’t be able to try them out on your current ski set up. That is until next season, when Fisher will allegedly be offering them in a customizable version for any brand of ski. Because this is a departure from traditional skins its important to learn how to use them properly. Watch that video at the bottom of this review and below watch the video overview from the SIA show:

    Features:

    - Crown Glide offers 20% longer and faster stride due to the lower friction coefficient of the ProFoil base material.
    - Crown Grip provides maximum grip in all types of snow conditions.
    - Doesn't absorb water and therefore will stay dry in all conditions and remain lightweight.
    - No drying required after your ski tour.

    The tip clip is simple and genius.

    Fischer Profoil
    Fischer Profoil

    The tail clip is robust and functional.

    Fischer Profoil
    Fischer Profoil

    Verdict:

    I applaud any new innovation, even if it isn’t 100% successful right out of the gate. The ProFoil is by all accounts a truly innovative product, and also (in my opinion) a very successful one. It’s one of those “why didn’t someone think of this sooner” inventions. Not only do the ProFoils provide more than enough grip and glide, they pack down smaller and don’t weigh as much as traditional skins. In my testing, the ProFoils weighed 563g for the 95mm underfoot version, which had been pre-fitted for the Fischer Hannibal Skis. A comparable, traditional Black Diamond skin weighed in at 793g, while my glueless Evotec skins (the lightest skins I have used to date) came in at 580g. That’s a nice chunk of weight savings: approximately 230g over a traditional glue skin or roughly a 30% savings.

    I tested the ProFoils over several backcountry ski days around Whitewater Ski Resort here in the Southern Selkirks, where I encountered fresh powder and compact skin tracks. I didn’t, however, encounter any extremely cold temperatures or solid snow/ice. These are two variables that I cannot factor into my assessment of the Profoils: how they would grip on ice, or how the glue will hold up in very cold temps. I can say that the ProFoil, like traditional skins, did have some slip on steeper skin tracks and under certain snow conditions. But I did find that stamping the ski and ProFoil into the skin track (much like you would with a traditional skin) provides increased traction and grip. I also did some testing on really steep snow slopes in order to make the ProFoil purposely lose traction and slide back down the slope. Not only did the ProFoil hold a little longer, it didn’t slip down the slope nearly as far, leading me to conclude that the ProFoil offers better traction than the traditional skins I used as comparison.

    I really like the fact that I don’t have to dry the ProFoils overnight after a day of ski touring—a simple shake and wipe down removes any excess moisture. And since the polyethylene construction doesn’t absorb water, it keeps them light and also eliminates any glopping. I also liked that the ProFoils packed down smaller than traditional skins, leaving more room in my pack for other things.

    The only real downside to the Fischer ProFoils is that you have to use a separator sheet to ensure that there is no glue-on-glue contact, otherwise the glue is compromised. Again, watch this video to ensure you know how to use the ProFoils before your first use:

    The separator sheet is a bit of extra work to use, and it’s also likely the skins might get lost because the sheet is small and clear in colour. A bright yellow sheet would be easier to spot when it’s sitting on the snow. However, it won’t solve the issue of the separator sheet being blown away in the wind if you are not mindful.

    Overall, the ProFoils are an innovative, easy-to-use, lightweight/packable alternative to traditional climbing skins. I would highly recommend considering them if you are in the market for new skins. (I reviewed the Fischer ProFoils on the Fischer Hannibal 100 Skis, for that review click on over here.)

    Packability is one of the ProFoil's strengths.

    Fischer Profoil

    Update Dec 2016:

    Well, the rumours are true; Fischer now makes ProFoils that fit ski brands other than exclusively Fischer. This opens up the market for the Profoil, and will give more people the opportunity to try them on their existing AT setup. Fischer sent me a pair, and I quickly got to work cutting them to fit my Volkl V-werk BMT 109 skis. Trimming the Profoils is the same as trimming any skins, you just need to apply a little more force to cut through the plastic material. But since you can trim them edge to edge it’s a pretty straight forward process. Fischer includes a plastic utility knife (which is a little flimsy for the job) so I used an all metal knife that could better endure the added forces I’d be exerting on it. There are four widths to choose from, and up to five lengths within each width option, so you are guaranteed to find a Profoil that works for you.

    Tip 'cobra' connector front and back.

    Fischer ProFoil
    Fischer ProFoil
    Tail 'i-clip' connector front and back.
    Fischer ProFoil
    Fischer ProFoil
    Be sure to use the protector sheet every time you fold up the Profoils, otherwise you'll quickly ruin the glue.
    Fischer ProFoil
    Once trimmed, the Profoils work the same as mentioned above in the full review, the only difference being that the tip and tail connectors now work with any skis. Located on the tip of the Profoil is Fischer's 'cobra' attachment device, which is a simple bail design. The tails feature a standard clip attachment; Fischer calls this an 'i-clip' and makes it out of plastic. Both the tip and tail clip are simple in design and seem robust enough to last for many seasons.

    Although the Profoils are considerably more expensive than traditional mohair or nylon climbing skins, their benefits should justify the added cost. I’ll be running these new custom-cut Profoils for the duration of the season, so be sure to check back for my full report on how they performed over the long haul.

    Below you can see the attempt at making the ProFoils work after the glue had failed. I had to skin over a ridge to get back to the resort, it was not fun. This day it was -15°C and the glue completely failed, even after re-warming they failed again. So far I've had nothing but success on milder days be be wary on very cold days. Even keeping the ProFoils warm in my jacket when skiing didn't help.
    Fischer ProFoil

    Specs:

    Price: $299.99CAN / $275US
    Widths: 88, 94, 100, 130mm
    Lengths: 88mm - 156, 163, 170, 177, 184cm.  94mm - 170, 174, 184cm. 100mm - 170. 180. 190cm. 130mm - 150, 159, 167, 176, 184, 190cm

    The low profile folded shape of the Profoils takes up less space in your pack.
    Fischer ProFoil

    PROS:

    • Great traction and glide.
    • Peals off skis super easily.
    • Packs down small and flat.
    • No water absorption on wet snow days, and therefore no need to dry out after your ski tour.
    • Tip and tail clips are minimal in design and easy to use.
       

    CONS:

    • Have to use a separator sheet to prevent glue on glue contact. This is easy to lose since its clear in colour.
    • Can be a little squeaky on certain snow conditions.
    • The glue does not work when it's colder than -10°C out.
    • Snow migrates under the ProFoils at the folds.
    • Tail clip slides under pressure and can come loose over time.
    • Pricier than traditional skins.​

    SPECS:

    Price: $269.99 CAN
    Lengths: 172/180/188 cm
    Dimensions: 132/98/122mm
    Weight: 563g / 1.24lb
    Material: Polyethylene

    RATING: 7.5/10

    Grip/Glide         2/2
    Glue                  .5/2
    Attachments    1.5/2
    Weight               2/2
    Quality / Price   1.5/2

    buy backcountry skiing gear


    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation.

    • Mark Langley
      December 14, 2016 12:27
      #
      The "foil",  or separator sheet, is only about 12 or 18" long (30-45cm), so it is very easy to tuck into a pocket to keep from blowing away. The full-length strip that comes on them when you first buy them is not the separator sheet. I really wish they were brightly colored.

      Can't emphasize enough that you do not fold them anything like a regular skin! Watch the video here or this one

      After practicing a couple times, the first day I used them in the field I was able put them on both skis (Hannibal 94) in a little under 2 minutes.

      I used them several days last season and have been very happy with them so far.
    • Backcountry Skiing Canada Admin
      December 14, 2016 16:51
      #
      Thanks for your comments Mark. I've been using a pair all season and really like them. Great grip and glide and they fold nice and flat. The trick with the separator sheet is to un-clip the tail first and before you do a complete skin peel put on the separator sheet on the tail and then fold them as you take them off. Super slick and you are not having to fumble with the skin and separator.
    • Mark Langley
      May 29, 2018 08:49
      #
      I just wanted to touch base about my long-term experience with the Profoil skins on my Hannibals. I've used them for 3 seasons, but only about 10 days/year. I had my first set replaced (warranty) before this season because it started to tear a bit at the fold. The new pair had some definite improvements in the hardware (tail hook and tip attachment) and the design (the tapered cut at the tail). Overall I really like them for a lot of reasons. 

      But...they just aren't holding up. There are 3 main problems in my view: 
      • They get cupped. The edges curl up, exposing the glue to all the contaminants in the snow, they then lose their stick along the edges. Photo here
      • The glue is not strong enough to make them sit flat on the bases where the folds are. This also allows snow and water to intrude.
      • If the bases are at all wet there is no stick whatsoever.

      The real bummer here is that the time when these skins would really excel is in wet conditions, like spring skiing. Unfortunately that is when these issues present the greatest problems, especially when putting skins on and off. A week ago they failed completely putting a skin track up a pretty steep slope in warm conditions. We had climbed, ripped our skins to ski down, then put them back on to ski up. I had to use ski straps to keep them in place. Photo here

      Love the concept, but there are still some pretty significant bugs to work out.

      ​
      • Backcountry Skiing Canada Admin
        June 15, 2018 07:29
        #
        I'd have to agree with everything you said. On the bright side I have seen the next generation ProFoilat Winter Outdoor Retailer and they are now made from a flexible plastic material so this should solve most of these issues.

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