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Best Skin Width for 4FRNT EHP 186

  • 2012-11-11 22:12:31

    Hi,

    I'm new to backcounty skiing and I'm not sure what size of skins I should get. Hopefully I'm not asking a question that's been answered before; I have been unable to find any clear answer to my questions.

    I have 4FRNT EHP skis, which are 129-116-123. I'm buying skins for them right now and the two options for me are 115mm and 130mm. Since they don't have much sidecut to them, I am wondering if the 115mm would be better since they wouldn't need to be cut. Or would it be better to just get the 130mm to have maximum converage?

    Thanks Smile


  • 2012-11-12 01:33:46

    Since you're new to ski touring, here is the best advice you'll get this year: Don't buy G3 skins, they simply suck.

    The better popular option is the Black Diamond mix: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/.....-skins.jsp

    Get those in 125mm and trim as necessary.

    Although G3 skins suck, their trim tool is awesome. Very well spent 4 bucks: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/.....m-tool.jsp

    When you trim, you take out about 2mm on each side for you edges. Also, you generally taper a bit the skins under the tip. So according to your specs, the widest you might need would be 125mm. You could easily get away with 120mm after tapering the front. The tail's wide point will be 119mm. When you cut your skins lenghtwise, make sure you get the most coverage all the way to the tail. Some companies sell their skins presized and sometimes you end up with about 10cm of tail showing. 

  • 2012-11-12 18:21:00

    I'd say a 130 might even make more sense. Then you'd be sure to have edge to edge coverage. Trimming is pretty easy but, if you are intimidated, your local ski tech can do it for you cheap. Like, six-pack cheap. I cut skins for an asymmetrical pair of skis and made a biiiiig mess. Your situation sounds a more simple. Welcome to the wonderful world of ski touring Mr. Puma.