#7 on this list
Ascension
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Ascension is a staple of the backcountry touring world, built for skiers who place absolute priority on durability, steep-track climbing security, and bulletproof glue. It is an ideal tool for ski patrollers, guides, and everyday tourers who log heavy mileage across abrasive terrain, thin early-season cover, and frozen snowpacks where delicate lightweight skins quickly deteriorate. The Ascension relies on a 100% nylon plush that provides tenacious mechanical grip. It digs into slick skin tracks with unyielding authority, allowing skiers to hold steep lines that would have mohair skins slipping backward. Black Diamond's gold-standard hot-melt glue creates an aggressive bond with ski bases, preventing edge roll or mid-tour peeling even when repeatedly applied in frigid mountain conditions. The compromises of this bombproof construction are mass and resistance. At approximately 1 pound 10 ounces for a standard cut pair, the Ascension is among the heaviest and bulkiest skins on the market. It exhibits high friction on flat approaches, demanding more physical effort with every forward stride. Furthermore, the aggressive glue requires strong hands during transitions. **Highlights** * 100% nylon plush provides exceptional traction on steep, hard-packed tracks * Ultra-durable construction stands up to rocky lines and heavy seasonal use * Legendary high-tack glue ensures rock-solid adhesion in extreme cold * Robust STS tail clip provides wide-range tension adjustment **Watch-outs** * High pack volume and heavy overall carry weight * Very limited glide efficiency on flat or rolling terrain
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#8 on this list
Sky Skins Mohair Mix Persistence
Big
The Big Sky Skins Mohair Mix Persistence is designed for discerning backcountry users who demand an uncompromising balance of adhesive reliability and smooth glide. Produced with a focus on high-grade construction materials, this skin is aimed at dedicated tourers who log big elevation days and need an adhesive that reliably performs across multiple laps without leaving messy residue on ski bases. The plush features a 65% mohair and 35% nylon composition, an optimal ratio that leans slightly toward glide while preserving critical durability and lateral edge grip. Weighing in at approximately 498 grams per pair, the Persistence is lightweight and compresses compactly into a jacket or touring pack. Independent testing regularly praises the formulation of Big Sky's glue, which provides firm, gap-free contact with the ski base without requiring exhausting effort to separate at transitions. Because Big Sky Skins operates on a more specialized scale than mega-brands, availability can occasionally be limited depending on the retailer. Furthermore, while the 65/35 mix glides smoothly, tourers breaking trail in deep, heavy wet snow will need to manage wax applications to keep the fibers from loading up with moisture. **Highlights** * 65/35 mohair-nylon blend delivers an excellent ratio of glide to traction * Superior glue formulation provides strong hold without aggressive residue * Relatively low measured weight at 498 grams per pair * Low-profile hardware fits cleanly across modern ski tip profiles **Watch-outs** * Can have more limited retail availability than mainstream brands * Requires proactive maintenance in damp, freezing-to-thawing conditions
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Ascension | Sky Skins Mohair Mix Persistence |
|---|---|---|
| Plush Material | 100% nylon | — |
| Weight | 1 lb. 10 oz. (133mm x 180cm) | — |
| Tail Attachment | Adjustable STS tail clip | — |
| Tip Attachment | Low-profile wire loop | — |
| Price Point | Around $170 | — |
| Primary Characteristic | Maximum grip and durability | — |
| Plush Blend | — | 65% mohair / 35% nylon |
| Measured Weight | — | 498 g per pair |
| Adhesive Type | — | Proprietary hot-melt glue |
| MSRP | — | Around $210 |
| Target Use | — | All-around backcountry ski touring |
| Manufacturer | — | Big Sky Mountain Products |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Ascension
- Uncompromising mechanical grip on steep, icy skin tracks
- Bombproof 100% nylon plush resists rock abrasion and edge wear
- High-tack glue maintains aggressive adhesion in bitter cold
- STS tail system provides ten centimeters of length adjustment
- Noticeable friction and sluggish glide on flat approaches
- Heavy carry weight and high pack volume inside touring bags
- Very aggressive adhesive requires significant effort to pull apart
Sky Skins Mohair Mix Persistence
- Glue provides excellent tack without requiring exhausting separation effort
- Balanced 65/35 mohair-nylon plush delivers low glide resistance and solid grip
- Reliable adhesion during cold transitions without leaving residue on bases
- Measured pair weight of 498 grams keeps pack weight and bulk low
- More limited brick-and-mortar retail availability than major brands
- Plush requires diligent wax treatment to avoid glopping in wet spring snow
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