#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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#9 on this list
Tour Explore
Pomoca
The Pomoca Tour Explore is crafted as an accessible entry point into Pomoca's renowned climbing skin catalog. Geared toward intermediate ski tourers and recreational backcountry travelers, it delivers the dependable baseline characteristics of the brand's premium models at a more palatable price point of approximately $220. It serves as a reliable workhorse for routine morning dawn patrols and weekend backcountry tours. Constructed with a 70% mohair and 30% nylon plush, the Tour Explore retains the smooth glide and natural stride efficiency that makes blended skins so desirable. While it utilizes a slightly thicker, heavier backing material than the top-ranked Free Pro, this added structural substance translates directly into improved tear resistance and overall durability against sharp ski edges. The standard Pomoca adhesive ensures dependable cold-weather sticking power while releasing cleanly during transitions. The slight increase in material thickness means the Tour Explore does not pack down quite as small as higher-end lightweight models, and its overall weight is marginally higher. However, for backcountry travelers seeking proven Swiss engineering and dependable glide without pushing past the mid-$200 mark, it is a sensible choice. **Highlights** * 70/30 mohair-nylon plush offers effortless glide over flat and rolling terrain * Lower price point than Pomoca's high-end Pro series skins * Robust backing fabric resists wear, fraying, and edge abrasions * Dependable glue formula performs consistently across standard winter temps **Watch-outs** * Bulkier and heavier to pack away than ultralight variants * Factory plush waterproofing requires periodic refreshing over long seasons
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Sky Skins Mohair Mix Persistence | Tour Explore |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Plush Material | — | 70% Mohair, 30% Nylon |
| Retail Price | — | Around $220 |
| Plush Character | — | Glide-biased mixed fiber |
| Target Skier | — | Recreational and intermediate tourers |
| Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Hardware | — | Adjustable tip loop and tail clip |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
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
Tour Explore
- Efficient forward glide from the 70/30 mohair-nylon blend
- Stout backing provides excellent resistance against edge cuts
- Balanced adhesive releases cleanly without wrestling during transitions
- More budget-friendly than Pomoca's premium ultralight models
- Bulkier and heavier inside a touring pack than high-end skins
- Requires cleaner stride technique on icy tracks than pure nylon
- Plush water-repellent coating requires occasional reapplication
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.