#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
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#10 on this list
GlideLite Mix STS
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond GlideLite Mix STS bridges the gap between Black Diamond's ultra-durable, high-friction nylon skins and the fast-gliding characteristics demanded by modern ski tourers. It is suited for everyday touring skiers who want better glide performance than the burly Ascension, but still require the secure STS tail hardware and robust construction that Black Diamond is known for. The plush is woven from a 65% mohair and 35% nylon blend, a construction that substantially reduces forward sliding friction compared to all-synthetic skins. This makes extended approaches and low-angle logging roads far less fatiguing. Black Diamond's STS tail hardware remains one of the most reliable adjustment systems on the market, offering 10 centimeters of length adjustment and a secure camming clip that stays firmly anchored to ski tails. While the GlideLite Mix packs down considerably smaller than pure nylon skins, it is still slightly heavier and stiffer than minimalist European models from Pomoca. The glue is also quite aggressive out of the box, requiring strong transition mechanics until broken in. Nonetheless, it represents an outstanding, field-proven all-around skin with predictable handling. **Highlights** * 65/35 mohair-nylon mix balances smooth glide with reliable uphill bite * Industry-standard STS tail clip provides 10 cm of secure, reliable length adjustment * Noticeably lighter and more packable than traditional 100% nylon skins * Tough backing material holds up well against repeated edge contact **Watch-outs** * Aggressive glue requires extra physical effort to pull apart during initial use * Bulkier than comparable lightweight mohair blends
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Tour Explore | GlideLite Mix STS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Plush Blend | — | 65% Mohair, 35% Nylon |
| Tail Hardware | — | STS clip with 10 cm adjustment |
| Tip Attachment | — | Adjustable steel wire bail |
| Primary Focus | — | Balanced all-around backcountry touring |
| Adhesive Type | — | Traditional hot-melt adhesive |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
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
GlideLite Mix STS
- Noticeably smoother forward glide than traditional pure-nylon climbing skins
- Proven STS tail hardware provides ten centimeters of secure length adjustment
- Durable 65/35 hybrid plush resists wear along ski edges and across abrasive snow
- Dependable adhesive retention prevents edge peel in deep or frigid snow
- Factory glue is extremely aggressive and physically demanding to separate when new
- Heavier and packs down bulkier than thin-membrane European alternatives
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.