The concept of short skins isn't new, it has been here for ages. Several other XC manufacturers have similar products. What is new about the new Asnes short skins is that they are integrated into the ski, removable, and these ones are made of mohair. Plus, it's probably the skinniest skins you can find on the market. The Asnes Short Skins are produced by the renowned skin manufacturer Coll-Tex in Switzerland. The skin is made of 100% Mohair for optimal speed and grip. Mohair skins have a somewhat better glide than Nylon and mixed skins, however, a slightly less durability.
But my first worry was the metal attachment piece, which goes under the ski. While Fischer's EasySkin system has a seamless attachment under the ski, the Asnes system does have a metal plate, flat on the P-Tex. Well, it turned out that this is not an issue at all. Honestly, I could not feel any drag or friction from the plate on snow. Even on groomed tracks, I doubt anyone could actually feel that there is a plate there. The position of the plate must have been calculated accordingly on all Asnes skis.
They perform exactly as expected. They offer a lot of traction despite their narrow width. For climbing, they didn't seem to offer a lot more more traction than a waxless ski. And even they are made of mohair, I could definitely feel the drag (and the sound) on the descent. But I think where they really shine, and the main purpose of this product is actually for kick and glide. For XC skiing of the flats, they are very efficient. They offer better traction than wax in any kind of condition. I skied them in 2 feet of powder, on hardpack and on very icy ski tracks. They give you the grip you need, no matter the weather or the snow temperature. Kicking and gliding on ice was a new experience to me...! I couldn't feel the drag while releasing the camber and gliding. Well, a XC racing guy would probably notice the difference, but for me and recreational purposes, I could not feel any disadvantage over wax. Only better kick! But I have to admit I am a slow XC skier.
For better glide, Asnes recommend to impregnate the skin with silicon, which I will try later in the season. I'm very, very happy with the skins. It's a perfect addition for people looking for more traction or when carrying heavy loads. It's also perfect for those who do not want to play with wax. For me, I think the 35mm Mohair Skins will stay on my skis permanently.
Unfortunately, the 35mm mohairs don't seem to be available in North America yet. Maybe the best thing to do is to ask for them at your local store or distributor so they can start carrying them in the near future.
