The traditional Swiss ski touring manufacturer Colltex was a pioneer in 1968, shaking up the ski touring world with innovative adhesive skins. Nowadays, the Swiss are trying to win over off-piste skiers with the split skin "Split Freeride". A skin that fits on different skis and yet can be used anywhere is intended to open up new horizons away from the tracked variants near the slopes.
Data
Manufacturer: Colltex
Model: Colltex Split Freeride, 2 x 38 mm
Dimensions: Width: 2 x 38 mm, Length: 200 cm
Material: 100% mohair
Weight: 500 grams
Price (RRP): 119.90 euros
Practical test
Handling:**
The attachment bracket is child's play to use, fits on the vast majority of freeride skis and stays where it belongs. There is no end hook, the skin should hold here even without an end hook. If the temperatures are not arctic and you are not trying to set any altitude records, the skin stays where you stuck it beforehand. However, a clean touring stride is recommended. The big advantage of a split skin is also the big disadvantage here, as two strips of skin have to be removed from each ski, glued on and then glued back onto the separating foils. This takes about twice as long as with a standard skin, which can lead to cold fingers and impatiently waiting touring partners. The skin is delivered ready to use, you only need to cut it to the appropriate ski length with the enclosed knife. Storage bag, care instructions and adhesive foil are included.
Ascent performance
Gliding properties: ****
Climbing properties: ***
Bump tendency: ****
Water absorption: ****
Stickiness: *** The ascent performance is astonishingly good and is almost in no way inferior to a standard skin when skied cleanly. With very wide skis, you just have to make sure that the skin has contact with the base at the edges of the ski. The adhesive properties are satisfactory, even after repeated application and removal the skin remains where it should be. The adhesive residue on the ski is acceptable. When walking imprecisely or in difficult snow conditions, there is a risk that the skin will come off the ski more quickly than with end hooks due to the lack of end hooks. For this reason, a more adhesive glue would be important and more confidence-inspiring. As with the classic Colltex cut-to-size skins, the climbing properties are good, and the low tendency to clog and water absorption are just as pleasant. However, as the split skin is made of 100% mohair, it requires good care. Test conditions: Ascent in changeable conditions of powder, surface frost, firn, broken harsh snow. Medium to high temperatures from -4° to 10° Celcius, maximum 2 ascents per tour.
Conclusion
The Colltex Split Freeride is a very good ski touring skin, but it shows the expected strengths and weaknesses of a split skin. The good all-round properties are somewhat dampened by the awkward handling with the four strips of skin to be attached. At the same time, however, the great variability of the split skin is a major advantage. We recommend the skin rather for short and maximum medium-length ascents for freeride variants. The lack of end hooks and the awkward attachment could lead to problems on more difficult tours. On the other hand, the skin can be used on many different skis, which is particularly attractive because a well-maintained skin will outlast a standard freeride ski. Positives: Inexpensive, lightweight, good split skin for short and medium-length ascents
Negatives: In need of care, cumbersome handling typical of split skins, no attachment at the end of the ski
