The ski touring skin with the wondrous name "Multi Fit Fell Mixed Mohair" with "Cobra Twin"-tensioning system" conquers the mountain world of the Montafon with me. Even if the full product name does not seem very convincing to me, its reputation precedes it as an inexpensive, consistently good ski touring skin with all-round properties. In this test, you can find out whether I can confirm this reputation or whether the Cobra has bitten me.
Data
Manufacturer: Kohla
Model: Multi Fit skin mixed mohair with "Cobra Twin" tensioning system, width: 110mm
Material: 70% mohair, 30% polyamide
Total weight: approx. 500 grams
Price (RRP): 126.- Euro
Practical test
Handling:: ***
The Cobra Twin tensioning system guarantees easy handling. You start skinning at the ski tail and tighten the skin over the ski tip with the help of a loop - which can also be gripped with gloves.
The Multifit skin can be adjusted to any ski in terms of both length and width. The length is determined by fixing the end hook and the width by cutting it to size. An inexperienced skier may find that the skins fray a little on the sides when cutting, which only detracts from the look. Unfortunately, the slightly outdated fastening system catches snow at the front of the front hook and this also tends to slip off the ski if you don't walk properly (which can happen with wide skis in narrow touring tracks). In addition to the skins, the scope of delivery includes a separating net, a skin bag, a cutting knife and a template as well as a manual with information about the material, cutting, care and storage.
Climbing performance
Climbing properties: ****
Gliding properties: ****
Gliding properties: ****
Bump tendency: ****
Water absorption: *** The ascent performance of the Multifit skins made of 70% mohair and 30% polyamide with the Cobra Twin tensioning system leaves nothing to be desired. Whether powder, crushed harsh or small ice surfaces, the skin holds. Only in steep terrain on fresh drift snow do you occasionally slip, but which skins would hold up here? During the ascent, for unknown reasons, a holder on the tip came loose once; once refitted, the Cobra held without any further incidents. There was little evidence of good gliding properties at the beginning of the test, but this improved considerably during use. The stickiness of the skins is impeccable and did not change noticeably when the skins were put on and taken off. It is worth mentioning that the skins can be removed from both the release net and the ski without any great effort. There was no stud tendency to be detected. The areas where the skins absorb water are clearly visible on the adhesive side, but this does not significantly affect the low overall weight. The skin bag is very tight. Test conditions: Ascent in very changeable conditions of powder, broken snow, fresh drift snow and icy touring tracks in places. Temperatures from 7° to -4° C.
Conclusion
The Multifit made of 70% mohair and 30% polyamide with the Cobra Twin tensioning system is a very, very decent ski touring skin. It offers good ascent performance and is easy to handle. Points of criticism are the slipping front hook and the limited length flexibility. Positives: Easy handling, low overall weight, good adhesive properties and still easy to remove, inexpensive Weaknesses: Only slight length adjustment possible, front hook tends to slip off