Skiing: How to Trim Black Diamond Skins

[@richardalden939]

Thanks for the warnings about screws breaking! Here's how I avoided that: 1) After cutting the skins to length, slide the tip on and center it, then mark the hole locations on the plush side by poking a fine-tip marking pen through the screw holes. 2) Remove the tip, then punch the holes out with a leather hole punch. Make sure you remove the tiny 'plugs' of skin from the holes. 3) Slide the tip back on and firmly drive the screws. I do not recommend using a drill driver, but be sure to use the correct size Phillips screwdriver. Also, a block of Styrofoam underneath works well to support the tip while driving the screws; it won't crush under the pressure, but unlike a wood block, it will pop off easily when it's time to break off the screw ends. And definitely use the G3 trim tool, it's ridiculously fast and easy, and is available separately for about four or five bucks.

[@johnchavez6724]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. For what its worth, i found it easier to cut and maintain the edge by starting from the back of the ski and working my way forward. Well done, thanks.

[@mofi3641]

Step1: buy pomoca skins in the right length 2: Use pomoca Tool for trimming 3: ready After 1-2 min

[@precariousbyte]

Step 4: Buy a G3 trim tool.

[@tilioforeign]

precariousbyte that is true, the BD tool sucks

[@lucasweber4300]

hello. Is there any problem if i buy a 125 mm skin to use in a 129-100-119 ski? I would very much appreciate your advice. im between the Pomoca Climb 2.0 130mm and de BD ascension 125.

[@TheOldTownInn]

I broke off two screws and tried to smash the imbedded piece flat with a hammer so it did not scratch my skies or me. not such a great resolution :(

[@gowiththefluer]

happened to me too

[@wholebird]

I've fitted skins to skis since 1982, and this is easily the worst way I've seen it done. Three tiny screws to hold the skin on? WHY? (And it is NOT easy to run those screws through that hard plastic: I had to drill out the holes slightly). It's so much easier to use a plain tip loop, and just fold the skin over it, sticking the glue sides together: infinitely adjustable, super easy, and bomber strong (no length cutting). And why did they cut the skin width at the tail that way? It removes a critical chunk of tail traction for no apparent reason. Forget the trim tool: a utility knife with fresh blade is more accurate. Yes; the G3 tool is even better (has an offset so you can cut both sides without re-positioning the skin). C'mon BD, get it together.

[@guyerkatie]

Anyone else having issues with the screws breaking as you screw them in?

[@atlskier]

Katie Guyer I know this is from like 10 months ago, but yeah, the screws break off every time. apparently it really only works if you have a drill. I took my broken screws and everything to the BD store in SLC, and they seem to be aware of the problem. they ended up doing the tip loop for me, saying that you pretty much need a drill. I don't really understand this as all of the guides and instructions show a screwdriver and I've fitted these skins before and had no issues.

[@paull6762]

I'm also a bit late replying but I use a regular screw to get through the skins, once I start feeling the screw on the other side or when I start getting a moderate amount of resistance I back off and use the provided screws.

[@djc7039]

I was very careful not to break the screws but ended up stripping the phillips head on the first 3. Will go to the hardware store to get a matching thread to pre-thread before using the provided screws, hope REI has replacement screws,. If not I will hacksaw off hardware store screws.

[@danmacfarlane1348]

I just tried this and the first screw broke at the break-off point when it was about half way in. It was very difficult to to get out so I could try again. My advise is this: before placing the tip loop on the skin, take one of the screws and carefully screw it into and out of each hole. If they get too tight, unscrew and try again. This will thread the plastic so that when it is attached to the skin there will be much less chance of things going wrong.

[@timonphillips5803]

What is the ski mounting clamp gizmo? That look pretty handy.

[@alextheromanian]

whats the point of the skin?

[@rei]

Great question Alex. Skins are used in alpine touring and allow users to travel uphill with the proper skis. You can learn more here: www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backcountry-travel.html. Have fun on the slopes!

[@alextheromanian]

REI thanks for the reply I’ve been embarrassed to ask. I’ve been skiing casually since childhood but I grew up in a third world. Naturally 99% of people rent in poor countries since they can’t afford to buy and rentals are easily accessible and cheap. This led me growing up skiing in the 90s using 70s and early 80s gear. Now that I’m older and still ski, I find so many different kinds of gear and accessories are available and it’s weird asking at times. But very glad to see the sport thrive and become probably the most fun thing to get excited for in a season when many don’t even like leaving the house

[@jonfyfazan]

👏👌⛷🇳🇴🤠

[@timonphillips5803]

What is the ski mounting clamp gizmo? That look pretty handy.