In the middle of the season, exhibitions are being held all over the country where manufacturers are unveiling their new models for the 2023-24 season. This time, we spoke to POMOCA, a popular brand known for its skins, essential for backcountry skiing, at the SNOW SPORTS Joint Exhibition (held from February 14th at Pacifico Yokohama)
POMOCA is a top Swiss ski seal brand that has been chosen by mountain professionals such as athletes in ski races around the world, as well as mountain guides and mountain rescue teams, for over 80 years since its founding. With the recent backcountry movement, POMOCA's presence in Japan has only grown
All product names have been changed to make them easier to understand!
The biggest change for POMOCA in the 2023-2024 season is that all of the product names have been changed. Previously, the names were confusing and made it difficult to grasp the product's characteristics, but they have been changed to simpler names that are easier for users to understand
For example, the most popular model in the POMOCA stickers was named "CLIME PRO S GLIDE" in the "CLIME" category. While "CLIME" (for climbing) and "PRO" (for professional use) were fine, it was difficult to understand what "S GLIDE" meant, and it was hard to remember the model name. To make it clear in one word, the category name was changed from "CLIME" to "TOUR," and the model name was made simple and easy to understand as "TOUR PRO."
The previous model, "CLIME2.0," has been renamed "TOUR EXPLORE" to indicate that it is an entry-level model, as the "2.0" part is confusing. The "FREE" category will retain its name, but the previous "FREE2.0" model has been renamed "FREE EXPLORE" to indicate that it is an entry-level model, as the "2.0" part is confusing. The "FREE PRO 2.0" has been renamed "FREE PRO."
Now you can clearly see the glide and grip strength numerically!
There's one other big change for the 2023-2024 season. The new catalog now includes grip and glide figures, which weren't previously included in the catalog. These figures were calculated by POMOCA, and are based on tests conducted by the company. The "glide force" is the number of calories burned by sliding the skis per hour, and the "grip force" is the amount of grip per cm²
For example, the most popular TOUR PRO burns 213 kcal/h per hour, while the FREE EXPLORE, which is made of 100% nylon and has the best grip, burns 294 kcal/h per hour - a clear difference. In other words, the TOUR PRO uses less energy even when walking (climbing). The FREE EXPLORE has high grip and is non-slip, making it easy to climb and easy to handle for beginners
TOUR PRO
65% Mohair / 35% Nylon
GLIDE: 213 kcal/h
GRIP: 52 g/cm²
Width: 120mm ¥30,800 (tax included) | 140mm ¥34,100 (tax included)
POMOCA's best-selling model. Boasting high water repellency and durability for long tours
FREE EXPLORE
100% Nylon
GLIDE: 294 kcal/h
GRIP: 54 g/cm²
Width: 123mm ¥30,800 (tax included) | 140mm ¥34,100 (tax included)
The 100% nylon material provides stable grip even when walking on seals for long periods of time
The FREE PRO, which is just as popular as the TOUR PRO, has a glide force of 200 kcal/h and a grip force of 45 g/cm², which is better than the TOUR PRO's 213 kcal/h, providing better glide and a smoother ride. Because it moves more smoothly and with less energy, even a difference of a few centimeters in the distance of each step can make a big difference over the course of hours on a long tour. Meanwhile, the grip force drops slightly from 52/cm² to 45/cm², but this is something we can make up for with our experience
FREE PRO
Formula POMOCA (Nylon Mohair Mix)
GLIDE: 200 kcal/h
GRIP: 45g/cm²
Width: 123mm ¥30,800 (tax included) | 140mm ¥34,100 (tax included)
Lightweight and compact nylon mohair for freeride skiers
Now that the properties and capabilities of skins can be clearly understood numerically, it's easy for users to choose skins based on what they prioritize in the backcountry, which is very convenient. However, since the differences can't be sensed intuitively just by looking at the numbers, it's best to actually try them out in a shop. There are big differences in thickness and durability, so you'll be able to feel the difference for yourself
If mountain guides and rescue teams are going to carry seals, it's best to keep them as compact as possible. The TOUR PRO is also very compact and small in terms of capacity. Also, for long tours or multiple climbs in a day, something with high water repellency and durability is desirable. With that in mind, the TOUR PRO is the obvious choice for mountain professionals. On the other hand, the FREE PRO is geared towards freeriding, with less climbing and walking, and is best suited for backcountry use where skiing is the primary focus
The strongest "CLIME PRO S GLIDE" has changed its hair blend ratio to become "TOUR PRO"
The best-selling "CLIME PRO S GLIDE" in Japan and around the world has been updated with a new name: "TOUR PRO." The hair blend ratio has been changed from 7:3 mohair to nylon to 6.5:3.5, slightly less mohair and more nylon. This results in a more durable and grippy ski. While this may seem like a reduction in glide, it's only a 5% difference, and the result is actually a more safety-conscious ski
Finally, additional information
Unfortunately, there were no samples available at the showroom, so I can't show you any photos, but I should add that for the 2023-2024 season, the top and tail attachments for all items have been changed from plastic to sturdy, unbreakable steel
▼POMOCA explanatory video (by Namekata)
Official website:https://rexxam.com/POMOCA/