In the midst of the season, manufacturers are already holding exhibitions in various places where new models for the 2023-2024 season will be unveiled. This time, we asked about POMOCA, a brand that is famous for skins that are indispensable for backcountry skiing, at the "SNOW SPORTS Joint Exhibition" (held from February 14th to Sunday @ Pacifico Yokohama).
POMOCA is the top brand of ski seals from Switzerland, and has been chosen by mountain professionals such as mountain ski race athletes, mountain guides and mountain rescue teams all over the world for 80 years since its establishment. In the backcountry movement of recent years, its presence in Japan is only increasing.
Changed all product names to make them easier to understand!
The biggest change in POMOCA for the 2023-24 season is the change in all product names. Until now, it was difficult to grasp the characteristics of the product from the name, and the confusing name was changed to a simple name that is easy for users to understand.
For example, the most popular POMOCA sticker model was named "CLIME PRO S GLIDE" in the "CLIME" category. It was hard to remember the model name because it was difficult to understand. The category name was changed from "CLIME" to "TOUR" to make it easy to understand in one sentence, and the model name was made simple and easy to understand with "TOUR PRO".
Since 2.0 is hard to understand what was "CLIME 2.0" so far, it has been renamed to "TOUR EXPLORE" in the sense of an entry model. The name of the "FREE" category remains the same, but the previous "FREE 2.0" is difficult to understand with 2.0, so we named it "FREE EXPLORE" in the sense of an entry model. "FREE PRO 2.0" became "FREE PRO".
Glide and grip power can now be clearly understood numerically!
There are still some big changes in the 2023-24 season. The grip and glide figures, which had not been posted in the catalog until now, have been newly posted. This figure is tested by POMOCA, and the "glide power" is how many calories are burned by sliding the skin per hour, and the "grip power" is how much you grip per 1 cm².
For example, the most popular TOUR PRO burns 213kal/h per hour, but the FREE EXPLORE, which is made of 100% nylon with the highest grip, burns 294kal/h per hour. The difference is obvious. In other words, the TOUR PRO consumes less physical strength even when walking (climbing). The figures show that the FREE EXPLORE has a high grip, is easy to climb because it does not slip, and is easy to handle for beginners.
TOUR PRO
65% mohair/35% nylon
GLIDE: 213Kal/h
GRIP: 52g/㎠
Width: 120mm ¥30,800 (tax included) | 140mm ¥34,100 (tax included)
POMOCA's best-selling model. Boasts high water repellency and durability on long tours.
FREE EXPLORE
100% nylon
GLIDE: 294Kal/h
GRIP: 54g/㎠
Width: 123mm ¥30,800 (tax included) | 140mm ¥34,100 (tax included)
Even when walking for a long time, the 100% nylon effect provides a stable grip.
The "FREE PRO", which is as popular as the TOUR PRO, has a glide power of 200kal/h and a grip power of 45g/cm², which is higher than the 213kal/h of the "TOUR PRO" and makes it easier to glide. It's smoother and uses less energy, so even a few centimeters of distance per step can make a big difference after hours of walking on a long tour. On the other hand, the grip strength drops slightly from 52/cm² to 45/cm², but I'm trying to make up for it with experience.
FREE PRO
Formula POMOCA (nylon mohair mix)
GLIDE: 200Kal/h
GRIP: 45g/㎠
Width: 123mm ¥30,800 (tax included) | 140mm ¥34,100 (tax included)
Lightweight and compact nylon mohair for freeride skiers
The fact that the properties and abilities of skins can be clearly understood from numerical values makes it easier for users to choose based on what they value in the backcountry, which is really convenient. However, there are parts where the difference is not intuitively understood from the numerical value alone, so it is a good idea to actually pick up the item at a shop or the like. Since the thickness and sturdiness are very different, you will be able to feel the difference.
If a mountain guide rescue team carries a seal, it is definitely better not to be bulky. The TOUR PRO is also very compact and small in terms of capacity. Also, for long tours and climbing many times in a day, it is good to have high water repellency and durability. Considering that, the choice of mountain professionals will inevitably be TOUR PRO. On the other hand, the FREE PRO is suitable for freeriding, less climbing and walking, and suitable for backcountry use mainly for basic gliding.
The strongest "CLIME PRO S GLIDE" changes the blending ratio of hair and becomes "TOUR PRO"
The best-selling “CLIME PRO S GLIDE” in Japan and around the world has been updated with a name change to “TOUR PRO”. The blend ratio of mohair:nylon used to be 7:3, but now it is 6.5:3.5. This makes it tougher and provides better grip. It seems that the glide power will be reduced by that amount, but the difference is only 5%, and it is rather a finish that considers safety.
Additional information at the end
Unfortunately, there are no samples at the exhibition, so I can't show you any photos, but for the 2023-2024 season, the top and tail attachments for all items have been changed from plastic to unbreakable sturdy steel. I will also add that it has become a product.
▼ POMOCA explanation video (Mr. Namekata)
Official site: https://rexxam.com/POMOCA/