The G3 Splitboard+ Glide skins share their architecture with the G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins. The only technical difference is the length and composition of the fur on the Glide skins. We are impressed with these skins and devote more detail discussing their overall design in our review of the Universals. The Glide skins are excellent choices for folks who are comfortable skinners and want an efficient setup.
G3 Splitboard+ Glide Review
Great skins for proficient skinners who know they want an efficient skin for big days.
Price: $200 List | $199.00 at REI
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Efficient skinning, compact storage, solid attachment system
Cons: Adequate grip, awkward folds
Manufacturer: G3
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Efficient skinning, compact storage, solid attachment system
Cons: Adequate grip, awkward folds
Manufacturer: G3
By David Reichel ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Mar 27, 2019
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
The lineup of G3 Splitboard + skins. From Left to Right: Glide, Universal, Grip.
Grip
These skins are not going to win contests skinning straight up in slippery snow conditions. That acknowledged, they grip fine, especially if you have good technique. We used them both guiding and on solo missions. While guiding in fresh snow, they broke trail and gripped our skin track as we yo yo'd powder fields. The wind hammered ridgeline firm snow we encountered required a higher level of focus to maintain grip, but we were able to ascend everything we needed to.
Glide
Have you ever switched from a town bike with mountain bike tires to a bike with slick road tires? Riding to the bar or work instantly feels faster and easier. That is what using the Glide skins feel like after skinning on the G3 Splitboard+ Grip skins and to a lesser extent after using the G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins. The glide quality of these skins is excellent, and the energy efficiency gains associated with this is significant.
Ease of Use
One of the less obvious benefits of the G3 Glide skins is how much lighter they are and smaller they pack. They take up significantly less space than either Universal or Grip skins. Having more space in your pack, less weight on your back while riding, and less weight on your feet while skinning is major addition by subtraction.
Attachment System
The tip and tail systems are exceptional, complete with excellent camming capabilities. The metal clips hold the skin to the board with ease and are relatively easy to attach. The attachment system on Glide skins is identical to the Universal skins which we like and discuss in more length in the Universal review.
Glue and Glop
Our experience with the adhesive and glop performance matched the results of the Universal skins, and we discuss that in detail in the Universal review.
Best Applications
These are excellent skins for the right splitboarder. Experienced skinners who rarely have issues with grip and appreciate the benefits of efficient glide are great candidates for these skins. Weight weenies, rando race curious splitters, and serious alpinists who tackle long approaches should consider these skins.
Value
These are $10 more than the Universal skins. That's not a huge difference but is interesting to consider when you realize these skins actually contain less material than the Universal skins and much less material than the equally priced G3 Splitboard + Grip skins. Still, this is a minor point, and we consider these skins to provide fine value.
Conclusion
The G3 Splitboard+ Glide skins are excellent choices for experienced splitboarders who get after it. Probably not the best first set of skins for newbies, but for those who have figured out the Jedi skinning skills necessary to push it farther into the backcountry, the G3 Splitboard+ Glide skins may be the best choice.
— David Reichel