The G3 Grip skins are an excellent choice for specific users. Beginning splitboarders who do not have experience skinning would likely benefit from all the grip they can get from their first skins. Folks who skin significantly steeper than what is "normal" would also benefit from the extra traction provided by these skins. Finally, those who skin over sharp rocks might consider these skins since the longer fur provides some extra protection.
Photo: David Reichel
Performance Comparison
The lineup of G3 Splitboard + skins. From Left to Right: Glide, Universal, Grip.
Photo: David Reichel
Grip
The fur on these skins is seriously long and impressively grippy, and they excelled when navigating icy sections of skin track or slick ridges. Skinning up at an overly steep angle is not ideal but occasionally required by terrain or sadistic touring partners. Steep skin tracks are never recommended, but the extra fur also provided psychological assurance when occasionally skinning across rocks.
It is important to understand that despite these skins gripping and any skins we have used, they can't overcome poor technique, and some skin tracks are too slick and steep — even for them.
Photo: David Reichel
Glide
Ever ride a bike where the brakes are rubbing the tire? Even just a small amount of friction robs you of energy. Skinning across low angle approaches with the Splitboard+ Grip skins feels a bit like that bike with the brake rub. We chuckled on a few short descents where we had to push downhill with our poles while our partners glided down on their less grippy skins.
Ease of Use
We discuss the general ease of use of these skins in the G3 Splitboard+ Universal review. One noticeable difference when comparing multiple skins at the same time is the size of the bags the skins arrive in. The Grip skins are much larger when folded up. There is a weight difference gain as well, but on our scale, the Splitboard+ Grip skins were only 10 grams heavier than the Universal skins.
Attachment System
We are fans of the G3 attachment system and review it thoroughly in the G3 Splitboard+ Universal.
Glue and Glop
We generally found the glue and glop performance of the Grip skins to be the same as the G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins.
Value
The Splitboard+ Grip skins are a small price increase over other high grip models. In our mind, G3's connection system is worth a modest price premium, and overall, this value seems reasonable.
Photo: David Reichel
Conclusion
Based on G3's impressive skin design, these Grip skins would be a great first skin for beginning splitboarders. Skinning is a great way to ascend snow-covered peaks, but there is a learning curve, and extra grip might reduce some of the pain associated with this process. The Grip skins are also an excellent choice for experienced skinners who routinely skin at much steeper angles than normal.
