The G3 Splitboard+ Grip skins share the same platform as the G3 Splitboard+ Universal. We were impressed with the Universal skins and reviewed them fully. The G3 Splitboard + Grip skins are primarily distinguished by having longer and thus more grippy fur; these are good skins but perhaps most appropriate for a smaller subset of splitboarders.
G3 Splitboard+ Grip Review
Great skins for beginner splitboarders who want all the help they can get ascending.
Price: $200 List | $199.00 at REI
Pros: Beefy skins with great grip, durable, excellent attachment system,
Cons: Bulky, slow, inefficient, tough to pack
Manufacturer: G3
Cons: Bulky, slow, inefficient, tough to pack
Manufacturer: G3
By David Reichel ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Mar 27, 2019
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Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
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.
Performance Comparison
The lineup of G3 Splitboard + skins. From Left to Right: Glide, Universal, Grip.
Grip
The fur on these skins is seriously long and impressively grippy, and we found them to excel 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. While not necessarily recommended, the extra fur also provided psychological assurance when occasionally skinning across rocks. It is important to understand that despite these skins gripping as well as any skins we have used, they can't overcome horrendous technique and some skin tracks are too slick and steep, even for them.
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 G3 Splitboard1+ Grip skins feels a bit like that bike with the brake rub. We chuckled on a few short descents where we had to pole down 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 G3 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 G3 Splitboard+ Grip skins are $10 more than the G3 Splitboard+ Universal skins and $14 more than the similar Nylon Voile Skins. In our mind, G3's connection system is worth a modest price premium and overall this value seems reasonable.
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 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 a great choice for experienced skinners who routinely skin at much steeper angles than normal.
— David Reichel