OAC specializes in various outdoor activities such as climbing, trail running, cross-country skiing, free skiing, and ice skating.
OAC Skinbased is a collection of backcountry skis produced by OAC, a Finnish company that specializes in composite products. The Skinbased skis are designed to be versatile and easy to use, allowing skiers of all levels to enjoy winter nature. What makes Skinbased skis unique is that they feature a fur-based bottom that provides exceptional grip and traction on various surfaces, including uphill and downhill slopes. The company invests in the latest technology and materials to continuously improve their products, and they are committed to keeping their manufacturing and product development in Finland. Skinbased skis have gained popularity worldwide and are sold in several countries, including other Nordic countries, Europe, Japan, and North America.
XCD stands for "cross-country downhill," which refers to the type of skiing that combines elements of both cross-country and downhill skiing.
The XCD skis are specifically designed for extended ski trips with a light backpack and ideal for climbing mountains and skiing down powdery snow. Despite having a narrower profile, the skis still perform well and turn smoothly even with a softer boot, and their rocker-like tip allows for easy maneuvering in soft snow.
The OAC sliding snowshoes are designed for activities such as after-work headlamp skiing, winter hiking with a backpack, hunting, and working in snowy terrain. They are lightweight and easy to carry, and come with the EA universal binding, which is ready to use straight out of the package without requiring any maintenance.
EA bindings are a type of universal binding designed for use with both OAC Skinbased fur-soled touring skis and sliding snowshoes. They work by securely attaching your footwear to the skis or snowshoes, allowing for efficient transfer of power and control while skiing or hiking. The versatile design of EA bindings also allows for use with a variety of different footwear options, so you can choose the right shoe or boot for the conditions you'll be skiing or hiking in.
The Key Flag label is a symbol of Finnish origin and production, granted by the Association for Finnish Work to products or services that are produced in Finland and meet certain criteria.
To choose the right ski model, it is important to consider the purpose, terrain, skill level, and boots used for skiing. OAC offers different models of skis, including snowshoes and XCD skis. WAP and KAR are best suited for snowshoeing, with WAP being wider and shorter, ideal for agility in dense and rolling forest, while KAR is a slightly longer and narrower model, perfect for skiing in varied terrain. XCD GT is the optimal ski for downhill characteristics and is suitable for skiing up hills and descending them with a twist. XCD BC is a new addition and is ideal for larger skiers and hikers carrying heavy backpacks. It is also important to consider skiing skills, such as the Telemark calculation technique, and the type of boots that provide sufficient support. Additionally, the Braindbox fiber structure reduces the importance of weight and height when choosing skis.
Skinbased skis and snowshoes for adults do not have specific weight/height recommendations due to the unique Braindbox fiber structure used in their design. This structure allows the skis to adapt to the skier's weight and height, making them suitable for a wide range of individuals. Instead of focusing on weight/height, it is recommended to consider factors such as snow conditions and terrain when choosing a Skinbased ski that best suits your needs. By choosing a ski that matches the conditions and terrain you will be skiing on, you can ensure optimal performance and enjoyment.
Skinbased skis are designed with a low-profile tip that has been tested over the years to be the best design for this type of ski. The material and design of the ski allow it to slide and lift even in thick snow and difficult terrain. It is not possible to bend Skinbased skis on your own, and it is not recommended to heat them or store them near heat sources. Therefore, there is no additional tip available for Skinbased skis.
Scratches on the bottom of Skinbased skis are mostly superficial and do not affect their performance. However, if the skis are used heavily and have many scratches, it may be beneficial to apply Skinbased ski waxes or mountainFLOW Quick Waxes to improve glide and conceal the scratches. The Unicoat sole can make scratches more visible, but they still do not cause any significant problems while skiing.
The structure of Skinbased skis is designed to prevent moisture from being absorbed into the ski, even if there is a small crack. However, if there is a larger chip, you can patch it yourself using a two-component epoxy that can be found in most supermarkets. If you have concerns about patching the crack yourself, you can always contact us for further assistance.
It is not recommended to sand the bottom of the ski as it can damage the Unicoat sole. However, the edges of the ski can be sanded with a file if necessary to improve grip or remove any burrs. It is recommended to seek advice from a professional ski technician before attempting to sand the edges.
OAC uses a Mohair-Nylon mix hair in their Skinbased skis which is sourced from a supplier chain in Central Europe. Mohair is collected by plucking from South African goat farms, which are inspected by an independent quality assurance company called SAMIC. Mohair South Africa is also a member of the Textile Exchange which researches and shares best practices to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry. The export of mohair to Europe is regulated by strict residue criteria set by ÖKO-TEX®. OAC's artificial fiber Nylon is made from byproducts of the oil industry.
You cannot replace the hair on the Skinbased skis yourself. However, the ingrown hair is designed to last for many years and can be maintained with the right care. In the event that the hair on the riser is significantly worn out, it is possible to have it replaced at the OAC factory for a fee.
Skinbased skis do not require lubrication with a grease iron. Using a hot iron can damage the riser, bonding, and Unicoat (UC) sole. Instead, we recommend using liquid instant creams or paste specifically made for the OAC UC base. For the ingrown hair, we recommend using water-based hair conditioners. The UC base is easy to maintain, and lubrication is not necessary, saving you time and effort.
There's no need to lubricate Skinbased skis for use. These skis are finished with oil in the OAC factory and are sold ready to use straight out of the package.
Yes, it is possible to install an EA universal binding on various types of skis such as single skis, old telemark skis, etc. However, it is important to check the installation instructions provided by the ski manufacturer regarding the placement of the binding. Additionally, make sure to use the appropriate screw length and follow the binding installation instructions from the package. Take note of the ski's width, and if necessary, use the OAC Heel Guide on narrow skis.
When adjusting the base plate and straps of the EA universal binding, it's important to leave a lengthwise space of 0.5-1 cm between the toe of the shoe and the toe block of the binding. The stiffness of the shoe should also be taken into consideration when adjusting the binding. If the shoe is stiffer, the binding adjustment should be looser, while a more flexible shoe can be adjusted to a tighter setting. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper adjustment.
It's important to check the length of the screws before installation. Skinbased skis typically use 23mm screws, while other touring skis may require 28mm screws. When skis come equipped with bindings, the holes are drilled by our robot to ensure they are in the right place and at the same depth. During installation, screws should be used in all screw holes. For the ski screws we use, it's best to use a PZ3 screwdriver. When installing the grub screw, you may need to apply some pressure. If the point screw hole of the tie plate doesn't fit exactly, try loosening the rear screws a bit and realigning it.
The EA universal binding is designed to withstand cold temperatures. The strap material can withstand temperatures as low as -20ºC. However, the plastic of the straps may become harder in colder temperatures. To avoid damage, it's recommended to bring the skis and bindings to room temperature before using them after exposure to freezing temperatures.
Snow and ice can accumulate in the tie length adjustment of the EA universal bandage, especially if you are wearing stiff footwear that causes a lot of movement with each step. While it may be difficult to prevent snow accumulation in some snow conditions, using a silicone spray can help prevent snow from sticking to the bandage and also reduce any possible creaking noise.
As for using other bindings, it is possible to install bindings such as the NNN BC binding on Skinbased skis, but it is important to carefully follow the installation instructions for the specific binding and to check the appropriate screw length. The back of Skinbased skis has a sticker that indicates the location of the NN75 point screw, and the "pin line" of the ski is 2.5 cm from this point towards the heel. For example, on a KAR 147 ski, the NN75 is located 82 cm from the base to the tip and the "pin line" is at 79.5 cm. The NNN BC binding has a marked pin line that should be placed at this point. It is still recommended to use the EA universal binding for Skinbased skiing as it is designed specifically for this purpose and provides optimal performance.
For skiing with skin-based skis, we recommend using a hiking shoe with a flexible sole, winter boots, or winter sneakers. Brands like Kuoma or Sorel are also suitable. It is important that the sole of the shoe bends from the toe to allow for proper movement and grip. Ankle support is recommended, especially for more difficult terrain. However, less support may be suitable for skiing on flat terrain. The choice of shoe ultimately depends on the individual skier's skill level and balance.
The BC mono binding is not compatible with the EA universal connection. It is designed to be used with the BC bandage, as the shoe required for the BC mono is typically stiffer and the sole material is not well-suited for use with the EA universal bandage. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the BC mono binding with the EA universal bandage.
It is unlikely that mountain boots will fit well with the EA universal binding because they typically have a very stiff sole designed for use with ice crampons. The binding has a hinge under the heel, and the shoe must be able to flex at this point to prevent damage to the binding.
As for modifying the bandage, we do not recommend doing so as it may compromise the performance and safety of the product, and any modifications would void the warranty. We recommend using shoes that are compatible with the EA universal binding.
