Burton x G3 Universal Splitboard Skins Reviewed in 2025

Why the Burton x G3 Splitboard Skins

To those who are new to splitboarding, it may come as a surprise that grip isn’t always the number one priority to take into consideration when shopping around. While it certainly is important, too much of it and you’ll find yourself moving frustratingly slow in terrain that isn’t straight uphill.

What makes these skins so special is that not only do they climb well, but they glide downhill and in the flats surprisingly well for how grippy they are. That said, these skins are awesome climbers. From breaking trail to flying up corn, the synthetic plush grips well and inspires confidence on the most treacherous of kick turns.

Adding to the climbability of the Burton x G3 skins, they are relatively lightweight. Even if you aren’t one to count ounces, at least consider weight savings on your feet as one pound on your foot equates to five on your back, which when out on a long tour, those numbers add up quickly.

Lastly, these skins pack down well so that you can quickly throw them in your pack or jacket’s dump pocket for quicker transitions.

How These Skins Work

Grip and glide are both key components of climbing skins. But too much of either and you’ll find yourself in a less-than-ideal situation. To address the ever-present dilemma between the two opposing forces, the Burton x G3 Universal Splitboard Skins utilizes a synthetic plush carpet.

This revolutionary synthetic material strikes the perfect balance between grip and glide, making these skins ideal in all snow conditions. Perfect for all skill levels, these skins boast enough friction to aid you in climbing the steepest of skin tracks but provide enough glide so that you won’t feel slowed down in the flats where efficiency is the name of the game.

A non-toxic, solvent-free glue ensures that you get solid adhesion to your skis in a wide variety of conditions and is good down to -22°F (-30°C). Tip and tail clips are constructed from durable materials and are designed to fit a variety of board shapes and sizes. Available in small, medium, and large, and easily trimmed down, these skins will fit on damn near any snowboard.

Out of the Box and onto the Skinner

The Burton x G3 Splitboard skins are the gift that keeps on giving, as they are perfect for those who are just starting out but provide enough wiggle room to hone in on your skinning technique.

They are also extremely easy to set up, work with a wide variety of splitboards, and are quick to take on and off. We primarily used Burton’s Family Tree Pow Wrench, a shorter board, but the process will be the same for other splitboards.

First things first, you’ll have to trim your skins to get a nice custom fit. The skin cutting tool that G3 provides is top-tier stuff. When used correctly, will cut your skins to the perfect width.

To trim your new splitboard skins, apply the glued side to your ski base, ensuring that the outside of the skin is just within the metal edge of the flat side of the ski. It is important that the metal edge is exposed because this is how you hold an edge when skinning. From there, place the G3 skin trimmer on the curved edge of the ski and slide it down so that it is cutting with the grain of the plush.

How to Apply Skins to Splitboard

Once you’ve got your skins cut, all you have to do is adjust the tail clip. When adjusting the tail clip, you don’t want so much tension that you’re having to fight to get it on and off, but just enough so that it won’t come undone when you’re walking up the skin track.

Just like that, you should be up and running and ready for a day out in the mountains!

Caring for you Splitboard Skins

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: you really do not want to end up with a bummer pair of skins. Glue is where most problems arise; glue that doesn’t stick or glue that sticks onto your bases are just a couple of things that can ruin your day. Thankfully, these issues are easily avoided by taking proper care of your skins.

Storage is the name of the game and the key to having your skins live a long and prosperous life. Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve found helpful.

• Store your skins where it is cool and dry, this will prolong the life of the glue. I’ve known some to go as far as to keep their skins in the refrigerator… personally, my roommates weren’t all too pleased when they found mine stashed in the fridge, so maybe go for the garage or a non-heated space.
• When you’re not using them, don’t just leave them sitting on your skis. For that matter, don’t put them on the night before a tour and just leave them. I’ve found that this usually leads to skin glue on the bases of my splitboard.
• Dry them out at the end of the day before storing them.
• Apply skin wax if you know the snow will be wet. Besides making your life easier, I’ve found that this simple step prolongs the life of the carpet.

Necessary to Get Skins

Perhaps one of the least sexy things you can buy for your splitboard kit, splitboard skins are the secret sauce that brings the whole darn thing together.

Quality skins are absolutely necessary, as they contain a number of different factors that can make for an unpleasant time, but when everything comes together, good skins allow you to run up the skin track without a worry in the world.