News, Views and Gear Discussion

I welcome your comments & questions!

Y-King and vacuum skin review

by Michael Hagen June 21, 2017

First I want to thank you for your assistance and advice while buying the Y-King skis and the Vacuum Skins. Second I want to tell you how much I like both. Everyone is jealous when they see how easy the skins come apart or off my skis. Makes for a much more enjoyable day out. I also like how I can wash them off in the sink and dry them out and they are ready to go the next day.....

Bindings light ski touring New Products

Wildsnow reviews the Hagan Core/ATK Raider 12 2.0 Binding

by Michael Hagen April 19, 2017

Lou Dawson at Wildsnow tested and positively reviewed the ATK Raider 12 2.0 all mountain touring binding, which Hagan is making available in the U.S. and worldwide as the Hagan Core binding. The Hagan Core is blue and black to match the Hagan Core alpine touring boot and Hagan Core series of skis. (In my humble opinion, the Hagan Core looks better than the ATK Raider 12 2.0, but that is personal preference.)

There is a lot more effort and expense to "making available" than simply changing the colors — including insurance (a huge expense), distribution, warranty and service support — but that is a subject for another blog post.

Read Lou's Wildsnow review here: https://www.wildsnow.com/22367/atk-raider-12-2-review-ski-binding/

Bindings New Products

Announcing the Hagan Core freeride ski touring binding!

by Michael Hagen April 19, 2017

The Hagan Core binding is an entirely new binding from Hagan, designed in conjunction with ATK and a significant improvement on the ATK Raider 12. The Hagan Core is a high performance Freeride and All Mountain touring binding. While specifically designed with our Core series skis in mind (with colors that match beautifully), the Core will also work superbly with our Boost freeride skis and Ride tour classic skis.

Hagan Core alpine touring free ride ski binding version of the ATK Raider 12 2.0

Bindings Hagan light ski touring New New Products Skimo

What glue should be used when mounting Hagan bindings?

by Michael Hagen April 12, 2017

The purpose of using glue isn't to retain the screws, it is to seal out water. So binding glue doesn't need to be super strong, but should be cold temperature resistant and waterproof. Hagan Ultra ski mountaineering backcountry skiing binding

Hagan Ultra ski mountaineering backcountry skiing binding

Climbing Skins New Products

2 Zone Composite vacuum climbing skins - the best vacuum skins.

by Michael Hagen January 11, 2017

Hagan alpine touring skis climbing skins - vacuum skins

Hagan's 2 Zone Composite climbing skin are the most advanced climbing skins in the world, and a Hagan exclusive. Hagan’s composite vacuum skin combines performance and easy handling in one product. The 2 Zone Composite innovation increases the power of the vacuum adhesion along the edges and lowers it in the middle. This makes the climbing skin easier to use, lighter and gives it a distinct look...

All-mountain Hagan light ski touring New New Products

Lighten UP with the award winning Hagan Y-Ride

by Michael Hagen December 16, 2016

Backcountry Magazine Editors' Choice!

You can't ski it if you can't get to it. Hagan used its expertise manufacturing super-light race skis to create an all-mountain ski with unmatched surface area to weight ratio, allowing skiers to get to higher and deeper lines with energy to spare.

Hagan Y-Ride

The all new Y-Ride replaces the initial and ground-breaking Y-Series model, the Y-Flow. The Y-shape is retained with dimensions revised to optimize performance...

Hagan New New Products Racing Skimo

The new, seventh generation Hagan Race ski.

by Michael Hagen November 27, 2016

The previous generation X-Race was one of the best race skis available anywhere — and was without a doubt the best value. So how did we make it better?

The 2017 Race is completely reinvented.

Bindings New Products Racing ZR

The Hagan ZR receives "ease of entry" mention in Backcountry Magazine

by Michael Hagen August 07, 2016

2017 Hagan ZR Binding - yellow

Backcountry Magazine praises the Hagan ZR binding for ease of entry and "Zero complaints ... in the turns department," remarkable for its lack of mass. I.e., It is very light!

2017 Northeastern Rando Series race calendar

by Michael Hagen June 06, 2016

If you want to get a jump planning your 2017 Skimo race calendar, the NE Rando Series is beginning to post their schedule: http://nerandorace.blogspot.com/p/dates-venues-schedules-registration.html. Northern VT is greatly expanding its initial foray this year into evening races, which is great for grass roots participation. And there may be races at two major resorts. Follow the NE Rando Series for more. #skimo

boots Hagan light ski touring New New Products

Hagan Core boot honored with a 5-Star review by Ski Tour Magazine

by Michael Hagen May 18, 2016

European ski touring magazine "Skitour" complemented Hagan's entry into the ski touring boot market, giving the Hagan Core light ski touring boot high marks, calling it a superb allrounder.

SkiTour Magazine 4 star review of Hagan Core alpine touring boot

Racing Technique Transitions

Additional Skimo Transitions & Gear Tips - Manual for Ski Mountaineering Racing

by Michael Hagen February 16, 2016

Here are additional tips for skimo racing transitions to supplement the instructional transitions videos published earlier. Tips include how to store your skins inside the suit, what ski poles straps are good for skimo, how to get ready for each transition by visualizing and more.

Racing Technique Transitions

“Boot-pack to Skinning” Skimo Transition - Manual for Ski Mountaineering Racing

by Michael Hagen February 08, 2016

Here is a fast and an instructional version of this very quick skimo racing transition. Take your skis off your backpack, step into your bindings and you are gone.