Great skins, but go for the glidelites

By J. Nick Francis Ranked #379 - Climbing Skins February 2, 2009

I have been on a pair of glidelites for four seasons now, and just picked up a pair of these. The weight difference between the two is pretty much non-existant, and as far as I can tell the bite is about the same (maybe even better with the glidelites, but that may be just my imagination). The glidelites cost a bit less and are a bit more supple, so if I were in the market I would buy those and save some $$$. Durability wise, the glidelites have made it through 4 seasons of skiing over bushes, getting soaked, stuffed in my bag and they are bomber. The glue does not degrade as far as I can tell (though mine are covered in dog hair, which is getting to be a problem). I ended up stitching the tip loop in with an awl to get rid of the folded back section, which has helped reduce snow buildup under the skin. The STS clip rocks, much better than the clipfix, and far better than the G3 tail clip (though their tip clip is far better than the BD tip loop). I routed the STS clip from the other side of the dongle and then hooked it through a hole further down the strap so the dongles dont hang out and now I dont step on them during kick turns. Either way (ascension or glidelite) these are the best out there, and will last you several years and possibly more if you take care of them. Great product!!

View Details: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes