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I need some new skins bad and was gonna get a pair of G3's but they have a totally different feel than the black diamond/ascension skins that I've used before. It seems like the hairs are shorter and more packed down.
Are they as good as the BD skins (or better)? Or am I going to get on them and slide all over the place?
No. G3 skins suck IMVHO. Go with either glidelites or Ascencions.
2nded. Anything sucks but for those 2.
I've had a pair of G3 skins for two years and haven't noticed any obvious difference in traction between myself and the people I ski with (who universally have purple Ascensions.) Plus they come with the good tail clips.
Are you two speaking from having used both on comparably sized skis?
I think G3 had some glue problems in the start, but my friends that have them seem to like them. Just stay the hell away from the BCA low fat ones - they soak up water like a sponge and turn to ice (globstopper, etc. was no help).
Teletips has a review here of the purples and the g3's here:
http://www.telemarktips.com/SkinRev.html
I've used the G3 skins several times and here's my take:
1. The glue is not uniform and does not stick as well as other brands. (Forget about taking them on and off more than once in a day. They sucked in cold weather and wouldn't hold up at all after getting wet)
2. Less traction than BD skins. Didn't seem like they gripped too well. Noticed myself slipping more often on steeper climbs.
3. They are more resistent to damage than the BD skins. Less durable.
Unless you're getting a screaming deal on the G3's just go with the glidelites or Ascencions - why chance it when these 2 are a sure slam dunk? Someone over4 at gear swap posted that STP had the Ascencions for an ok deal + someone else posted a 10% off coupon for STP..
Good info!Quote:
Originally Posted by iskibc
Sounds like you had a pair of the first year G3 skins, which were known to have major glue problems (as mentioned in the review posted above). G3 took them off the market and reformulated the glue.Quote:
Originally Posted by iskibc
1) On mine, the glue is perfectly uniform and is very sticky. I've put them on and taken them off several times a day on tours and had no problem. They don't stick well if you drop them in snow, but neither does any other skin.
In fact, they stick better than Ascensions in that case, because Ascension moderates their stickiness by leaving a glueless strip down the center. G3 glue covers the whole skin, so you're less likely to be left without any stick at all when you get snow on part of it.
2) Can't speak to that directly...I'm just going by my experience skinning with other people. I had trouble on one steep icy skintrack in Argentina, but that was because I was using Trekkers, new to touring, and following two seriously experienced BC skiers on real AT and telemark rigs. Then I discovered afterward that my skins were cut too wide, so I had no edge hold.
3) I'll defer to you on that one.
anyone have an opinion on life-link skins?
most of the backcountry regulars go for the G3's. Several ski mags (couloir being one of them) have had skin shoot-outs (all tested at once) and G3's usually get the nod. usual review comments say 'good grip, yet good glide'.
nice compromise between thick enough for durability, yet thin enough to be reasonably compact.
just did a 5,400 ft powder day today in cold, snowy weather. as always, the G3 glue worked great on all three runs. there were 1st year problems with the glue---skins were replaced under warranty.
G3 tail fix kit is my preferred one i've tried 'em all, including my ghetto rat-tail. I have prolly 8 pairs of skins right now. at least. that's what happens when your skis get fatter every year.
i've been backcountry skiing for 15+ years---the purple Ascensions were the benchmark for most of those years. Most BC types in tahoe/mammoth I know consider the G3 the current benchmark.
my GF has a pair of BD blue cowhide skins for her midfats. not bad overall. the glue appears to be less durable than the G3. i don't think she's noticed any difference in glide or grip.
Hm... Odd & interesting. No one I (personally) know has 'em, but that doesn't mean they aren't quality.Quote:
Originally Posted by frorider
I presonally us purple Ascensions and GlideLites.
I've had both G3s and Ascensions. Ascensions are WAAAAAAYYYY better. As above, better glue, better uphill performance, better tail fix (my new G3 tail fix snapped 3hrs from home after 2 days use, the other one is close), stronger. Ascension has lesser glide? Maybe, but who cares? Would you prefer to glide effortlessly but climb with greater difficulty? Depends on what you're skinning for, cross country skis have a mean glide with a killer low weight. Couloir magazine costs too much to be trusted:wink: anyways. I have found problems with snow under the skins on the G3s as have many here. The only reason I'm on them is that they were free. As someone who uses skins 50-150 days a season take my advice: if you get G3s carry plenty of duct tape, zip ties and perhaps a candle stick too, you will need it all during a season.
i concor.
my g3's froze up in 5 mins the other day, and my friends bd's were fine.
the ascension climb as well, and glide way better, and the new tails are g3 style.
if i could redo my last purchase, i'd get ascensions for sure
Do not get BCA Lowfats! They will freeze and you will be post holing or breaking out the duct tape. I like Ascensions and have had a bunch-skis getting fatter. The tail isn't too bad if your skins are fit properly but the STS is better. Depending on your binding, you can run a cord from the clip fix to your binding similar to a rat tail if it keeps coming off. I also like the glueless strip for handling the skins. You can make this strip in the G3s with electrical tape and take the tape off when the glue gets older I have heard. I have never owned G3s but their first year was terrible and G3 stepped up and fixed it. The Axcension is a slam dunk. STP + the -10% coupon in gearswap would get you 120 mm Ascensions for $103 shipped. Not the greatest deal but not bad either.
I've had no issues with my G3s - new this year maybe earlier models were suspect? Tail attachment works fine on Mantras. They're far less bulky and lighter than similar sized Ascensions.
Sierra Trading Post just got Ascensions in stock, 55-110mm, $72-110.
And today, there's a 20% off sale you should be able to get by clicking here.
Just purchased a pair of BD Glidelites and have ~15 days on them. I used G3's for the previous couple of years, and can't say the Glidelites are any better. This is all in the relatively warmer climate of Tahoe and the Sierras. I've never had glue issues with the G3's and they definitely grip equally as well as the Glidelites, even after ~70 days of use. The skin nap wore out at the tip area, which is pretty normal with a lot of use and I expect that out of the Glidelites in the future. Glidelites come with a better carrying pouch if that's worth anything. Oh, and the tractor tire tread pattern is really hot. So I guess that gives the nod to BD. But I would definitely buy the G3's again if the price was good.
Interesting to read the differences of opinion. Perhaps differences in snow or weather conditions? I've used the G3 skins for years in the Coast Range and the Selkirks, mostly in fresh tracks and cold temps, and never had a problem with slippage (due to the skins) or the glue. BD also sells a good product; but I prefer to use the G3s, because G3 is a local company, and a real innovator in backcountry skiing and saftey equipment.