Skin choice: should I get either of these?

[Spats]

I've read the offpistemag article and done a search, but could still use some advice.

Ski: Nordica Beast 92 @ 188. 124-92-something. Actual ski is more like 118, it's only 124 at the top of the tip.

Here are the options I have found that aren't "pay full retail price":

$79: 110mm BCA Lowfat. The basic version, so it still needs tail hardware. Right size, but people seem to like the Ascensions better.

$61: 85mm Ascension from Sierra Trading Post. Also needs tail hardware. Too narrow?

[comish]

My vote is the 85mm is definitely too narrow. You get a lot more traction if the skin is wall to wall.

I would go with a 110 and trim it. My only complaint on the BCA's are they are an absolute beatch to seperate when stuck together. Fricken impossible. Wished they stuck as well to the ski as they do folded. Mind you this is a 3 year old pair so they might have changed things a bit. I like the newer tip hook, with stretchy rear that Ascension and G3 are now using versus the stretchy tip thang on the BCA. Not a major deal breaker either way though. They aren't bad and if you are set on getting them for less than retail they definitely work. The difference between full retail and cheaper on skins isn't major either. Its the one piece of gear I have paid full price for in the last 5 years!?!?

[Arty50]

Probably not much help, but I have the Deluxe LowFats for my R:EXs. 110 was perfect, and the R:EX tip is 116. I've been really happy with them so far.

[phUnk]

Originally posted by Walter Sobchak
85's too skinny. Let us know how the loops fit over those goofy tips.

FYI: Mine have to be juuust right to stay on my Pistols (think: mushroom tip).


Mushroom tip, heh.


Anyhoo, I'd def. go 110's.

[cololi]

Go with the 110's, trim to fit.

[Dr. Crash]

I have 110 mm on my G4s. They work great but gliding is out with the wall to wall carpeting. If I had to do it again, I'd go for much skinnier and would slit the skins along the length in the middle, and push the two halves close to the edges. Should work just fine and glide much better.

drC

[peterslovo]

I've got 90 mm ascensions on my Karhu Jaks (120-90-110) and they work great. The 85's would probably work for you OK, remember your tip is not what's gripping on the snow for the most part... Definitely go with the 83 mm tip loop kit though for the funky Nordica tips.

[peterslovo]

on that note, check out the black diamond website. i think they still have 90 mm glide lites for sale for $79.95 (including tip/tail connectors)

[Spats]

Just to be a pain in the ass, I found two more options:

Ascension Clipfix 95mm (seconds): $100
Ascension Mohair TTP 95mm: $93

OK, I'll say the 85 is out, but 95mm ought to be doable.

I'd really, really like to find a 110mm pair of GlideLites because they have really nice tip/tail hardware, but I haven't seen anything wider than 90, let alone on sale. Checked the Black Diamond sale page, no luck (though they have large Freerides for $220).

Thanks for the help so far. The only thing scaring me off the Lowfat is the offpiste mag review saying the glide was poor compared to the Ascension, or especially the Glidelite.

The mohair would be cool because, when I stop on a really brutal skintrack, I can think to myself "I'm walking on ANIMALS". It would be even better if they were actual skins, because then I could think "I'm walking on DEAD ANIMALS" and that would really cheer me up. Wait, was that out loud?

[Bzzzt]

Here's a picture of my DIY fix for using my (waaay too narrow) Ascension skins on my Gotamas. $4 per pair A bit fiddly to adjust the loop length, but I toured for 5 days without problems.

[basom]

Originally posted by Spats
110mm pair of GlideLites because they have really nice tip/tail hardware

yes

[Rascal King]

Dude its called duct tape and coat hanger. I did that to my pistols and they fit perfect.

[Dr. Crash]

Mohair would be cool because it glides... The one thing that kept me away from it is that I ski in the Cascades and mohair allegedly will suck up water and ice up pretty quickly. But if you sky on the dry stuff, it's a great option.

drC

[Edit: typo.]

[Rascal King]

Yea, check out Life Link skins, 50-50 mohair and synthetic sh*t!

[phUnk]

I was under the impression that getting any significant glide skinning on fat skis just doesn't really happen. Too much friction.

No?

[/jong]