skin recommendation?

[suckbm]

new to at skiing and wondering what type of all around skins would you recommend for a pair of 05 K2 Mt bakers 174s. Also noot sure what size is right.

[ScottP]

This link will put you in touch with about all you need to know (beyond actual experience) to make an informed decision about buying skins:

 

http://www.telemarkski.com/html/intro_skins.html

 

[benb]

I recently purchased a set of G3 skins. I am pleased with their perfomance. Easy to trim to your ski shape. My skies are 118mm at the tip, I got 120mm skins and trimed them down. good luck..

[smithisheaven]

Black Diamond makes good skins, Just get a size that is long enough and wide enough for your skis, you can always trim to fit.

[pete_a]

skins don't come in different lengths...only different widths

 

take whatever your ski tip width is, subtract 10mm, and thats the size that would probably work just fine for ya without paying for (and then trimming away) too much excess

 

BD skins tend to have a better more durable glue, but I think their various tail attachment systems kinda suck. G3 skins have crappy glue, but I like their tail attachment systems much better...and you can always reglue when the start to crap out on ya.

 

good luck!

[robert]

You might read this thread for a discussion of G3 glue and attachment.

 

I have BD ascensions and I like them. When I have the length adjusted just right the tail attachment works great. If it is just a little too loose or too tight it pops off. You are relying on the glue at that point.

 

I second the 10mm or so less than tip width. You don't need to waste money by cutting off a bunch of skin.

[PeterC]

I was part of the G3 glue thread, but I'd like to reiterate here that I wish I hadn't bought G3 skins. What I don't like:

1. The glue gave up after 1/2 season

2. The flexible tip loop is always falling off the front of my skis (work stinx which are = Mt Bakers so watch out!)

3. The edges of the skins are fraying (should have cut w/ a hot knife instead of the razor that came with?)

4. glide isn't as good as my BD skins.

 

It seems like others have had better experiences than me so maybe I'm just a grump. Still, I'd go for BD skins.

[smithisheaven]

My bd's are holding up fine after 2 years of use and the rear attatch is given me no probs.

[hubris]

I hated my G3 skins, but I believe the year that I had bought them, they were re-called. Love my BD skins. Take good care/maintenance of your skins.

[Weekend_Climberz]

I setup the old rat tail type of system for my BD skins with the clip fix tail attachment. Last year I had a few problems with the tail lock tab coming undone, yet the skin never came off the ski's. No such problem's with the new rat tail. :tup:

[RogerJ]

I have one of each these days. My experience with the pros and cons of each is pretty consistent.

 

I also think my G3's grip better, but there are way too many other variables involved to make a definative statement on this.

 

-r

[iluka]

I have both G3 and BD skins and am a much bigger fan of the BD set. I haven't had problems with the glue on the G3 skins but have had a lot of problems with the tail system -- it tends to come off a lot. The BD skin glue has lasted a long time and the tail system is much easier to use and stays on a lot better

[fear_and_greed]

I've used G3 for 2+ seasons. They are still super sticky and the tail straps have never come off.

[RogerJ]

Given the original poster said he was new to skiing, I am going out on a limb here and saying neither the G3 or BD are a bad choice and it's probably more important to get the right size, cut them right and learn to take care of them properly.

 

-r

[FFCS]

Does BD have more than one type of attachment system? The reason I ask is I have been renting randonee gear and have noticed that the two sets of BD skins I have rented had two different types of attachments for the tail. I liked the rubber strap camming attachment better. What is your guys opinion on which BD skin to get the glidelites, or ascension, and which attachment is best?