Thread: Climbing Skins-BD Ascension/Glidelite?

BC Jong here. Looking to buy skins for Seth Vicious'. After doing some searching, it looks like I should get some BD Ascension or Glidelite STS's. What is the difference between the two (aside from weight)? Also, will the tip loops work on the SV's or are bigger ones needed (are bigger ones even made?)? Any other suggestions? Thnks and jong away.

I got the Glidelite with a wide tip loop for Volkl Mantras last March. The skis are basically the same shape at the tip (130 rouned) and tail. The STS attachment worked great on the rounded lifted tails, and the skins are reasonably lightweight. The new Glidelites have a tire pattern in them rather than the cool blue cow spots. You are going to need the 120 mm skins.

The gluide lights are lighter with I believe they have a shorter nap than the ascension. I have both and they both work well but I prefer the STS tail that comes with the glide lights.

Originally Posted by Lurch

I prefer the STS tail that comes with the glide lights.

You can buy Ascensions with the STS tail, FYI.

Originally Posted by stump832

You can buy Ascensions with the STS tail, FYI.

Is that new this year? I thought the only options with ascensions was the clip fix tail or no tail at all.

Originally Posted by stump832

You can buy Ascensions with the STS tail, FYI.

I saw those the other day for around $100 (120mm). What about the tip loops? Do they make bigger ones or will the standard size they come with work?

120 and 130s have tip loops that will work standard. You may need to flip them upside down (larger side on the outside).

I am using 110 glidelites on my Gotama's and they cover plenty. Keep in mind that you have to trime extra for the edges. I did have to use the wide tip loop through.

Originally Posted by ski_faster

I am using 110 glidelites on my Gotama's and they cover plenty. Keep in mind that you have to trime extra for the edges. I did have to use the wide tip loop through.

I think I saw something in another thread about the trimming. Do you trim to the exact width of the waist or trim a few mm shorter on each side?

You trim so your edges are exposed so when you are going across the hill on a steep icy section your edges bite.

Yes, leave a couple MMs on either edge.

And yeah lurch - I think the ascensions with STS are new this year.

Originally Posted by ski_faster

You trim so your edges are exposed so when you are going across the hill on a steep icy section your edges bite.

thanks. that's what I thought. how much trimming we talking? 5mm each side or so?

I trimmed a couple of MM's off each side just so you can see the whole metal edge.

Originally Posted by criscam

I think I saw something in another thread about the trimming. Do you trim to the exact width of the waist or trim a few mm shorter on each side?

You trim a few extra mm of each side so your edges are exposed.

http://www.bdel.com/video/sts_skin_trim.html

You can do them yourself, it's not really that hard. I trimmed skins for the first time this past March. Just read the instruction, watch the internet video, and you'll be just fine.

Glidelite. I've got both and like the lites much better. Fold better(not nearly as stiff) for putting them in your pocket and will climb equal to the reg. ascension.

You can fit skins in your pocket? Those are some pockets or skinny skins!

Originally Posted by Cirquerider

You can fit skins in your pocket? Those are some pockets or skinny skins!

Dude, skins go in my pocket every time I'm going for more than one run. It stops them from freezing up. It's not needed everytime but it's a good habit to get into. Many jackets have inside mesh chest pockets just for this purpose. Plus, it's one less reason to take your pack off. If you keep your goggles in your pocket and can do the rando mambo you can transtion without taking your skis or goggles off. On topic, Ascensions with the STS (glide lite style) tail rig have never let me down.

Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

Dude, skins go in my pocket every time I'm going for more than one run. It stops them from freezing up. It's not needed everytime but it's a good habit to get into. Many jackets have inside mesh chest pockets just for this purpose. Plus, it's one less reason to take your pack off. If you keep your goggles in your pocket and can do the rando mambo you can transtion without taking your skis or goggles off. On topic, Ascensions with the STS (glide lite style) tail rig have never let me down.

I disagree. I never put my skins in my pockets. They're all cold and wet! They stay the hell away from me!

I fold them up and put them in my pack. On short runs I'll just clip my pack waist belt over them. My Ascensions have never failed to stick. And yes, I often take my skins off without removing my skis.

Now I just have to learn how to put the skins back on without taking my skis off.

Originally Posted by Sphinx

I disagree. I never put my skins in my pockets. They're all cold and wet! They stay the hell away from me!

I fold them up and put them in my pack. On short runs I'll just clip my pack waist belt over them. My Ascensions have never failed to stick. And yes, I often take my skins off without removing my skis.

Too each there own. Perhaps is a rocky mountain thing but I have seen frozen skins be a problem.

my $.02
i have had many issues w/ glidelites freezing up while skinning in above freezing airtemps. the skin seems to absorb slightly more surface melt, but freezes once you go in a shaded area or whatever... never had an issues w/ the ascensions. skinwax helps, but i feel out of the box, they should be good to go.
also, asecension grip better in firm snow (ie the name), and don't glide as well. i'd prefer the grip, some others may disagree, just get which you'd prefer.

BD Ascensions are on sale right now at steepandcheap

+1 for pockets. If your skins are really wet snow sticks too much; wax them or use that spray shit.

I've had more stretch issues w/glidelites & water than ascensions; both stretch enough with temperature to make the clipfix tail a pain in the ass.

Originally Posted by BRUTAH

BD Ascensions are on sale right now at steepandcheap

The Standards don't come with a tail attachment, but you can buy an STS kit for them. This is exactly what I bought for my Gotamas: Standards w/ STS kit.

Originally Posted by criscam

BC Jong ...and jong away.

No jonging around here. You posted in the right place "Tech Talk" and asked a good question. Results, you got answers and some discussion going.

btw. You can also use the SEARCH function to do some RE-SEARCH and see if the topic has been covered already.