Gecko skins?

[Greg]

I know this topic was discussed back over in the old country, but we do not speak that language anymore. What is the word on gecko skins? Do they stick to the ski? Are they really "a fraction of the weight of regular skins?" Is this fraction less than 1? Grip, glide, durability?

The Clymb has them on sale right now.

Thanks for the advice.

[Dostie]

Grab 'em while you can. Some folks noticed that the glue can go bad, peeling off in sheets, or flaking off. Others complained of a residue. I had the latter, but then it went away. Working fine last I knew.

At this point, I think you're gambling a bit that you get a good batch of the glue. If you don't, they just won't last forever. If you do, well, no one really knows what the realistic longevity of these skins is yet. There is another brand coming out with a similar, silicone based adhesive. It is still a glue, so glueless is marketing term, not without glue like the MIA Clip Skin dream.

Are they lighter? Yeah. What is more noticeable is how supple and easy to manage they are. I recommend an STS tip and tail kit though.

[Matt J]

Once the silicon based glue is kaput is there any reason you can't clean the bases and reapply a normal adhesive like BD gold? I realize you'd lose the "glueless" advantage, but as far as taking a chance on the bad batch this would make me feel better.

[Greg]

Thx D. Anyone with any input on Matt's question. Seems like a good option if it is possible.

I do not currently have any skis that are in need of skins. But, I have been thinking about getting some new skis. one thing holding me back is I would have to get new skins. It is the age old problem, what should come first, the skis or the skins. If I could pick some skins cheap, that would grease the path on the skis.

[Hindfoot]

Once the silicon based glue is kaput is there any reason you can't clean the bases and reapply a normal adhesive like BD gold? I realize you'd lose the "glueless" advantage, but as far as taking a chance on the bad batch this would make me feel better.

Seems there might be a reason if the "glue" on Gekos is silicon based. It may not be possible to really get it cleaned off, and it might repel traditional adhesive. Just a guess based on the way stuff refuses to stick to silicone.

[Matt J]

Another option could be simply to warranty them if they fail. I'd be interested to know if Gecko intends to stand behind their adhesive. They make some huge claims on their website. "Life of a climbing skin" could be hard to define considering some people wear them out in a few seasons and others could keep them for 25 years.

[Tele 'til You're Smelly]

Is this fraction less than 1?

***lol!***

funny how there was all this buzz about Geckos & Clipskins and then- what?

[Dostie]

Distribution of Gecko ceased with the Sheep Creek avalanche last winter. Very unfortunate set of circumstances there. The reality is Gecko was in America due to Ian Lamphere, and Ian only. May he rest in peace.

Clip-skins won't be viable until a manufacturer takes over and automates/simplifies the process of trimming and attaching the clips. Theoretically Clip-skins would be a perfect, service based retail product, but the quality of service is probably tough to maintain consistently at the retail level. Too bad, they are undeniable the best option if they were only available, which would be a done deal if they were easy to set up, but they're not.

There are other, easier to manage glues similar to Gecko coming soon (next season).

[Matt J]

I wonder if anyone will try and continue to distribute for Ian? It seems that would be the best way to honor his memory. Dostie, is it safe to assume that as of right now there will be no product support for Gecko?

These silicon based adhesives seem to present some promise. I for one don't mind having to strong arm my skins apart. It makes me feel good that they have plenty of adhesive. That being said, it's interesting how much more effective conventional glues are in warmer temperatures. I spent some time in some extreme cold temps last season and failure seemed to be more prevalent. Also, the consequence is greater when you're in dangerously low temps. For real long days, in real cold temps, I was taking two pairs of skins which seems like overkill but I found to be necessary.