Comments on: Gecko Climbing Skins Review Update http://www.wildsnow.com/6281/gecko-skins-review/ Backcountry Skiing Weblog Blog, FAQs, more, links and info about randonnee, telemark and backcountry ski mountaineering. Fri, 24 May 2013 12:39:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Herb Jones http://www.wildsnow.com/6281/gecko-skins-review/#comment-52590 Herb Jones Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:18:08 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=6281#comment-52590 Sorry, I did not specify the width I am looking for in the original Geckos. It is 140 or 130mm x 190 and 180. Also, if it was not clear, the cordelette is "permanently " tied through the tip loop and skin so you can't lose it in two feet of powder like I did. Fortunately, I was packing a spare. How many ideas are born from the motivation of feeling stupid?? Sorry, I did not specify the width I am looking for in the original Geckos. It is 140 or 130mm x 190 and 180. Also, if it was not clear, the cordelette is “permanently ” tied through the tip loop and skin so you can’t lose it in two feet of powder like I did. Fortunately, I was packing a spare. How many ideas are born from the motivation of feeling stupid??

]]> By: Herb Jones http://www.wildsnow.com/6281/gecko-skins-review/#comment-52579 Herb Jones Sat, 06 Apr 2013 20:37:50 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=6281#comment-52579 As a long (4 year) user of Geckos I, too, was disappointed with the glue problems on the latest model with the goofy red plastic slippery tip and tail clips. I still have the first set I bought with the fuzzy white backer that likes to fray. They are still in use and probably have 80-100 days on them and yes the glue is not the best any more. But, the glide is way better than the new Geckos, the simple metal tail clip and velcro tip loop attachments have never failed and the fuzz does not affect climbing or glide. The mohair quality is much better than the new version. The earlier skins were sold full length so fewer issues with snow under the tail end. I went to the trouble of modifying my new skins by replicating the old velcro tip loop and of course included a "runaway strap" for the loop which was sorely lacking in the originals (a short length of 1.5mm cordelette threaded through a hole poked through the skin) . This allows for a tip release and relatively easy peel off without removing skis. On the snow covered glue non-adhesion problem? Just turn the skins inside out, yes glue side out, fold in half and wrap around your inner layer I used my midweight patagonia zip tee, and cover up for a few minutes. The glue will not stick to clothing and comes out lint free and warmed up and ready to stick to your skis. I did this on a cold day when a gust coated my skins with powder dust. Try that with regular glue, you'd better not be wearing anything fuzzy. I have not had to use this technique with my new skins which have some minor glue failure/peeling in a 4-5mm strip along one edge but I often stuff skin in my jacket when doing laps or in a hurry and have seen no glue on any clothing. I will probably try to return the skins at end of season and hope the mods aren't a problem. Suffice it to say that I am a big fan of Geckos and hope that they work out their problems. Anyone know where I can pick up a set of the original Geckos in a 180-190 full width length?? As a long (4 year) user of Geckos I, too, was disappointed with the glue problems on the latest model with the goofy red plastic slippery tip and tail clips. I still have the first set I bought with the fuzzy white backer that likes to fray. They are still in use and probably have 80-100 days on them and yes the glue is not the best any more. But, the glide is way better than the new Geckos, the simple metal tail clip and velcro tip loop attachments have never failed and the fuzz does not affect climbing or glide. The mohair quality is much better than the new version. The earlier skins were sold full length so fewer issues with snow under the tail end. I went to the trouble of modifying my new skins by replicating the old velcro tip loop and of course included a “runaway strap” for the loop which was sorely lacking in the originals (a short length of 1.5mm cordelette threaded through a hole poked through the skin) . This allows for a tip release and relatively easy peel off without removing skis.
On the snow covered glue non-adhesion problem? Just turn the skins inside out, yes glue side out, fold in half and wrap around your inner layer I used my midweight patagonia zip tee, and cover up for a few minutes. The glue will not stick to clothing and comes out lint free and warmed up and ready to stick to your skis. I did this on a cold day when a gust coated my skins with powder dust. Try that with regular glue, you’d better not be wearing anything fuzzy. I have not had to use this technique with my new skins which have some minor glue failure/peeling in a 4-5mm strip along one edge but I often stuff skin in my jacket when doing laps or in a hurry and have seen no glue on any clothing. I will probably try to return the skins at end of season and hope the mods aren’t a problem.
Suffice it to say that I am a big fan of Geckos and hope that they work out their problems. Anyone know where I can pick up a set of the original Geckos in a 180-190 full width length??

]]> By: Bar Barrique http://www.wildsnow.com/6281/gecko-skins-review/#comment-52573 Bar Barrique Sat, 06 Apr 2013 03:18:55 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=6281#comment-52573 I like Colltex skins, but I don't think that the CT 40 glue is comparable to the Gecko's. CT 40 skins must be reattached to a storage mesh whenever you take them off the skis, and, I have read that they can be difficult to get apart if the glued surfaces make contact with each other. I don't think that this CT 40 glue has any real advantage over "regular" skin glue. I like Colltex skins, but I don’t think that the CT 40 glue is comparable to the Gecko’s.
CT 40 skins must be reattached to a storage mesh whenever you take them off the skis, and, I have read that they can be difficult to get apart if the glued surfaces make contact with each other.
I don’t think that this CT 40 glue has any real advantage over “regular” skin glue.

]]> By: Ronny Broen http://www.wildsnow.com/6281/gecko-skins-review/#comment-52545 Ronny Broen Thu, 04 Apr 2013 04:40:12 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=6281#comment-52545 Tried out 2 pairs of Gecko's this winter, touring in BC, and both have had the same evolution. Starting to leave residue on the base after about 5 days of use. After 10-12 days of use they leave a substantial amount, and some patches coming of. I found that gliding/rubbing the skis on the snow for a minute or two, removed most of the residue, enough to be able to ski down without problems, apart from a slightly reduced glide, as long as the snow was dry. With the present spring snow conditions, its impossible to glide it of, the residue is just smeared in to the base, totally hopeless. Tom, any news on how the CT40+ is working out? Ronny Tried out 2 pairs of Gecko’s this winter, touring in BC, and both have had the same evolution.
Starting to leave residue on the base after about 5 days of use.
After 10-12 days of use they leave a substantial amount, and some patches coming of.
I found that gliding/rubbing the skis on the snow for a minute or two, removed most of the residue, enough to be able to ski down without problems, apart from a slightly reduced glide, as long as the snow was dry.
With the present spring snow conditions, its impossible to glide it of, the residue is just smeared in to the base, totally hopeless.

Tom, any news on how the CT40+ is working out?

Ronny

]]> By: Ian http://www.wildsnow.com/6281/gecko-skins-review/#comment-51831 Ian Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:08:43 +0000 http://www.wildsnow.com/?p=6281#comment-51831 Tom- Have you had success at applying Gold Label to Gecko Skin backing (or have heard of someone who has)? I tried to repair my skins with Gold Label, but could not get it to stick. It would just peel off. If there is a trick that you or someone knows of, please let me know. Thanks. Ian Tom- Have you had success at applying Gold Label to Gecko Skin backing (or have heard of someone who has)? I tried to repair my skins with Gold Label, but could not get it to stick. It would just peel off. If there is a trick that you or someone knows of, please let me know. Thanks.

Ian

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