Light climbing skin bd information please

I'm thinking of buying BlackDiamond climbing skins...the light type for my Rossi Powder Birds. Was wondering what people think of them as compared to the standard--heavier, B.D. ascension skins (blue ones). Specifically curious about comparisons in durability, glide, climbing ability, and icing up in warmer conditions...and anything else that might be pertinent. THANKS!!!!!!!!!

I have a pair of the standard ascensions for my light touring skis (Sahales) and a pair of the newer orange plush clipfix skins for my BD Havocs. I love both pairs, the glue is bomber and the glide is really good, seperation if stuck together isn't too painful and they are durable. I have had a few pairs of other cheaper skins, and I will never go back to anything besides BD skins. I have been told by numerous people that G3 skins suck and come off alot, although I can;t speak for myself on that issue. I'm really pleased wth all of my BD gear, especially the skins. I can definately recommend them!

I have a pair of both and the only difference I can see / feel is the weight. Both are excellent. As for durability the Ascensions are about two seasons old, approx. 40 trips on them and still great. The Glidelites are one season, approx 15 trips and are still as new. Much of the durability issue you are asking about depends on the conditions of the surface you travel over. The harder the surface the shorter the life. If you protect your skins from the start with a good solution like NIKWAX skin treatment it will also increase the durability. These solutions help removal of the eventual pitch and glop that is picked up on the skins with out "excessive" scrubbing. This scrubbing can cause bald spots on skins. The last part to consider is your ski purchase habits. If you tend to buy new skis every two years or so why bother with the durability issue. If you buy skis and ski them for longer than that I might consider the more durable Ascensions. Hope this helps.

I keep skis until they are wrecked and like-wise skins.  (yes I pretty much own obsolete stuff...).   Sounds like--all things compared being equal--the lighter ones won't go the distance-- like seven years (or did I read between the lines incorrectly?).  Those Rossis are pretty heavy compared to my old Karhu/Kazama quiver of backcountry/rock skis.   

I've walked all over ice and crap...rocks, logs etc.  and my ol' blue ascension traction devices are still working well...and they have never been reglued either; they just don't cut in on my wide Rossis on anything steepish.

Saw a few snow flakes this morning here in downtown Bend. Hopefull skiing by Monday!!!!!!!!!
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climbingskinsdirect.com offers fairly inexpensive skins.  They have a money back warranty if bit satisfied with the product (I emailed them for the story...); they make them right there in Jackson; they apparently were the origninal brains or close to it at Acension.  They have the tip/ tail set up in the "Euro Fix"  mannner...which has  worked really well for me.  Also, if you have twin tip skis, they have a good stout looking ring to fit on the tail (apparently if it is a round tail these would be the ticket).  They are out of Jackson Hole and appreciate any feed-back if you buy them. 

Sounds like they are climbing skin/engineering nerds and that they have really checked out a lot of "angles".   Anybody used these skins thus far?

Check the weights, and you'll find the Glidelights are only about an ounce less than the Ascensions. I think they are more supple but the "light" factor is minimal. My wife has 2 pairs but they haven't been heavily used; They've never come off.

BTW I love my G3s! the tail attachment is solid and adjustable, and they are lasting well. I use BD glue 'cuz that's what my local shops had, and I haven't had to reglue my wide pair in 2 years.