Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm Review

First Impressions of Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm

The Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm climbing skins promise the holy grail of backcountry skiing: effortless glide without sacrificing grip on the ascent. Black Diamond claims these skins are built for everything from fast skimo races to multi-day ski mountaineering missions, and that’s a bold statement. As a gear specialist with a decade of experience, I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.

I needed a reliable set of skins that wouldn’t weigh me down on long tours and offered superior glide for rolling terrain. I’ve spent countless hours wrestling with bulky, slow skins, wishing for something lighter and faster. The allure of 100% mohair, coupled with the updated STS tail system, piqued my interest.

Unboxing the Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm, I was immediately impressed by the supple feel of the mohair. The build quality appears solid, and the new STS tail hardware looks more streamlined and less bulky than previous versions. Compared to my old nylon skins, these feel significantly lighter and more packable. I chose these over the Glidelite Mix skins, hoping the 100% mohair would provide unmatched glide, even if it meant sacrificing a bit of grip. My initial excitement was high, but I remained cautiously optimistic, knowing that performance in the field is what truly matters.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm was a ski tour in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. The conditions were typical for late winter: a mix of fresh powder, wind-affected snow, and icy patches. The initial skinning was on a relatively flat approach, and the difference in glide compared to my old skins was immediately noticeable. The Glidelite Pure skins felt significantly faster and more efficient, requiring less effort to maintain momentum.

However, when the terrain steepened, I started to notice a slight decrease in grip compared to my previous nylon-mix skins. On a particularly icy section, I had to be extra careful and rely more on my edges to prevent slipping. The STS tail system proved easy to adjust, even with gloves on, allowing me to fine-tune the skin length as needed. No issues arose after the first use, and the skins seemed robust enough to handle the variable snow conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use, the Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm have become my go-to skins for most backcountry adventures. They’ve held up remarkably well, showing only minor signs of wear and tear, mostly around the edges. Despite being 100% mohair, the durability is surprisingly good. I attribute this to the quality construction and the Black Diamond Gold Label Adhesive, which has maintained its stickiness even in sub-zero temperatures and after repeated use.

Maintaining the skins has been relatively easy. I’ve been careful to store them properly, using skin savers to protect the adhesive. Cleaning them is straightforward; I simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry. Compared to my older skins, which required frequent re-gluing, these have been a significant improvement in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance. While they don’t offer the same bombproof grip as some nylon skins, the superior glide has made them a worthwhile trade-off for most of my tours.

Breaking Down the Features of Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm

Specifications

The Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm is designed for backcountry skiers seeking optimal glide. The core specification is the 100% Mohair plush, known for its exceptional glide properties. These skins also feature a Fluro-free DWR coating, aimed at repelling water and preventing snow buildup.

The STS Tail system allows for 20cm of length adjustment, accommodating different ski lengths and mounting positions. The BD Gold Label Adhesive is designed for a strong and reliable bond to the ski base. These specifications translate to a skin that prioritizes speed and efficiency on the ascent, while offering a secure attachment system and water-resistant properties.

Performance & Functionality

The Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm excels in providing unmatched glide on rolling terrain. The mohair plush allows for effortless movement and reduces fatigue on long tours. The primary weakness is its grip on steep or icy slopes. While adequate for most conditions, skiers should be prepared to use proper technique and rely on their edges in challenging situations.

These skins meet my expectations for glide performance, but fall slightly short in terms of grip compared to hybrid or nylon skins. The STS tail system works flawlessly, providing a secure and adjustable fit.

Design & Ergonomics

The Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm skins are well-designed and lightweight. The mohair plush is soft and supple, contributing to the smooth glide. The STS tail system is low-profile and easy to use.

There’s no real learning curve to using these skins; they’re straightforward to attach and adjust. The streamlined design minimizes bulk and weight in the pack.

Durability & Maintenance

The Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm appear to be durable, despite the delicate nature of mohair. After a season of use, they show minimal signs of wear and tear.

Maintenance is relatively simple: store them with skin savers and clean them as needed. The Black Diamond Gold Label Adhesive is known for its long-lasting performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm come with skin savers to protect the adhesive during storage. There are no specific customization options for the skins themselves, but they can be trimmed to fit different ski shapes and sizes.

The STS tail system is replaceable, allowing you to swap out damaged components. The skins are compatible with most ski crampons, providing additional grip when needed.

Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm

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Who Should Buy Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm?

The Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm are perfect for backcountry skiers who prioritize glide performance and efficiency. They are ideal for:

• Ski mountaineers covering long distances.
• Skimo racers looking for every competitive advantage.
• Tourers who frequently encounter rolling terrain.

These skins may not be the best choice for skiers who:

• Primarily ski in steep or icy conditions.
• Require maximum grip above all else.
• Are on a tight budget.

A must-have accessory for these skins is a good pair of ski crampons for added grip on icy slopes.

Conclusion on Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm

The Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm delivers on its promise of exceptional glide, making them a joy to use on long tours and rolling terrain. While they may not offer the same level of grip as some other skins, the superior glide performance and lightweight design make them a worthwhile trade-off for many backcountry skiers. The Black Diamond Gold Label Adhesive and adjustable STS tail system add to their overall value and convenience.

At $229.95, the price is justified for those who value performance and efficiency. I would personally recommend these skins to anyone looking to upgrade their backcountry setup and experience the benefits of 100% mohair. Ditch those heavy, slow skins and glide effortlessly into the backcountry with the Black Diamond Glidelite Pure Sts 135 Mm!