What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I put the Ascension Skins through a big multi-lap day up near Loveland, and the pre-installed tip and tail meant I was moving in seconds at every trailhead. Traction held solid through icy switchbacks in the morning and softening snow by noon, no crampons needed. By the last climb my legs were tired, but I never once thought about my gear."The alarm goes off before sunrise, and there's no fumbling at the trailhead when the Ascension Skins from Black Diamond are already trimmed and ready to click on. Step into the skin track while the snow is still firm, and the climb settles into a steady rhythm, one switchback after another, until the sky opens up gold over the ridge. That ease comes from thoughtful design built for real days on snow. The STS adjustable tail flexes up to 10cm, so the same pair moves between skis in your quiver without a fight, while the low profile tip hardware sheds snow buildup instead of collecting it. A durable nylon plush material grips hard on the way up and glides easy across the flats, so the only thing slowing you down is the view.