Performance waxless skis... seems like an oxymoron.

Waxless skis have long been the Volkswagen of the sporadic rec skier, the budget buyer, the customer whose eyes bug out when contemplating the array of waxes to consider before heading out into the snow.  Pros: no waxing decisions.  Put them on and go.  Cons: loud buzzing noise while skiing.  Reduced glide.  

Well, things have changed.

Salomon's new RC Skins have a parallel race sidecut, a World Cup quality racing base, and a race quality lightweight core.  They come in different flexes and have a skin strip technology that will last you 5 or 6 years at least - and is replaceable.  No waxing required.

Very cool, we thought.  But do they deliver on their promises?

Kevin tested a pair in Silverstar, B.C. and here's what he had to say.

They were quiet, the grip was excellent, and - as expected - the glide was not quite as good as waxable skis.  There's no way to get around that if you want waxless skis.  

We completely endorse the RC Skins.  They are the answer to some very difficult skiing situations, such as when it is almost impossible to wax (near freezing conditions, tracks with hot sun and cold shade where icing up often occurs, fresh wet snow, etc).  

They are also perfect for keeping in your car and zipping out for a quick after work ski on your way home.  

As Kevin always says: the sport is skiing, not waxing.