David G

Towing partners is obviously more of a teams-racing thing. Many skimo races are solo, and people don't tend to do it on the reg in the backcountry, but here is an exchange I remember from the racer meeting before the Grand Traverse race this year: Racer: Are tow ropes allowed? Organiser (joking): I thought they were on the compulsory gear list!

I'm 5'7" ~170lbs (unloaded, but I was close to 200 when I bought these). I got the 85s a couple of years ago for the exact situation you describe I have 104mm/177cm Coombacks, and wanted a lighter volcano (+skimo) ski. I've taken them up several volcanos and on long missions. Sometimes in corn/slush I think a 95mm ski might ski better... but they (& the skins) weigh more. IMO if your other skis are 105s then you want the bigger jump to make your "quiver" more complete. If I had my time again I would proba...