Paul, the reason your skis have the same dimension as mine is because (drum roll, please) they are the same ski.

Where I had the traction problem was on a hard pack road that was a bit icy in spots. I will have to try climbing with and without the skins. I have BD Glidelite skins-the ones that look like blue and white cowhide. I don't have tails on them-just use the glue, but I may put tails on them at some point.

I've got Voile 3 pin bindings sitting on their release plates. Never been downhilling to see if the releases actually work, but they do give me a bit of lift off the ski and I hope will actually work if need be.

Have you tried tele skiing with them? That's my next goal-nothing super steep, just bunny hill stuff.