Finally about to pull the trigger on some LH4000s, getting really excited for the winter ahead. Hoped on the phone to order the other day and the big question came up... black or white? Felt like it could be a simple, unimportant answer but after some thought, realized there were some benefits to each side. Any recommendations to go one way or the other? These are my initial thoughts.

Black skis:
+ Better for contrast against the snow (ie peripheral vision when landing?)
+ Easier to spot when buried/digging
- Picks up more heat/stays warmer ie when landing/sitting in snow higher likelihood of melt and refreeze? (have had this issue when leaving regular recreational snow skis standing out in the sun)

White Skis:
+ Stays cooler/doesn't pick up solar heat, less melt refreeze problem
- Less contrast for landing (maybe this is actually a plus?)

I’m sure some of the guys with way more experience than me will chime in, but I don’t think I have ever looked at my skis while landing, so I wouldn’t factor that in personally. As for the other considerations, great question. We have guys here with grey, white , yellow & black skis and I haven’t heard any comments on if color plays a role.

Pete

First off I'm going to echo what was said above, I've never looked directly or peripherally at my skis, wheels or floats while landing so that's not an issue.

If you cool the skis on landing before stopping and if stay for a significant length of time elevate the skis; I carry four a pieces of wood, sticking will not be an issue. Try to loop back on landing and stop in your own tracks in the direction of anticipate departure or on a previously packed area that will help, snowmobile trails are ideal. Your biggest concern is with water/slush overflow, it will bind any color of ski almost instantly whether its a sunny day or not so I don't think color is an issue, only a personal choice.

As for paint any color will; over time show wear, chips scratches etc. so for this reason I like clear coated aluminum. Likewise on floats, unfortunately the previous owner of my floats painted them and I don't have the energy so strip and refinish them.



On occasion I don't listen to the voices in my head very well, I spent a lot of time getting myself "unstuck" from this landing

I also never look at my skis when landing it is more like floats trying to determine just where the snow is, color of the skis won't matter. I have white skis they will have enough dirt/mud/dust/scuff marks/non slip tape on them to see them in deeper snow if you have to dig them out. I would agree black will absorb more but the gel coat bottom should insulate that some. No matter what color when you land you will develop friction that can lead to a moisture under the ski the will freeze when you stop. When you get out just bump the plane a few inches to brake that loose and you should be good for the day. Overnight or long parking on the snow putting them up on some block/branch is not a bad ideal, I don't do that myself. I just kick the front of my federal 2500A 's and rock the wings and they come loose pretty easy. What about the nice red color the Airless skis seem to come in.
DENNY

I wouldn't worry much about color. As others have said, you'll want to put some non skid tape on the tops of the tunnels, lest you go arse over teakettle when applying engine covers, so unless you find non skid tape that color coordinates......

I'd probably opt for white, on the rare but potential of warming from sun overhead in late spring. I doubt that's going to be an issue, though.

I've run white, red, silver skis and never really gave any thought to color.

So, pick the color you like the best, or the one that goes best with your plane's color.