I don't have experience specifically with Skimz, but a have/had many pumps with the Askoll motorblock and it's rock solid. I have a Vertex V6 as a back up pump. I imagine that the only difference with the pumps are the input/output and possibly the impeller.
It's a killer deal. Looks like they already sold out of the largest size.
The only drawback is that it has a slight noise (but is surprisingly quieter than my Vectra L1). In comparison to a DC pump, it can't be controlled and uses more power.