Can I use CWM backups to avoid wiping data when switching roms?

[gsu_golfer]

As most of you may know, wiping data is kind of a pain (well, the "restoring" data is the pain).

NOT wiping it tends to cause a bootloop when changing roms.

Can I use CWM backups to avoid wiping data?

For instance - Let's say I'm using Apex, but CM7 has had an update and I'd like to try it out. Can I flash my CWM backup of CM7, and then flash the CM7 zip (which usually doesn't require wiping data) to get the update? Naturally, you can reverse the names here and the same idea applies.

[google123]

I believe that you can restore backups that are based on the same kernel. I know that one time I installed one of the CM7 builds based on GB kernel and then restored data from an backup that I had when CM7 was based of Froyo kernel and got stuck in a bootloop. I ended up having to SBF and start all over again because I was unable to get to recovery, stock or CWM. This is why I always clear data/cache/dalvik even when installing just updates to the same ROM. Why take a chance when all it takes is a few minutes. Just my 2 cents though.