2009-10-14 | Marker Duke Binding by altmanator
Good: The Duke is unparalleled when it comes to an AT binding that can take the punishment of hucking and charging rowdy lines in the backcountry.
Bad: These bindings are not light and if you are just looking to tour around and farm some turns down a mellow slope in the backcountry these are probably not the best fit for you. The Dukes can also be a bit cumbersome to switch from tour to ski mode as ice and snow can easily build up underneath them and block the channel they need to slide forward on to lock down. All it takes is a little scraping to clear them out but it can still be a pain when it's blowing hard and you just want to ski.
Alternatives: For a bomber backcountry binding there really is no other but if you're looking to log more vert and don't have to drop that 30 footer on the way down, the [prod]22352[/prod] is a great binding that is far lighter than the Duke. |
2009-07-25 | Armada ARW by pegisusskis
Good: Perfect length, enough flex for shreddin park but strong enough to boost out of pipe.
Bad: side wall cracks easily
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2009-05-03 | G3 Targa Ascent Telemark Ski Binding by abelrevenge
Good: Makes touring so much easier. Very simple to use the climbing wire and with practice I am able to engage them on the go. Worth every penny.
Bad: There are at least three places where snow can build up and make locking the binding down for skiing very difficult. I have found a key or knife to be very beneficial in wet snow. If anyone has a trick they use for this please post it.
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2009-04-29 | Giro Shiv Helmet by jahboy
Good: the lightest most comfortable (with hat underneath) park/go everywhere helmet. i ride the park a lot so i like to ski without the earflaps and with a beanie, this is the ultimate helmet. my oakley crowbars not only look sick under the helmet but feel great. there is no conflict with the goggle and the helmet. the magnetic goggle holder easily comes off to be stored when you ski with the gog's under the helmet but stays up and holds when the goggles are around the outside, versitile padding for a few years of use. THE BEST
Alternatives: none, this is it |
2009-04-19 | Head Monster Im82 by big2H2big
Good: Great flex, It is able to tackle all mountain conditions because its a great carver in the bumps, as well as in powder and on groomed trails.
Bad: Its more for expert level skiers so beginners should not be looking to buy this ski.
Alternatives: If this ski is not in your budget range or it if just doesn't fit your skiing style, You should Look at the Movement Thunder or the K2 Apache Recon. |
2009-04-14 | Bolle Nova by goldengun34
Good: Greeat visibility. comfortable. great lenses. good all around goggle
Bad: Not very styish, awkward fit around nose
Alternatives: No, naybe a higher end Bolle goggle |
2009-03-16 | Voile Tele Pro Shovel by jonnymtman
Good: Can cut and move snow better than any I have seen. My old one live in the truck and still goes out on winter camping trips. Metal blade is a must. I like the dead man holes on the new model.
Bad: Big. I bought BDs for out AT trips
Alternatives: BD deploy or traverse |
2009-03-16 | Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel by jonnymtman
Good: Light but long enough to remove even non emergency snow. You can move snow with your boot when you buddy is buried. But if you want to move snow efficiently yet carry very little this is the best. Unless you are moving powder get a metal blade. Easy to extend and use
Bad: Handel collapses, but not into the blade like the deploy series.
Alternatives: To move a lot of snow get the Voile Tele Pro Shovel |
2009-03-14 | Volkl Bridge by j.filippo1989
Good: In two weeks, I was lucky and could try these in almost every conditions possible in the east coast. There was powder (snow storm almost :D), ice, groomed snow and hard packed, which is why its a bit tricky to buy one pair for all around here.
They won't let you down. This is my first Twin Tip, so I can't compare, but they feel great. Really light even if they're a bit wide. I wasn't sure how they would handle groomed conditions, since its under Big Mountain and powder. They were awesome! Even with ice, I was under control all the time. No disappointment at all. I'm loving them more everyday I use them. Sometime, I pity my brothers who can't follow when the snow isn't perfect. ;)
I didn't try them too much in the park though. I only did jumps, no tricks. I had lots of air and landed perfectly everytime, so thats a plus.
Bad: Not top notch on ice. Ice stays ice. If you want something good for that, I'll get you some skates. lol
It is the only thing I can think of.
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2009-01-14 | Volkl Kuro by mpb5f
Good: Unreal in powder: fast, smooth, and completely stable at speed. They ski just fine on the groomed too, although they are heavy and tough to whip around in bumps. They'll save your legs so you can keep turning laps as long as there's powder around.
Bad: Need to get them up to speed to turn them easily. Also, your friends on normal skis will never keep up.
Alternatives: You could also buy two cheap snowboards and mount ski bindings to them for about the same price. |
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2009-01-07 | 4FRNT VCT by jefemeister
Good: Crud Bustin' Animal! I was really surprised when I got on this ski. On the groomers it's stable like a GS ski, it has nice float in the pow and it busts through crud like nobody's business. Seems like it was really well made, too.
Bad: While I didn't go "oh this is my favorite ski!" I found very little wrong with it. I felt they could be a little more energetic, but that's my personal preference.
Alternatives: I Felt it skied kinda like the Volkl Gotama... |
2009-01-06 | Ortovox D3 Avalanche Beacon by Dr. Steeze
Good: Easy to operate.
Bad: Range is only about 40m. Tends to spike often during the fine search. Follows flux line, not directly to victim. Major interference if your cell phone is near it.
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2009-01-06 | Nordica Supercharger Ignition Boot by ejbonner
Good: These boots are a hybrid between stiff and soft, allowing for a very desirable freeski boot. I have very wide feet and these are the best fitting boots i have found. I was shocked to put on a boot and actually find it comfortable. I dont race or compete in freestyle but i love to ski. For a free skier, especially with wide feet, i would strongly suggest these boots.
Bad: due to my calf build, i am unable to find a boot that fits right at the top of the tounge, obviously, this may very based on your build
Alternatives: do not consider these boots for racing |
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