Once again, we were able to attend the annual Snow Show in Denver to see the gear coming out for the 2015/16 Season. Just to give you an idea, there are over 600 different brands exhibiting at this show with many thousands of different products. Seeing as it would take us the better part of the year to review everything that we really liked, it makes much more sense to pick just a few of our favorites so you can get an idea of what we're excited about. There's also a good chance you'll see a few of these coming in to the shop next year... So now, please enjoy the: On The Edge Tuning 2015/16 Gear Review Ski Gear Marker Kingpin Tech Binding Probably the most talked about tech binding since "The Beast", the Marker Kingpin combines lightness and efficiency with bomb-proof construction and excellent skiability. Some of the more interesting features are the 6-spring toe pieces instead of the standard 4, a ski/hike latch that can be switched with the boot in the binding (a first for the Marker touring line), and a full alpine-style heel complete with forward pressure and a 2-stage climbing support. All of this comes together to produce one of the most solid-feeling tech style bindings ever designed. If you didn't look at your feet, you'd have no idea you were bombing the mountain in a lightweight touring binding. The attention to detail is apparent from the moment you step in. The adjustable toe guides make finding the pin-holes a snap no matter who made your AT boot. Then there's the heel. When you click in a normal tech binding and feel the play from the heel pins, there's that little piece of your brain that thinks "Well, hope it holds..." But in the Kingpin, it's like shaking hands with an old friend. You step your heel down, feel that active forward pressure spring slide back, get the familiar alpine lockdown, and you know that it's good to go. 22Designs Outlaw NTN Binding This latest creation for the folks at 22Designs is chock full of firsts: 1st NTN binding built by a company other than Rotefella, 1st NTN binding made in the USA, 1st NTN with binding with true resistance-free touring, and 1st NTN with step-in capability. In typical 22Design fashion, the Outlaw is made to withstand relentless abuse and return nothing but complete control and stability. The relatively simple design means it's reliable, and that goes a long way when you're spending a lot of time in the backcountry (which you will when you see how well it tours...) Over all, NTN technology keeps showing signs of gaining momentum with the Telemark community, and this binding is definitely pushing in the right direction. Fischer Profoil Skins Anyone who has spent time in the backcountry knows the value of increasing efficiency. This new innovation from Fischer will not only help you get to the top faster, but will increase your comfort and speed along the way. The secret lies in the base material that is lightweight and waterproof and has an extremely low coefficient of friction. The result is a longer stride, unbeatable gripping power, and a skin that doesn't absorb water and therefore remains light and dry in all conditions. The only way these skins would be more efficient is if they pulled you up the mountain... or made you breakfast. Meier Madam We've heard rumors about this ski and they're finally coming true. This women's specific powder ski not only looks fantastic, but boasts some impressive numbers as well: 169cm long, 118mm waist, 13m turning radius, and weighs a featherlight 2lbs 15 oz per ski. The Full-Rocker design creates an effortless feel on groomers and a giddy playfulness in the soft stuff. Whether on or off-piste, if you spend the summer dreaming of bottomless powder, you'll have to check this one out! Fischer Ranger While it's nearly impossible to find a ski that is strong enough to charge hard at the resorts and that can double as your everyday backcountry tourer, the brand new Ranger line from Fischer comes pretty darn close. The channeled beech/poplar core is combined with Titanal reinforcements, a Carbon-Fiber tip and just about every other bit of new technology Fischer can throw at it (which, believe me, we could spend all day talking about...) All of that may sound awesome on paper, but how does that translate to the snow? Typically, stiffness + lightweight = chatter. So does it? Well... Yes. But (and that's a big but) You never have the sensation that you aren't fully in control. Yes, the tips may flutter a bit when you pick up some decent speed, but the ski is so finely balanced that you never feel like you can't keep pushing it. The end result is still a ski that will go wherever, whenever, and however the driver wants, and with width options of 90, 98, and 108mm underfoot, there's definitely something for everyone. If you can dream it, the Ranger can do it. Snowboard Gear The following reviews were written by our good friend at Cranknstein, Evan Rau. Arbor A-Frame The Arbor A-frame is always a favorite, and this year was no exception. I really should try to demo a wider variety from Arbor, but I just can't get enough of this board. Predictable carving and high speed stability, yet highly maneuverable and quick in the trees. The thing seems to know its way through the dense and shady with or without me. It was a little stiffer than I remember it being in the past, but in a good way that only seems to add to its carving prowess. Beautiful as always, Arbor continues its tradition of combining beauty and function to produce soulful, intuitive boards. Flow Maverick The Maverick from Flow was fun all afternoon, and I held onto it long enough to totally smoke my legs. It demanded to be pushed hard, constantly shouting, "go faster!" over the roar of the wind blowing past my ears. I think the board was a little disappointed that I didn't take it into deep powder, because on the frontside, it primarily wanted to go base flat straight down the mountain. It handled trees surprisingly well for its bent on terminal velocity, but it was a little tough to handle in there. I tended to go blasting through tight gaps praying for survival, rather than surfing around them. Overall, a solid-feeling board, and lightweight for its manners and stability. I'd love to take it into a back bowl at sunrise after an overnight dump. Rodin Split Ah, the Rodin Split. A splitboard with the ability to downhill ski. I am quite intrigued at this little number, as I would like my gear to be a bit more versatile in the backcountry, but I'm not a good enough skier to go straight to and AT setup, nor am I interested in saying goodbye to my snowboard. As with all splitboards, I am concerned about stiffness and responsiveness, but I must reserve judgment, as I have yet to ride one of these setups. I will jump at the chance if I get it. I didn't see anyone near these boards at the show, nor was there a Rodin booth, as far as I could see. I'll keep my eyes open for this to show up again, though, and I'll be there in line with my boots on.
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You might think that there are many answers to this question, such as the weather conditions, the amount of snow, and even how crowded the slopes are can each make an argument. There's only one thing, however, that can make your day wonderful or miserable completely independent from every other factor. What is this magic skiing element, you ask? For the answer, simply ask your feet. Let's set the scene: It snowed 2 feet overnight and it's a blue sky day. There's no crowds, and you have brand new powder skis that are expertly tuned. Just one thing; your feet are miserable because your boots don't fit right. Still think you're going to enjoy the day? Probably not. That's why choosing the right boots is more important than any other piece of your equipment. Here's a couple tips to get you started: Brand loyalty won't necessarily get you the right boot You might be a Rossignol fanatic, but you also might be cramming a square peg in a round hole. Most of the big-name brands carry a similar level of quality, but what differs is the shape of the boot. For example, a Rossignol and Salomon boot might have the same size last, but the widest point hits your foot in different places. Or, the overall volume might be the same, but one is bigger in the toe and the other in the arch. Bottom line? Go with the brand that fits you best, then narrow it down from there. Know what type of fit you're looking for. The size of the boot will have a big impact on both performance and comfort, so choose wisely. A more performance oriented size will be tighter all around. You gain better energy transfer but lose circulation, and contrary to popular belief; boot liners don't warm your feet, blood does. The more compression, the less blood gets to your toes, and the faster they go numb. The comfort fit gives your feet some room to breathe, but you get that little bit of slack before you can start driving the ski. It's up to you which benefit is more important. Pick the right amount of flex for your style. The stiffness of the boot can play a big role, not only in the overall performance, but in how well you can improve on your skiing. Think of your boots as the mediator between your legs and your skis. You don't want any of the energy you're putting into your boots to get lost on its way to your skis, but you also don't want your boots to make your skis stubborn and difficult to control. The trickiest place to be is an intermediate skier. Pick a boot too soft and have all the forgiveness in the world, but never be able to learn to truly drive the ski. On the other hand, a stiffer boot is a great tool to help you become a better skier, but if you're not ready it can make your skis difficult to control. You know your comfort level better than anyone, so make sure you give it some thought and not just go for the flashiest boot on the wall. At the beginning of February, we were given the chance to check out and experience the coolest new skis, boards, and equipment coming out for the 14/15 Season. While there are TONS of products we're excited about, we've decided to highlight just a few of our favorites. Feel free to comment with ANY questions or thoughts! And now, without further ado... On The Edge Tuning 14/15 Gear Review: Avalanche Safety Black Diamond JETFORCE pack This has been one of the most talked about new products coming out next year, and for very good reason. Just to recap for those of you who haven't heard of this thing yet, instead of a normal compressed-air cylinder to power the airbag, it uses a battery-powered jet-fan (I know what you're thinking, but it's not a typo). We could go on for hours on this thing, but our favorite features are that you can deploy it at least 4 times on one charge, the continuous bursts of air after deployment means it can stay inflated even if it gets a decent sized puncture, and it has an automatic deflation after 3 minutes which brings to mind 2 words in a worse-case scenario: "air pocket". The Jetforce system will be available in 3 different sized packs, and is definitely one of the best Avy Safety innovations that we've seen in recent years. Ski Gear Rossignol Axial3 Bindings There are tons of excellent alpine bindings on the market right now, but one of the brand new models for 14/15 that peaked our interest is the Rossignol Axial 3. The Axial 2 has always been a staple of the modern alpine binding, but the 3 has ramped it up in both the design and function catagories. It's stiffer, stronger, transmits more energy directly to the ski, and we think it looks just as good as it performs. Multi-directional and consistent releasability means you stay in when you want and pop out when you don't. You'll have a few options for DIN range as well as color schemes so you can get just the right style to match your performance. Dynafit Radical 2.0 Bindings Every time Dynafit comes out with a new binding there's good cause to get excited, and this time is no exception. The first generation Radical is one of the best AT bindings on the market. It's extremely light, durable, reliable, and tours better than anything out there. This new version is all of those things and more. The brand new rotating toe piece combined with a forward pressure heel produces a more consistent release and active binding feel. The wider base plate and burlier construction also contributes to this feeling as well as giving more control to wider skis. Basically if you spend any amount of time in the backcountry, this is definitely a piece of gear that will catch your eye. Meier Quickdraw While most skis are gravitating towards fatter, lighter, and stiffer designs, every once in a while it's nice to hop on a carving machine that can rip your face off. This is one ski where the more energy you put into it, the more it gives you back. That means you can ski some nice long GS turns gliding effortlessly down the groomers, or slam your shin into the front of your boot and hope nobody can hear the girlish squeaks escaping involuntarily as you rip across the slope praying you can ski as hard as these things can. If you want a front-side ski that skis as good as it looks, this one definitely needs to make your wish list for next year. (Oh, and there's rumor of a ladies version called the Calamity Jane...) Snowboard Gear Jones' Carbon Flagship Carbon fiber is becoming more and more prevalent in ski/snowboard construction. The benefits are lightweight without sacrificing strength, but can have side effect of chattering more than those old wind up teeth you had as a kid. This board however, defines why carbon fiber was even invented. It rides extremely well balanced, stable, and can power the long carve or rock the quick bursts. Definitely one of our favorites for next year. Rossignol Angus Magtek As far as all-mountain boards go, this one is going to be hard to beat. Basically a combination of Rossignol's most successful snowboard tech, this thing will surf like a longboard, cut like a razor, and go anywhere the driver wants without hesitation. It initiates turns with absurd ease and holds it's edge in even the most bulletproof conditions. Welcome to a one-board world. |
AuthorJames Graef Archives
March 2015
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