The Night Train was built to "dominate deep days," "surf big mountain lines," and throw "huge booter spins," and it does all of that really well. But how versatile is this ski in terms of all-mountain performance? Sam Shaheen weighs in.
Custom liners can enhance the performance you're getting from your ski boots. Here, Marshal Olson breaks down the pros and cons of four Intuition liners to help you determine which might be right for you.
The 183cm Volkl Shiro offers a nice blend of versatility and powder performance, but demonstrated some finicky behavior that would likely be reduced by sizing up.
The 2012 Burton Cartel Re:Flex is packed with new technology, but it's not the same stiff, responsive binding that has been the choice of pros and advanced riders for years.
The new GunSmoke is a freestyle-oriented addition to Blizzard's "Free Mountain" lineup, and a very solid addition at that. BLISTER reviewer Andrew Gregovich is sold.
When Eric Hjorleifson comes out with a new pro model (especially a pro model that replaces the much loved 4FRNT EHP), it's time to pay attention. We've been running the new HOJI through the pillows and trees and pow of Niseko, and the ski is as dynamic and playful as the terrain around here.
Since it STILL hasn't stopped snowing here in Niseko, we're glad we've had the Gigawatt with us. It's exceptional in deep, open spaces; very good in deep, tight trees; outstanding in soft chop; and excellent (for its size) on groomers. But the biggest question might be: Gigawatt, or Megawatt?