2nd Look: 2012-2013 Black Diamond Element
At 115 underfoot, the women's-specific 2012-2013 Black Diamond Element shines in powder, but it also rips groomers and (with a slightly forward mount position) handles crud.
Skiing
2nd Look: 2012-2013 Blizzard Dakota
Julia Van Raalte put the 12/13 Blizzard Dakota to the test in Niseko, Japan. Now, Emily Cleveland weighs in from Jackson Hole on this ski that is "burly and nimble, unlike any ski I have tried before."
2nd Look: 2011-2012 Rossignol Scimitar
Here's another look at the Rossignol Scimitar, with direct comparisons to the Rossignol S3 and Rossignol Experience 98. The Upshot? We're more convinced than ever that the Scimitar is one of the best values in the entire ski industry.
2011-2012 Bluehouse Radius
The Bluehouse Radius is no joke. It's a speed-loving tele ski that rips groomers yet still provides a surprising amount of float in pow.
2014-2015 Nordica Ace
The Nordica Ace of Spades Ti is stable, quick, agile, and rips big park features, but isn't quite as poppy or playful as some other park skis.
2021-2022 Praxis Protest
Question: What ski is among the absolute best in its class, yet far too few skiers know about it?
Answer: The Praxis Protest. It's a big ski that deserves to have a much, MUCH bigger following.
2011-2012 ON3P Billy Goat
This season, the 191cm ON3P Billy Goat was one of the most damp, most stable, and hardest charging skis we reviewed. Strong skiers, read on.
2013-2014 Atomic Access
In Jackson Hole, Emily Cleveland has found the Atomic Access to be lightweight, playful, and really easy to ski.
2nd Look: Moment Night Train
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.
2012-2013 Bluehouse Antics
Minimal swing weight and soft flex make the 2011-2012 Bluehouse Antics a fun rail and jump ski, but durability is a concern.
2012-2013 4FRNT Turbo
4FRNT markets the Turbo as a ski for any condition and any terrain. After ten days on the Turbo, BLISTER reviewer Jason Hutchins agrees.
2013-2014 Volkl Shiro
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.
2012-2013 Blizzard Dakota, 177cm
The women's version of the Cochise, the 2012-2013 Blizzard Dakota is one of the burliest big-mountain women’s skis yet.
3rd Look: MOMENT Belafonte, 182cm
Will Brown weighs in on the Moment Belafonte, with reference to two other popular skis from this season: the Moment PB&J and the Blizzard Cochise.
2012-2013 Blizzard GunSmoke
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.
2012-2013 Line Pandora
More than just a really good pow ski, the Line Pandora might actually be one of the most sturdy and fun all-mountain women’s skis available.
2012-2013 ON3P Cease and Desist
If you're looking for a big ski to point down big lines, the ON3P Cease and Desist might be your ride.
2014-2015 4FRNT Hoji
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.
2012-2013 Black Diamond Gigawatt
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?