2nd Look: 2014-2015 Black Diamond Zealot
Jason Hutchins' time on the 182cm Black Diamond Zealot left him "nothing but impressed." If you're a lighter skier looking for a versatile ski (that doubles as a very good backcountry tool), take a look.
Skiing
3rd Look: Blizzard Cochise
We've looked at the Blizzard Cochise before, but this is different: here's a review from Blizzard athlete Rob Dickinson, a smart comp skier with podium finishes on the Cochise. It's not our usual M.O., but we'll explain.
2013-2014 Epic Planks Ripper
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Epic Planks Ripper is that, so far, the manufacturer's description seems to be right on the money. (It's rare we say things like that around here.)
PREVIEW: Atomic Punx
The Atomic Punx has developed a strong reputation coming into this season: durable yet light, solid yet nimble. But what's really intriguing is its versatility.
PREVIEW: 2012-2013 MOMENT Governor
This is the story of a ski reportedly built by 300-lb-benching guys with tats. It's also a story about obsession and digital calipers. But most of all, it's the story of the evolution of a big-mountain ski that looks like it is going to absolutely rip.
PREVIEW: Epic Planks Crop Duster
With a generous amount of tip and tail rocker, a 122mm waist, and a flat camber profile underfoot, the Epic Planks Crop Duster is made primarily to float and smear. But we're still curious to see how it holds up in variable conditions....
PREVIEW: Epic Planks Ripper
On paper, for an all-mountain, one-ski quiver, everything about the Epic Planks Ripper seems well thought out.
2012-2013 Rossignol Squad 7
The Rossignol Squad 7 is one of our favorite new big-mountain boards of the upcoming season. Find out how it fared in Niseko, Japan, at Alta, and around Taos.
2021-2022 Nordica Soul Rider
If you are looking for a ~100mm wide, poppy, twin-tipped, all-mountain ski that feels very comfortable on both very firm and soft snow, the Nordica Soul Rider should be near the top of your list.
2015-2016 Praxis MVP, Part Two
The Praxis MVP is a serious contender for the “Most Versatile Player” award in this season's class of ~110mm wide skis.
2015-2016 Praxis MVP
The Praxis MVP is a made-to-order ski. Our pair was made by—and for—Praxis' own Kevin O'Meara. It's a big-mountain comp ski built to play AND handle very high speeds. Two worlds collide.
2012-2013 K2 Pettitor
Here are our early impressions of Sean Pettit's new pro-model, the K2 Pettitor.
2014-2015 Dynastar Cham 107
The strength of the Dynastar Cham 107 is in its versatility. It's a multi-tool that does a lot of things well rather than absolutely stand out in a specific condition or application.
2014-2015 Fischer Big Stix 110
The Fischer Big Stix 110 shines precisely where most tip and tail rockered skis falter. Take a look.
2015-2016 Salomon Q-115
The new Salomon Rocker2 115 is a big-mountain gun that shows some range—surprisingly easy and fun on groomers, yet still likely to satisfy the hard-charging crowd on any pow day.
2012-2013 Down Skis Countdown 3
The Down Skis Countdown 3 is a serious, damp big-mountain ski well suited to cut big, fast turns on a pow day, but capable of smearing and surfing turns when you ask.
2013-2014 Fischer Watea 106
A stiffer ski with positive camber through the tails, the Fischer Watea 106 is not super playful or really easy to ski—it's for going hard and fast, period. In other words, bring your A game.
2015-2016 Kastle XX110
Kästle has gone in a new direction with their fully symmetrical XX110 West, and Colby West and Kästle both deserve a standing ovation for this pow / jib ski that can handle big-mountain lines.
Exclusive First Look: 2012-2013 DPS Wailer 112RPC
The DPS Wailer 112RPC is the stiffer, wider, and more subtly rockered offspring of the popular Wailer 112RP. And while the "C" stands for charger, this apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. Check out BLISTER's exclusive first review.
2013-2014 Atomic Ritual
The Atomic Ritual can be easily slashed and skidded, but is still a substantial ski to use as an everyday all-mountain charger.