POC Trabec Helmet
The Trabec is POC's first lightweight, in-mold helmet designed for the XC/AM/Enduro market. It's very well vented and offers good coverage, but its styling and colors might take some getting used to.
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South American Ski Selections: Praxis MVP
There are pro models and then there are Pro Models. The Praxis MVP is Kevin O'Meara's, and we are taking to Las Leñas the pair that Kevin literally built for himself to compete on this season. Not many skis out there appear to offer the MVP's level of playfulness, stability, and versatility.
Crankworx: Day 3, Garbanzo DH
Rounding out the events this weekend at Crankworx was Sunday's Garbanzo DH, a 7-kilometer, 3400-foot descent through some of the gnarliest terrain of the Whistler Bike Park. Masochists, right this way.
South American Ski Selections: Dynastar Cham 107
With the camber profile of an all-mountain carver and the 5-dimension shape of a more dedicated powder ski, the Dynastar Cham 107 is a unique hybrid design that aspires to offer the best of both worlds.
South American Ski Selections: Fischer Watea 106
Hate tail rocker? The 190cm Watea 106 looks like a serious ski for experts who want a flat, traditional tail and versatile 106mm waist-width.
South American Ski Selections: Fischer Big Stix 110
If you're surprised to see that we're taking Fischer to Las Leñas, then you need to read this. (And if you're not surprised, then you probably already know what we are just beginning to figure out.)
Five Ten Blackwing Women’s
The Five Ten Women's Blackwing is an aggressive, slim, relatively comfortable climbing shoe that's most at home on anything overhanging. But they offer no protection from being klutzy.
South American Ski Selections: K2 Pettitor
So why are we taking the K2 Pettitor to Las Leñas? Because it's Sean Pettit's first pro model, that's why. Plus, six months ago in Japan, Sean very politely asked us to review the Pettitor, and we've kept him waiting. Read on for the full story.
Best Used Bikes for Your Buck
Sticker shock of a new bike got you down? Here’s our list of the best used bikes from years past that have stood the test of time.
South American Ski Selections: Atomic Ritual
Promising good edge grip on hard snow, strong rebound through carved turns, and an impressive speed limit, the Atomic Ritual has the potential to be a big-mountain gun that might still be suitable for any given day of riding. We can't wait to find out.
South American Ski Selections: Salomon Rocker 2, 108
A narrower version of the original Rocker 2,122, the Rocker 2 108 looks like a great backcountry jib tool and a versatile all-mountain ski (especially for the West).
South American Ski Selections: Nordica Soul Rider
The Soul Rider looks like a promising ski for those hunting for a do-it-all twin-tip. It's been around for a season, but we think it's got a shot to end up among our one-ski quiver selections.
Our Selections: Salomon Guardian / Atomic Tracker AT binding
Over the past three years, Salomon and Atomic have collaborated with their athletes to develop a new 16 DIN AT freeride binding that looks to set a new standard for uphill functionality and downhill performance.
South American Ski Selections: DPS Wailer 112 RPC
DPS has made a “charger edition” of their Wailer 112RP. The new 112RPC is supposed to be a damper, burlier 112, made to rip bigger, more agressive lines. Their “S.S.” technology has also been tweaked, purportedly resulting in an “entirely new feel.” We’re all sorts of curious on all sorts of levels.
La Sportiva Katana Women’s
The La Sportiva Katana Women's climbing shoe performs exceptionally well in a wide variety of conditions—once they're broken in. Reviewer Hannah Trim argues it's worth the wait.
South American Ski Selections: Down Skis Countdown 3
So far, we've listed two skis from two of the biggest ski manufacturers in the world. Now we'd like to introduce you to one of the smallest: Down Skis and their Countdown 3.
Mad Rock Conflict 2.0
The Conflict 2.0 wasn't designed to be the best at a single aspect of climbing, it was designed to be very good at everything. And it is. It's also very hard to beat its versatility for the price.
South American Ski Selections: Kästle XX110 West
Next up: the Kästle West XX110. Kästle goes new school with the West, and so far, they appear to be doing it proper. Very proper.
South American Ski Selections: Salomon Rocker 2, 115
Next up for South America: Salomon Freeski's new Rocker 2 115 - the big mountain charger offspring of last season's Rocker 2.
WTB WeirWolf AM TCS 2.3
The WTB WeirWolf 2.3 AM TCS is a sleeper in the AM genre, and it's definitely worth a look for its balance of speed, traction, and value. Plus it has ziggurats. Bet your lame tire doesn't have ziggurats....