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.
Recommended
2012 Burton Cartel Re:Flex Binding
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.
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?
2012-2013 Black Diamond Element
The Black Diamond Element is proving in Niseko to be a fantastic pow ski that actually does very well in chopped up snow and crud - assuming you get the mount position right....
Trip Report: Niseko – The Arrival
Literally, from the very first run, Niseko has lived up to its reputation.
2011-2012 Venture Storm R, 161cm
Its directional shape and rockered profile make the Venture Storm a great powder board—with surprisingly good maneuverability and stability in all conditions.
Osprey Kode 30 Backpack
The Osprey Kode 30 pack has a ton of great features. Even bettter? When skiing, the Kode 30 feels small, simple, and barely there.
Niseko, Japan Ski Review Trip: Our Selections
Here's the complete list of the fourteen skis in BLISTER's Japan review trip lineup.
2012-2013 LINE Stepup
With rock-solid stability and fun, poppy flex, the completely redesigned 2011-2012 Line Stepup is a perfect fit for both recreational riders and serious competitors.
Alta! (Welcome Back, Winter.)
The Wasatch hasn't quite been itself this season. But as you'll see, that's changing quickly.
2012-2013 MOMENT Bella, 172cm
A new addition to MOMENT's line of women's skis, the Bella is one of the best all-mountain skis on the market.
GEAR 101: What Is Flipcore?
There's been a lot of hype around Blizzard's Flipcore technology. Problem is, the ski industry's been so busy throwing awards at it that nobody's bothered to explain it. Here's our crack at it.
TwentyTwo Designs Axl Binding
Charge hard up, charge hard down. The Axl binding from TwentyTwo Designs is a free-pivot tele binding that doesn't skimp on downhill performance.
Nike Zoom Kaiju
The Nike Zoom Kaiju is a high-quality, light weight boot that runs a bit narrow, has a great liner, and utilizes a lacing system that might take some getting used to.