• Most Improved Graphics Award •
– Fischer Ranger Series
Till now, the Ranger skis have been better than their paint jobs. Now, these skis that perform well have a look that does them justice.
• Most Intriguing Outerwear Award(s) •
– Strafe Pyramid Jacket
We really like Strafe’s new Neoshell jacket, called the Pyramid. Besides the very supple and stretchy fabric, it has a nice fit and featureset that makes us think that it could be a really good 50/50 jacket for both inbounds use and ski touring.
– Strafe women’s Event Bib
Strafe is also making a women’s Event bib called the Scarlett Bib that has a drop seat which lets ladies go to the bathroom without taking the whole thing off, which apparently hasn’t been done before for some reason??
– Patagonia Descensionist Jacket & Pants
The Descensionist kit looks — and is — very cool and is in contention for our favorite freeride touring kit ever. We’ve actually been putting a whole bunch of days in it, and our review will be dropping soon.
• Most Intriguing Baselayer Award •
– Polartec PowerWool
(From Sam Shaheen): Polartec has a history of developing game-changing fabrics. One of their newest fabrics is a base layer called PowerWool that uses lofted wool next to the skin and a synthetic weave on the face. This hybrid design should capitalize on the properties of wool to effectively wick away moisture and reduce odor, while also capitalizing on the hard-wearing and shape-retention properties of synthetics in the outer layer. We are excited to try out some of these pieces, though for now, it looks like they might be priced a bit high for the outdoor sports market. Stay tuned.
• Gear We were Most Tempted to Steal •
– Scarpa Maestrale
One of the world’s most popular touring boots is getting redone. And we are legitimately worried that Blister’s Sam Shaheen’s head is going to explode if we don’t let him review it soon.
– Nordica Enforcer 110
If you haven’t done so already, you can read why here, and see rocker profile pics.
Ok, seriously, enough of these awards.
Time to get back out on the mountain.
So…splitboard skins for the new Spur?
Ha, seems so.
-Line Sick Day graphics totally ripped off from Burton Customs of a long time ago, 1997-1998.
-Fischer graphics might be improved and might appeal to close minded 40 year olds but they are still way too euro tech for me!
– Please try out the Armada Tracer 118, might be a gooder.
I think the under 40 whiz kids in the ski design rooms are drop dead color blind. Graphics are horrid. A simple black or white ski that doesn’t look like a multi colored bill board will go with all clothes. Have you kids ever heard the term color coordination? Think about it.
Another vote for the review of the Armada Tracer 118Chx
Triple that vote had to order a set to see for my self bring the snow the specs looked good technology as well. From what I’ve heard from the pros its a ripper. Surfy stable yet quick in the trees. I’m a lighter guy and prefer more directional skis as to a a neutral stance charger like the bibby. Rossignol super 7 is too soft and 190cm too long. Hopefully the tracer 118cm in a 180cm for a guy who’s is 5’8″ 140 and skis majority of the time in the trees off piece in the powder.
The new Head graphics are hot. Sick Day topsheets are not. The new Fischer topsheets seem pretty mediocre. Where is the imagination?
All-time winners – Line Sir Francis Bacon – topsheets white with blue trees. Atomic Coax with Indian Chief circa 09-10? Atomic Bentchetler – several years; Line Mordecai – female; Ski Logik – several; Bibby Pro.
An article on some of the best topsheets in recent years might be interesting. Probably lots of opinions out there. However, I imagine there would be strong consensus on a few designs.
Hi Ben,
if you like wood veneers, check out the new Majesty Skis catalogue:
Some of my top picks: Moment Vice 2014, Line SFB 2015 (seen live it really looks like an oil painting)
and Line MPO 2014.
Awesome stuff. Thanks!
Just say no to asymmetrical skis. If I get a nice digger on a left ski’s inside edge in the middle of an epic Jackson pow day, I want to shrug my shoulders and say “sorry, you’ve been demoted to the inferior role of right ski for the rest of the day”.
Vin Diesel?! I hope all you guys have seen Pitch Black.
Saw lots of guys on the 110 enforcer, the new bodacious and rustlers, and the QST line at Powder Week in Big Sky.
Nice write-up – Thank U. The New Head Kore series are no joke. I had a chance to demo the 90 and the 105. The 90 was smooth yet powerful yet strong on edge. I could not believe that it had no metal in it. The 105 was a beast and I demoed it in a size down from the longest length ( I think it was a 180cm). They both rip***
So what’s the difference between the Descensionist kit and the rest of the Patagonia line? Have the Powslayer bibs for storm days and have been thinking about getting the Reconnaissance for spring/sunny/all round days. Do these new pants seem to be a better option? Thanks!
Update the Armada Tracer 118 rips! No chatter great in the trees light stable damp rips. Firm flex no joke tails and tips are soft but it is a stiff ski. Great fro skiing the chopped up crud. My legs felt fresh all day really impressed with how well it performed in the trees a well balanced ski. Seems to be very durable edges like to rust but keep them clean are your goood to go. They can charge too as well! Steep tree powder skiing is what I do and they did awesome in those conditions 10/10