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.)
Skiing
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.
Follow Up: Atomic Tracker 16 / Salomon Guardian 16 AT binding
Marshal Olson follows up on our initial review of the Atomic Tracker 16 / Salomon Guardian 16 AT binding, and weighs in on AT boot compatibility, stack height, and that climbing guide....
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.
Dalbello Kr Two PRO
The 2013 Dalbello Kr Two Pro boot has been significantly overhauled for 2013, giving the three-piece vs. overlap shell debate an exciting new talking point.
SCARPA Maestrale RS
The SCARPA Maestrale RC boot has been flying under the radar a bit, though with all it has going for it, we're not sure why. It definitely deserves a serious look.
Lange XT 130 LV
Lange created the XT 130 LV to “deliver the performance of a competition boot” in an all-mountain/freeride boot with a walk mode. Did they pull it off?
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 Tecnica Cochise Pro Light AT boot
Marshal Olson's primary goal in life is to find a ski boot that truly performs like a race boot with a walk mode. The new Tecnica Cochise Pro Light comes very close. It's a long story. You should read it.
2012-2013 K2 Pettitor
Here are our early impressions of Sean Pettit's new pro-model, the K2 Pettitor.
2012-2013 Salomon Guardian 16 & Atomic Tracker 16 AT binding
The new Salomon Guardian 16 / Atomic Tracker 16 is an AT binding with excellent downhill performance. It's also good at going uphill, but there are a few tricks and quirks you should know about.
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.