Warning, this may read like a bad infomercial, but I'm really in love with these skis.
How do you make 4" feel like 8", 8" feel like 16" and over 2 feet of snow the most fun you've ever had. Behold the Megawatt! Hands up, or hands down the best powder ski I've ever had the pleasure of playing with. We've had some really deep days this winter and it's nice to finally be on a ski that I can say is fat enough. No more wallowing and poling your way out when the slope flattens, these boards bring the fast flotation. The front rocker helps in several ways. The ski turns quickly, it eliminates the classic tip dive tele tumble and makes crusts, upside down pow, and variable snow a pleasure. Accidentally ended up not skiing powder one day and it was a big surprise to find they actually rail on the hardpack as well. They have acquired the nickname "Mega-what", due to all the questions folks ask when they are seen touring around the backcountry. With big skis comes more weight to lug around and I'm down with "light is right", but these are worth every pound and they come with me whenever there's fresh snow on the ground now. If I wasn't clear, I like them very much and highly recommend them if you ski powder often.

These skis rip. The BD megawatts are the perfect fat ski to add to the quiver. They can make 5 inches feel like 10 and still get you down deep enough for those blower face shots that we all love. I skied these all last season and was just blown away. The thing that I like most about them is how quick you can throw them from side to side, and you will definitely be needing to throw them to the side because with these skis you will be flying. Also unlike many of the fat skis out today, the watts handle surprisingly well on the hardpack, you know for those resort pow days.

These skis are incredible. I can not say enough good things. The tip rocker make these skis very turnable even in the 188 length. So do not be afraid to buy them as long or a little longer than you are used to. For telemark skiers the dreaded "tip dive" is virtually eliminated by the unsinkable rockered tip on the Megawatt. The progressive flex gives this ski a nice tail that can handle hard charging skiers no problem yet this ski still seems to be the most user friendly fat ski I have ever skied. 5 stars really doesn't do it. As far as powder big-mountain boards go this ski is 6 stars for sure!

Lets hit the basics: (1) Sizing - Due to the rockered tip, they ski shorter than they are. I am 6'3", 185 and ski the 188s. I think the sizing works perfect, but would even be pumped for a longer pair to really open up on steep slopes. (2) Weight - For a ski this big (125 waist), they are surprisingly light. Much more so than some of the other fat pow ski competitors. I have FFR+ on mine and would/can definitely tour with them for those ultra-deep days that I don't want to take my Verdicts. I have seen these mounted with Dynafit FT-12s and they seem super light and bomber. (3) Powder Performance - What do you want here? These things rock in bottomless pow. The zero camber alows you versatility to smear turns, and the huge shovel w/ rockered tip means there is NO WAY you can dive the tips. No need to lean back here - you can drive these hard in an agressive stance. With the 125 waist and almost "pin-tail" design, the tails just sink and the tips float. (4) Crud/Crust/Variable - This is where I think these truly shine. At the end of the day, we all know bottomless, hero powder doesn't always turn up at the end of the skin track. The Megawatts absolutely destroy any variable conditions. The large shovel and rockered tip will keep you up above any crust or chopped up crude. Although the tip is nice and flexy to stay up, the remainder of the running length of the ski is very stiff (as with all the current BD "freeride" skis). Therefore, you are able to essentially "point and shoot" through nasty conditions that would otherwise equal survival turns with other skis. I have never had so much fun in variable snow. (5) In-Bounds Hardpack - At the end, this is not what they are designed for. With that said, these do have some slight side-cut, so they are manageable on groomers. WAY more so than the current generation of reverse/reverse skis (e.g., Pontoons, Spats, Praxis, etc...). Because of an effective side-cut, you can also tour with these where steep, switch-back style skin tracks are found. Not really possible with reverse/reverse skis b/c not enough sidecut and effective edge to hold on steep, switch-back skin tracks. SUMMARY: BUY THESE NOW!!! They are awesome pow/crud/crust skis that ski shorter due to the larger rocker, can be pointed at warp speed due to the stiffness, but are very "turny" as well due to the rocker.

Ok, so I have quite a few days on this ski and I can say this is the best ski I've ever skied. I've heard from others that have skied this ski it's like "cheating", making skiing like "a video game". It's true, this ski really opens up the terrain to your imagination, rather than being limited by snow conditions. Obviously it rips powder, but it also makes heavy crud, chowder, pillow bumps, slow trees, fast trees, steep slopes, low angle... everything is MORE FUN. Like exponentially more fun. It turns big, it turns tight, fast, slow, it's ridiculously forgiving... They even work very well when forced to ski groomers between stashes. Everyone from intermediates to insane-o will instantly be able to rip the next level. Skinny ski rando racers need not apply, this is the future of backcountry (and side country, and in-bounds ripping and...)

Yes, that's right, I am an eastern skier using the Megawatts on big days out here, and I have nothing but good things to say. They handle speed yet are nimble, plow through mixed bag, wind affected, deep pow (obviously), and do a surprisingly good job on firm snow getting to and from the soft spots. That would be my biggest surprise with these skis - their hardpack preformance - they even carve well on groomers!! I am 6 foot, but only 165 lbs, and I have no problem maneuvering these through spots big and small. They are a bit heavy for touring, not the best where a long flat approach is required, but anywhere else, and the reward on the descent makes the work worthwhile. We have had a great year so far out here and I have gotten to use the Megawatts more than I thought I would - they haven't failed to put a smile on my face!!! I guess my only complaint would be that they do such a good job keeping you charging on top, that face shots seem harder to come by. I love these boards

Conditions windblown 2-3" new over 5-8" previous day on top of 2 week frozen stuff. These will glide through and over softer mank and cut up chunks without deflecting. If you are on em and skiing correctly they will roll from side to side new school style fairly quickly for directional changes. Steep windblown lines on Grubstake were a blast at Crystal today. The earlier fresh lines off Throne ridge were fast runs but these made it feel slower. As things settle in and the snow is riddled with avy debris or frozen sluff they can deflect but most skis would. There is no metal in these so a bit of floppiness can be experienced on skied out groomers even on edge. Some free pinner dude wrote these are heavy. Not so. Hiked and skate skied into the Southback of Crystal today. I'm old and out of shape and these were not heavier than a lot of fats I've skied. These Watts will do some fun things but don't expect too much. If you can fly on a 100/110mm waist you will probably love these but they are not exponentially better. I had a blast today on these don't get me wrong. You can make em carve on smooth groomers its just a bit weird and commands some concentration. These are a special desert ski. Dreamy slashes and turns through fresh snow on steep terrain. You'll want a second helping with the Watts.

Just back from Meadow Hut in the Esplanades. One guy had 188s mounted with Voile Switchbacks (mine are set up for lifts, boot tracks, etc.). I have seldom seen a telemarker rip like this guy could, with such control and speed in big powder. He had no qualms about the weight, and based on his style and mode of attack, I decided my earlier remark about not touring on these, may be off the mark. They are heavy, but as others have said here, the shots may justify the slogs.

To start out, this is an AMAZING POWDER SKI! I've never skied anything like it. I have the 188s and it’s amazing how they ski way shorter than that (maybe like a 178). They do everything really well but they shine in a few places. First: Ripping Trees. BD made these guys super light and the rocker tip helps you whip them around in trees with ease. I never loved skiing trees as much as I do now until I got these guys. Also low level trees that you wouldn't have thought of going into have turned into a fun place to get those few extra POW turns. Haha. Second: Pointing Lines! These skis love going fast and pointing lines make these skis shine! They handle well all the time but when you hit 5th gear they really perk up. It’s always fun to hear your buds suggest pointing lines because the Megas kill it! Third: Dropping Big Drops. These skis are so fat and with the addition of the rocker tip, dropping big drops becomes super easy. In other words these guys are just massive landing boards that let you stick it all in the deep stuff. Bad things I've heard about them but I haven't experienced is that the bases are super thin and susceptible to core shots. I ski at Big Sky which is basically a massive scree field and have had a many encounters with rocks (almost daily) but nothing but surface scratches and easy fixes (nothing deep yet). Other than that these guys are unreal and super super FUN! To give another recommendation, put a beefy binding on them. I've got the Dukes on them and they make for a sweet solid platform along with a great slack country setup. If not the Duke/Jester (Marker has redeemed themselves with this line) find a high DIN bullet proof binder. Parting words: MOUNT AND PREPARE FOR AN EAR TO EAR GRIN!

With three weeks on the megawatt's I forced myself to ski the Verdict's yesterday and had to go back in two runs. I have had more miles of smiles on these skis than anytime in years. It isn't fair to look at the long turning radius and think these are only straightline big mountain boards! I have never skied anything like these and am finding myself in tighter terrain, tighter trees and comfortable at higher speeds than ever before. I have yet to try them on firm, super steep and am a little nervous about that since they are not ideal on icy groomers but carve well enough to be incountry anytime. I even took them in the pipe yesterday and they reacted nicely. So far, unbelievable is all I can say!

I'am 6'1" and 185ish, very aggressive skier that like the more technichally challenging steeps and generally try to stay off trial as much as possible.
Well I have to agree with everything that has been said already about these skis. They absolutley rule anything that is soft from soft groomers to the deep deep deep days. Incredibly easy to ski and could not sink the tips, I tried leaning way forward on them and they just wouldn't go under. They made every landing super smooth and soft and they liked to dance in the trees also. Can't go wrong with these skis in my opinion, almost a daily driver if it never got icy hard. They even handle the ice all right, I had a little trouble where the the ski meets the snow wanting to grab on firmer snow but I think that if you detune them further down that problem will be eliminated. Super stable fun ski that you should try!!

just got these skis 2/11/08, put some freerides on them and skied them at grand targhee on a boot top powder day. it is the closest i've ever come to a sensation of literally flying down a slope. effortless turns. dropped off the north side of peak into some steep blown in powder and was amazed at how fast you could shut these things down to set yourself up for navigating through a cliff band. they can make any kind of turn. felt very stable at high speed. taking them up glory today and to the village tomorrow to see how they fair on some diverse terrain. will continue

Had an awesome time telemarking on the Megawatts in the Teton Backcountry, but a not so awesome time skinning in them. They are super heavy and not the best for a day of touring, much better suited for lifts, helicopters, and snow cats. But somehow I can't stop thinking about them, they make powder turns, more fun, efficient, and surfy. When BD makes a pair that are a lighter I will be the first to buy a pair!

I'm 5'-11" 175lbs, bought the 188's, and they rip. Initial reaction walking to the chair was "What the F**ck am going to do with all this ski?" Answer, Ski with permagrin :) I only got to ski 8 inches of windmank and chop and the Megawatts kept me right on top of it all, amazing how they smoothed out the crud. Super stable at speed, grippy on hardpack, and able to turn on a dime. The Chainsaw graphic is perfect, they cut through anything in their path!

I used these on a day in the backcountry with about 12in. of new snow. Turns in the powder were effortless despite the fact that it was very early in the season for me. The next day, I had them at Solitude and found them to be easy to ski in powder (of course), but also more manageable on hard pack than the Pontoons are. I think these are a great ski for the resort, but too heavy to tour with on a regular basis. I also don't like the tip rocker when skinning.

This ski does far more than its 125mm "pow specific" waist would have you believe. Sure EVERY ski is fun in 30" of fresh blower, but what about three days after the storm when you are hiking to the stashes and riding crud and variable groomers back to the lift for the next run? This is where this ski shines! It does it all...well. The tip rocker makes floating in the pow wonderful while the fairly stiff underfoot profile and the flat tail allows you to carve on the corduroy and power through the crud and bumps. This ski, despite its fat waist, is ALMOST a one ski quiver. For western resorts (and backcountry assaults) this ski in addition to one other narrower waisted more "all mountain" specific ski would be a legit two ski quiver. Impressed.

these obviously float very well. Tried them out for a week, had them mounted with some BD Fritschi Freeride Plus's. They got pretty heavy hiking because the weight of the skins that fit them but more than made up for it on the way back down the hill. You will look like a champ in any kind of snow condition!

We hit Teton Pass in epic conditions on 02/19/09 and I boot tracked Glory hauling Megs with Jesters. I wouldn't recommend AT bindings on these, they're too heavy for slogging - but for boot tracking or riding lifts for big pow they are an excellent choice. We dropped 35 degree shots in 3 feet of blower and the Megs made light work of it, I ran away from my crew using conventional light AT rigs (Dynafit + various skis), even though one of those guys out skis me on a regular basis. They work OK in less deep snow but these are essentially a board for big days after big dumps.

I have 5 days on these things and I'm still giggling. Is it possible to make skiing powder more fun than it already is? I didn't think so until I started skiing these. Wet snow, light fluff, it doesn't matter...these will slay it. Just get them...especially if you live in the Wasatch....

From my buddy who skied these: "Using Black Diamond's Megawatt on a big powder day is unbeatable. It's extra fat width, intense rocker tip, and zero-camber features make these skis unbeatable for days with a good layer of snow. The Megawatt, however, is not made for alpine racing on groomed runs. On hard or icy surfaces these skis do not have the ability to carve the way you need simply because they are not built for such conditions. Additionally, the width and weight can be slightly cumbersome when on such runs and during a long hike. Nevertheless, whether the mountain gets a solid dusting or an intense dump of pow, these skis glide over the snow in such a smooth manner that you can lean all the way forward and carve as hard as you need without losing control and without getting stuck in the snow. These skis are simply the best powder ski I have ever ridden on."

Anonymous nailed the review, and I had to add some thoughts.
I set mine up with the new Salomon STH 916, and this set up is really light for the size of the ski. It has recessed channels running down both sides of the topsheet decreasing the weight, and even making them easy pick up.
I love how the tail is not rockered, and only a twin tip. The back of the ski is stiff enough to support a backseat landing, and no wheelie effect like the other rockered skis available.

Due to the rockered tip, they are so easy to turn, and ski shorter than a normal 188cm ski. The tip rides over everything, and even makes chunder and glop fun to ski.

So far they are turning into my everyday ski, as they handled dust on crust and firm conditions very well. They even rail groomers, and this ski really does everything better than a ski of this size would be expected to.

Black Diamond nailed it with the design, and this will be the ski everyone wants next season. Get them while they are still around, and have fun leaving everyone behind in your wake.

The Black Diamond Megawatt rules. Anything soft is money. It makes inches feel like feet. It's all been said below. If you asked me two years ago if I would have ever envisioned myself skiing a Black Diamond ski, I would have said no way. However, Black Diamond got it right here. Mount these with Alpine Bindings (that's what I have), tele, or AT and you will be happy. These skis also perform well in variable and hard pack conditions.

These skis are truly amazing in powder and fresh snow and yet stable enough to blast down the groomers. The stiffness of the skis is tricky to pin down. In soft snow, these skis feel really soft and reactive, but on hard-pack, they're stiff stable. As others have said, you simply can't sink these skis (I'm 6 foot, 220 lbs.). They ride high, on top of the snow and never really get into it. The result is a soft, floaty ride that makes skiing pow way too easy. In powder, these skis turn on a dime- just pressure the boot a little and they'll snap right around. As the snow gets chopped up and manky, these skis continue to perform great- they bust through the chop and float incredibly on the remaining piles of soft snow. And on the groomers, these skis will get you back to the lift line w/ no problems at all. They don't turn all that quick on the hard pack, and it's really tough to get the skis to bend, but they'll be plenty stable enough for some high speed Super-G turns. All in all, this is just an awesome ski that I'll be sure to go to once there's a dusting or more of fresh snow.

I am 6'1" and 170lbs and I could not sink these things. There was plenty of snow to try and sink them in but they just would not do it. The rocker tip just floats and always rises up out of the snow to let get that pow all day long without even thinking about touching anything underneath. The biggest surprise was how well these things ripped when I got onto the groomers to hit the lift back up. The short tail and smaller effective edge on them made them rip the groomers almost as well as the float in the pow. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a super light easy handle ski that will never ever sink!