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Matthew Tabrys

AT Skier // Skier // Boulderer // Trail Runner // Alpine Skier // Hiker // Ocean Kayaker

Matthew Tabrys: #39 of 93,385 Top 100 Gear Guru More Information

71 Reviews:

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36 Yes | 7 No

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72 Answers:

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10 Yes | 1 No

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Salt Lake City, UT, spend most of time at the Bird though
  • Bio:

    To some people skiing is a hobby. To others a sport. To quite a few, it's a passion. But to me, it's life.

    Hucking cliffs, floating in deep pow, and tackling steep lines truly is heaven on earth

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Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

1 day ago

The main difference is the way they attach to the tail. The clipfix uses two clips in the corners of the skin. The sts, has a leash with one clip. It offers more adjustability/customizability for using the skin with different skis, and you can create more tension depending on where you put the clip in the leash, so you get a better more secure fit throughout the life of the skin.

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G3 Onyx AT Binding

1 day ago

Jules, the onyx was meant to be an ultra lightweight touring binding to compete directly with Dynafit. Dynafit's 1 flaw, if they have any, is that in order to switch modes you have to step out of the bindings. So when G3 was creating this binding they wanted to create a binding that in theory does everything better/easier than Dynafit. Dynafit is the standard in the industry, and since the Onyx is a new binding, G3 is doing everything in their power to try to outdo Dynafit. With the Onyx, G3 has figured out a way that you don't have to do step out of the binding to change modes. You can stay in the bindings and change from one mode to another. Not a very commonly used feature, but it can be advantageous at times.

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Hestra Seth Morrison Pro Model Glove

2 days ago

Yeah, you're pretty spot in your comparison. The Seth is more dexterous with better feel. It does this however by sacrificing some warmth. It is a thinner glove than the vertical cuts. If you look at this year's Seth, it is thicker, warmer, more beefed up glove. The vertical cuts on the other hand are still very dexterous, and provide great feel, but are a little thicker and warmer than the Seths. What it boils down to is how cold do your hands get and what temps will you be skiing in?

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Smith Holt Helmet

3 days ago

This helmet is compatible with all goggles, and will work well with the spy goggles. However Smith helmets are designed for seamless integration with Smith goggles, and although the Spy's will work really well, the perfect fit would be with Smith goggles.

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Black Diamond QuickDraw Guide Probe 300

3 days ago

Check out my review below. This is one of the top rated probes on the market. The combination of aluminum and carbon fiber makes it very light, sturdy, and durable. It is really easy to assemble and the added length over many other probes is definitely a bonus. When disassembled it is no bigger than most probes and packs really well into your pack. You should go for it. It's a great deal on one of the best probes out there.

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The North Face Freedom Pant - Men's

3 days ago

The park fit is the baggier of the two fits and the free fit is the less baggy of the two fits. The free fit is a pretty standard fitting pant, roomy enough for freedom of movement, but not overly baggy. The park fit is more of a park inspired fit, more of a modern, baggy cut, not that you're swimming in it, but baggy enough so you don't look like you just came from the race course. The free fit sounds like the one you're looking for if you're looking for less baggy.

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prAna Axiom Denim Pant - Men's

3 days ago

The size 30 and 31 waist pants have a 32" inseam.

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The North Face Gotham Down Jacket - Men's

3 days ago

It depends on what size your chest is, how long your arms are and what type of fit you are looking for. I am 5'8" 160 with an athletic/muscular build, 39.5" chest, 33" sleeve, and the medium fits me perfectly. Not to tight, not too loose. As a matter of fact, North Face fits pretty true to size, and I wear medium in all of their products. Also, not sure if you looked, but there is a sizing chart 2 lines under the price. Sometimes those can be helpful too.

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Backcountry.com Stoic Inbounds Glove - Men's

3 days ago

It's not necessary fresh out of the bag. But after some use, the DWR starts to break down, and since they are leather, they do start to take on water. Snoseal (by Atsko) works best. Nikwax works pretty good as well. I noticed that after about 25-30 days of continuous use (I was skiing in them everyday) I needed to use snoseal. Once I did though, they were just like new, if not better.

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Lib Technologies NAS Freeride Recurve Ski

3 days ago

You won't find any, and you will be very lucky if you do. It is a brand new ski for this year. And lib tech isn't very big on giving skis to magazine ski testers. Something to keep in mind is that the lib tech nas freeride recurve is really just a narrower version in every aspect of its big brother the nas pow recurve. So if you find some reviews on that ski, it should be pretty accurate as to how the freerides will ski, with the exception of being lighter and more nimble. I think this ski is going to be amazing, and one of the best ski out there. Magne-traction provides the most ridiculously good edge hold you've ever seen. I was amazed the first time i used them. The carve up hardpack like a samurai sword. The recruve helps keep the tips from digging in deep pow, make the ski more nimble, while still providing snappiness in the turn due to the small amount of camber underfoot.

I haven't skied this particular model, only the bigger brother the nas pow recurve, but like I said, they are fairly identical, just narrower. Here is my review of the nas pow recurve, the fatter version. On the nas pow, the recurve is fairly subtle. It really aids in the maneuverability of the ski, and makes it more nimble. I'm 5'8", 160 and the ski was 191, so for me to say that really is a credit to the skis design, i think anyway. The subtle recurve teamed with the magne traction allows the ski to initiate easily and rail on the hard stuff, while still being able to pivot and smear in the soft snow. The ski didn't exactly float in pow. It sunk and was kind of like a shark cutting through water, it never hooked or dug, just plowed through everything. The only time I really noticed the recurve paying dividends was when hucking stuff. The tip kind of just hung up there as I was skiing away, until I started driving the ski, and went back to shark mode. It wasn't soft or stiff, but a good medium flex great for use all over the mountain and all conditions. I was even able to take a lap in the park and do some spinny stuff with them off some bc booters. They do ski a bit shorter than the 191 length on them. I felt like it was a lot of ski on hard snow, but they still railed it. It felt like I was back on gs skis again, albeit really wide ones.

I really wouldn't hesitate about getting this ski.

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Line Prophet 100 Ski

3 days ago

The prophet 100 is one of the easiest skis to ski in every condition i've ever been on. It floats well in powder due to its really wide tip and waist. It has a layer of titanal (the metal matrix) and has quite a bit of camber, that combination makes it bite really well and makes it really responsive on hardpack. Either length won't have that issue of gettin squirrely in crud, because they are a much more stable ski than your bandits. The 186 with the added length is obviously going to be more stable. According to line the running surface is 155cm for the 186 and 148cm for the 179. So the extra 7 cm of length does equate to 7cm more of running surface. Also, the turn radius is 18.9m on the 186 versus 17.2m on the 179. Both are relatively tight, so you will be able to make a variety of turn shapes. If you are coming from a 177, you will probably be more comfortable on the 179. But at your height and weight, you are better suited for the 186 and will probably feel the 179 is too short over time. One of the most common complaints about this ski is when opting for the shorter models (172, 179) people say they should have gone longer. I've skied both lengths and liked them both. The 179 was more fun, and definitely more nimble. It was easier to throw around in the woods and off windlips, cat tracks, etc. The 186 was more stable, floated better in pow, and absolutely tore up wide open terrain. My only complaint about the 186, was that for me at 5'8" 160, as responsive as it was, 186cm was still a lot of ski (for me) to turn well(it was hard work), when the bumps and trees got tight.

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Salomon XW Lab Ski

4 days ago

Completely different skis, meant to do and ski very different things.

The lord was meant as a frontside/on piste, all mountain tool. It is fairly narrow, with very minimal tip rocker to aid in maneuverability and softer snow performance. It is a great tool as an everyday ski on the east coast, or for firmer snow on the west coast.

The XW lab was designed for their competition skiers, and is a stiff, burly, big mountain tool. A lot of the Salomon riders were using this ski on the Freeride World Tour, skiing some of the sketchiest, gnarliest terrain in the world. It is meant to plow through any type of snow, at high speed, making long turns or just going straight and stomping cliffs.

Based on what you are describing Jamey is right. It sounds like you need something that meets somewhere in the middle, and the Shogun would be perfect. It skis everything well, and is really a versatile ski, a quiver of one if you will. It rips on the groomers and firm stuff, yet at 101 underfoot with some rocker, it will float and slay the pow. It's an awesome ski, that is the talk of the ski industry at the moment. It took salomon a long time to come out with a good ski in that segment, but they nailed it with the shogun.

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Black Diamond Verdict Ski

4 days ago

No this is a regular cambered ski, with no rocker. The smallest ski in the BD lineup that uses rocker is the zealot. In addition to the zealot, the justice and megawatt use rocker as well. All the skis smaller underfoot than the zealot, are meant to maximize versatility and perform well on all terrain, so they do not implement any rocker in the construction.

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G3 Alpinist Climbing Skin

4 days ago

When sizing up a skin for a ski you want as much coverage as possible. With that being said, we're working in millimeters, a very small measurement, and most of the traction you get when skinning up comes from the last 3/4 of the ski. The tip really doesn't help generate any traction. A 115 skin will obviously get you great coverage underfoot, and in the tail, you'll have 2 mm on either side of the skin, which is basically the thickness of the edge, and material you would have trimmed away anyway if you were cutting the skin to size. And in the front, you will end up about 5 mm on either side, hardly a large amount.

It appears that by getting the 115, you end up with an almost perfectly fitted skin without having to do any trimming except in the middle part of the ski to fit the waist. If you went for the next size up, you would be spending more money and cutting away a lot of material. The 115 is the perfect size. Go for it.

Here is g3's guide for choosing a skin. You will see the 115 fits in perfectly for the size ski you will be using: http://www.genuineguidegear.com/service/g3-learning-centre/skins

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Dynafit Crampons

4 days ago

There are two waist width options. One is 92 the other is 110. The 92 definitely will not fit. The 110 will work really well actually, as there will only be about 2.5 mm or .25 cm on either side of the ski. Go for the 110, should work out really well for you.

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Rossignol S7 Barras Ski

November 10, 2009

You should go with the 195. The ski, skis really short as it is due to the massive amount of rocker. The 188s are going to look and feel like snowblades for you. Just for reference I'm 5'8" 160 and the 188 was the version I was on. I am an expert skier and for me the ski length felt just right. I know a lot of people my size or just a little bigger who thought the 188 was too small. So at your height and weight, you shouldn't consider anything but the 195.

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Rossignol SYSTEM S7 Pro Mancini Ski

November 2, 2009

Other than the graphics, the only other difference is the mounting point. The S7 has 3 mounting points based on what type of terrain you ski, and what your style preference is. The Mancini Pro Model only features one, tele specific mount point.

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Rossignol SYSTEM S7 Pro Mancini Ski

November 2, 2009

The rule of thumb with rockered skis is to go 5 to 10 cm bigger than what you normally ski, because on hard snow there is less edge contact making it a smaller ski, and in soft snow, you get better floatation due to the rocker and more surface area. Since the 178s are your everyday ski, the 10 cm rule works perfectly with the 188. The S7 is really fun and easy to ski. When you think about it, 10 cm is only like 4 inches, so you're adding like 2.5" in the tip and 1.5" to the tail. That's hardly an outrageous amount of extra length to deal with. I would definitely go with the 188.

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Rossignol SYSTEM S7 Pro Mancini Ski

November 2, 2009

The skis are identical with the exception of two differences. The topsheets feature different artwrok. And the recommended mounting points differ. The S7 features multiple mount points depending on what you're ski style/terrain preference is, while the Mancini Pro Model features a tele-specific mount point. In terms of dimensions, features, etc. they are the same. Just like the Ravyn and the S6.

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DAKINE Fall Line Double Ski Bag

November 2, 2009

The outer material is different. The concourse also has more pockets. Also, although similarly sized, the concourse is much bigger. It is an inch and a half wider, and comes in a 185 and 200 vs. the 175 and 190 of the fall line double. I'm not sure if this is still the case, but the concourse used to come with compression straps on the inside to tighten your gear down. With all that being said, I'd go with the fall line. I think it's a better value, and with airlines charging as much as they do, you'll be less likely to overpack, and have to pay extra fees for being overweight.

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Dynafit FT Mustagh Ata Superlight Speedskin

November 2, 2009

Information is only as readily available as a manufacturer makes them. Dynafit doesn't list the weight either, but knowing them, I'd bet these skins are the lightest on the market. This skin is SPECIFICALLY meant to fit the Mustagh Ata ski. So the dimensions on the skins match those of the ski.

The 169 skin's dimensions are: 116-86-109
The 178 skin's dimensions are: 118-88-110
The 187 skin's dimensions are: 122-88-111

If you don't have the Mustagh Ata, I would look into a different skin.

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The North Face Expansion Triclimate Jacket - Men's

November 2, 2009

No they do not. If you try to purchase it you will not be allowed to. Due to vendor agreements, North Face doesn't allow shipment outside of the U.S. There are several other brands that have a similar restriction. If you add it to your cart and try to purchase it, you will see a message that says something about international shipping, and that this product is not allowed to be shipped outside of the U.S.

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Atomic Blog Ski

November 2, 2009

It's kind of hard to answer a question like that without ever seeing you ski, but based on your height, weight, and skill level, it sounds like that would be the right length for you. The 177s are obviously going to be quicker and easier to turn in the trees because they are shorter. Everywhere else on the mountain though, you will appreciate the added length and stability. Also the turning radii's are almost identical between the 177 and 185, so in terms of maneuverability, they are pretty similar. I would go 185 personally. I think 177 is going to be too short for someone who considers themselves an expert and skis expert terrain.

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Salomon Shogun Ski

November 2, 2009

It's always hard to say what ski size works best for what person not knowing how they ski, or ever seeing them ski. I'm 5'8", 160, and an expert skier. And to ski the shogun for the terrain it was designed to ski, I would go with the 182 personally. It is a great length to balance stability with maneuverability, for me. It is a little bit stiffer than skis salomon has made in the past in this category. So if you are not a very strong skier, the shorter length will be easier to ski.

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Salomon Shogun Ski

November 2, 2009

It depends on where you set you dins at. The baron goes upto 12, the duke goes upto 16. If you are anywhere from 10 on up, and don't mind the extra weight of the dukes, the dukes are the better choice. They are a little heavier, but some metal in critical areas that the barons do not. They are a more bomber binding for sure. But if you are not dropping huge cliffs, want your skis to stay on no matter what, and want to save a little weight, the baron is a great choice.

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Salomon Shogun Ski

November 2, 2009

Although somewhat similar in their dimensions they are two very different skis. The shogun is more of a big mountain/all mountain ski. It is the type of ski that someone who wants an everyday ski out west or one ski to do it all, would get. The kung fujas is more of a freestyle all mountain ski. It is based off the original seth pistol, but modified slightly. It is more of an all mountain freestyle ski. Which ski to get really depends on what you plan on using it for.

The shogun has a fairly log turn radius, and a stiffer flex compared to the kung fujas. If you huck stuff, charge hard, straightline chutes, and ski pow, but still want a ski that does really well ripping all over the mountain even in firmer conditions. The shogun would be a great choice.

The kung fujas has a shorter turning radius and a softer more playful flex, especially compared to the shogun. If you ski mostly on piste but still hit up the glades every now and again, and are looking for the kind of ski you could use day in day out all over the mountain, regardless of conditions, including laps in the terrain park, then the kung fujas is the way to go.

Basically, both are all mountain skis but the shogun is a better big mountain ski, and the kung fujas is a better freestyle ski, not to say you can't spin and ski freestyle with the shogun, it is quite capable, after all Mark Abma and Mike Douglas designed it. So depending on what type of terrain you are more inclined to ski, should be the deciding factor on what ski to get. For me personally, I think the shogun is the better all around package.

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Marmot PreCip Jacket - Men's

October 2, 2009

Yes you can. You flip the left pocket inside out, and the jacket stuffs into it. Here's a picture of what it looks like when it's stuffed. I put it next to a hanger just for a size reference. It actually packs down even smaller if pressure is applied to it, so it would take up even less room in your pack. But just stuffed this is what it looks like.

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Great Value, but...

Marmot PreCip Jacket - Men's

Marmot PreCip Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 2, 2009

This jacket is a great value. For under $100, you get a really lightweight, great fitting, functional, packable rain jacket. It has fully taped seams. The pockets double as core vents. It folds/packs into its own left pocket. It is fairly waterproof, but not extremely waterproof. I've worn mine all summer in some really heavy rainstorms and have stayed dry through all of them. The breathability on this jacket is pretty good too. Where this jacket doesn't shine however is in the heat or when you are doing high intensity activities.

In temps up to the lower 70s, depending on humanity, the jacket breathes really well. If it gets hotter than that, or really humid then you are in trouble. The jacket can't wick away the moisture and breathe quickly enough, and your sweat/condensation makes the jacket stick to you. The jacket then gets wet, not from the outside, it isn't letting water in, it is from the inside. This is bad because you can get cold depending on the temps, and it is uncomfortable to have a wet jacket. To prevent overheating, I often found my self opening up the pitzips, and pockets to allow as much air in as possible. Not the ideal form of breathability, but it works.

Overall, it is a great jacket that works pretty good in most conditions. And for under $100, I really can't complain. It does the job quite well, for a great price.

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Rossignol S7 Barras Ski

October 1, 2009

The rockered tip and tail make this ski really smearable. It pivots really easily and allows you turn and slash on a dime. This ski is super fun in the trees thanks to its shape and flex.

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K2 ObSETHed Alpine Ski

October 1, 2009

This ski skis really well in all conditions. It does really well on groomers. Not as well as a carving ski would do, but for a ski this wide, it handles and carves on groomers really well. It depends on how quick you are edge to edge, and how well you ski bumps, but I enjoyed this ski in the bumps and found it quite competent. It's a really well rounded ski.

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K2 Hellbent Alpine Ski

October 1, 2009

K2 hasn't put them up yet, but on their website, check out the athlete's profiles. They will tell you what size skis they use, and where they mount them. They did it last year, and will probably do it again this year once we get closer to the season. The +4 or +5 marks are pretty forward yet still versatile enough for all mountain riding. +7 is true center by the way.

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Black Diamond Megawatt Ski

October 1, 2009

The general rule of thumb with rockered skis is to go 5 to 10 cm longer than you normally go, because the rocker makes it more maneuverable and you have less edge contact on harder snow. This make it easier to ski in both pow and on the groomers. I would go with the larger size, you will get more floatation in the pow, and more stability in all conditions. The ski is really nimble, fun and easy to ski. The 188 is the way to go. I skied this ski for a little bit last season in the 188 and really enjoyed it. I would feel like a little awkward on the shorter version. I'm 5'8" 160, so roughly the same size as you.

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Line Prophet 90 Ski

October 1, 2009

Other than graphics there are no changes to the prophet 90, except that they also make a prophet 90 flite, which does not have the metal matrix (titanal layer) so it is a softer flexing ski.

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Line Prophet 90 Ski

October 1, 2009

Marker Jester/Griffin would both be good choices. Great feel and energy transmission. Same could be said about the Look PX14, or the Salomon STH 14. All are great bindings for an all mountain expert. They all have excellent release and retention properties to keep you in when you need to be, and release when you need to as well.

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Dalbello Sports Krypton iL Moro I.D. Ski Boot - Men's

October 1, 2009

I would definitely recommend NOT trying to this at home. Take them to a bootfitter that has an intuition oven. They are specially designed to distribute heat evenly. This is important because as the liner heats up, it expands. Then when you put it on, as it cools, it packs out in the shape of your foot for a perfect fit. Heating it at home may lead to inconsistencies in the fit. Also, it is really hard to fit them perfectly, even by the very experienced bootfitters. So once again, I would highly recommend NOT doing them at home.

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Mountain Hardwear Quark Jacket - Men's

October 1, 2009

This jacket is extremely waterproof. It is rated at 20,000mm for both waterproof and breathability. It is an extremely high rating. Anything rated at or over 5,000mm is considered to be completely waterproof. The way those ratings work, is that way the jacket is constructed each pour is 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water. So I would say you're gonna stay dry, both from the elements, and you're own perspiration.

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Mountain Hardwear Quark Jacket - Men's

October 1, 2009

Like most Mountain Hardwear products, this product is extremely durable. The thing to keep in is mind is that this jacket is basically just a laminate, so the material is very light and thin, and not very abrasion resistant. So using it for rock climbing or skiing or other physical activities where there are obstacles that might come into contact with the jacket, might not be the best idea. On the other hand if you are using it for biking, running, cross country skiing, or ski-touring, you really shouldn't run into any problems with durability.

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Mountain Hardwear Quark Jacket - Men's

October 1, 2009

This jacket has a pretty streamlined, technical to fit to it. So if you plan on layering and still want a good range of motion, I would go a size up, i.e. the XL.

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Mountain Hardwear Quark Jacket - Men's

October 1, 2009

That depends on your chest and sleeve measurements. It sounds like you would need an XL, or even an XXL. If you are broad in the chest and shoulders the xxl, is probably going to be the better fit. This jacket is more fitted and has a pretty streamlined fit

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Mountain Hardwear Pinnacle Jacket - Men's

October 1, 2009

Yes there are. If you look at the photo Gabe H. uploaded of him entitled "pinnacle of shasta in the Pinnacle" you can clearly see them.

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DAKINE Fall Line Double Ski Bag

October 1, 2009

The 170s will most likely fit. There is usually a tiny bit of extra room. With that being said though, it is nice to go a size up to fit some extra gear when travelling, like your helmet, goggles, etc. 170 should work for 170 skis though.

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Thule Atlantis XT Cargo Box

October 1, 2009

Length x Width x Height is how the dimensions are listed.

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Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Beacon

September 30, 2009

Read some of the reviews and you will see this is probably the simplest beacon on the market to use. Extremely straightforward, and you could probably figure out the basics without reading the directions. That being said though, you should read the directions, and you should practice. Practice makes perfect, and you can't settle for anything less in the backcountry.

In terms of size, it is a little bit bigger, and bulkier than other beacons on the market, but when actually wearing, you hardly notice it. Especially if you wear it on a regular basis.

There's a reason that so many pros use and recreational skiers use this beacon. It's a great value, and super easy to use.

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Line Chronic Alpine Ski

September 30, 2009

Robert, the chronic would be a great choice. It has a very consistent mid-stiff flex, and is really responsive while still remaining playful. It is a very stable ski and kills it in the bumps. It would be a great choice for you.

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Line Chronic Alpine Ski

September 30, 2009

Mike, based on what you're describing I would go with the 176. I have the 171 in the line anthems, and wish I had gone longer. 171 is fairly short, especially for an aggressive skier.

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Line Chronic Alpine Ski

September 30, 2009

Even if you are using this strictly as your park ski, I would recommend 176 on the small end. Your weight is a very important factor as well. I'm 5'8", 160, expert skier, and I have the line anthem in 171, and wish I would have gone longer. 171 is on the short side.

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Marker Baron 12 Ski Binding

September 30, 2009

Peter, you will be fine. The Obsethed with the marker duke/baron is a really popular combination, and I've seen a lot of people with that setup. Rocker in firm conditions isn't ideal because you have less ski contact with the snow. However when skinning, the area where you generate the most traction and grip are form the last 3/4 of the ski anyway, so tip rocker really isn't that big of an issue. The obsethed has some rocker in the tail, but not a lot that it will really affect you a whole lot when skinning. Also, if you are skinning, you're probably doing so to get to better, deeper snow in which case you will appreciate the rocker, and the alpine binding feel of the baron on the way down. It's a good setup. Enjoy it.

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Marker Baron 12 Ski Binding

September 30, 2009

The rails on those k2 skis are for some variation of marker's piston system bindings. They are system bindings and only mean to work with that ski and vice-versa. The baron is designed to be mounted flat and you will not be able to properly mount them on any ski with railings that is part of a ski/bindings system.

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Great all around climbing shoe

La Sportiva Nago Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Nago Climbing Shoe

Rating for this product: 4 September 29, 2009

I got into bouldering last year, and going to a la sportiva demo, really liked how these shoes fit. For someone who does want a very aggressive shoe with a lot of camber, this shoe is a great choice. It fits really well, has really great build quality, durable materials, and is super versatile. If you are a really advanced climber, you will probably want a more aggressive shoe. But for the recreational climber looking for a great, versatile shoe, at a great price, this is a really good choice.

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Line Mothership Ski

September 29, 2009

The early rise is in the tip only. The early rise on the prophet 130 and mo'ships is really subtle, and was added to increase float and maneuverability. It isn't even close to the amount of rocker on the ep pros. The ep pro and the mo'ship are really designed with two completely purposes in mind, and you can see it with the amount of camber and rocker in each. Very large and dramatic rocker for max floatation and playfullness in powder on the ep pros. And very minimal, and subtle on the mo'ships to make it a little more lively, easier to turn, and more stompable off cliffs to prevent tip dive.

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Line Eric Pollard Pro Ski

September 29, 2009

If you're using the ski as your deep day/pow only tool the ep pro has more rocker, no camber, more width. Therefore it will be the better choice. If you plan on using this ski in other conditions than just untracked, fresh pow, the JJ is stiffer and has camber, and is more versatile overall. So it depends on what you're looking for. The JJ is definitely the more versatile of the two, but the EP pro will give you better float. So it's a matter of what exactly it is you're looking for.

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Line Sir Francis Bacon Ski

September 29, 2009

Evan, if i were skiing primarily groomers, and all mt. i would want a stiffer ski. Something like the line prophet 100 if you want to stick with line. There is a difference between soft and floppy. The moment bibby pro is soft, the sir francis bacon is floppy. It works well in soft, untracked snow, but it deflects really is easily in crud, and is pretty chattery and not very stable on firm snow when skiing with any sort of speed. If you are looking for a ski for the groomers and to use as an all mountain ski, there are better choices (k2 obsethed, 4frnt vct, line prophet 100, moment tahoe, etc.).

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pretty sweet

Mammut Alugator Expert Shovel

Mammut Alugator Expert Shovel

Rating for this product: 5 September 28, 2009

this shovel is pretty sweet, and mammut added some really nifty features to make this top notch. it is all aluminum so you know it will be lightweight and durable. it has a d-grip handle for comfort and ease of use. The coolest part is that blade and shaft have special designed button so that there is no need to take off your gloves to depress the button to set it up. it slides right in. great time saving feature, when you need to dig in emergency situations. great shovel overall, and nice size blade too. definitely take a look at this one.

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Black Diamond Deploy 3 Shovel

September 28, 2009

I find d-grip shovels easier to use and more comfortable. After a lot of shoveling, I feel like there is less hand fatigue with a d-grip than with at t-grip. It's probably just personal preference though, and like any other gear, you should test it out first, if you can.

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Marmot Cyclone Jacket - Men's

September 27, 2009

It is zip in compatible. Any Marmot full zip fleece, vest, or softshell should work.

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Sold Out

The North Face Redpoint Insulated Jacket - Men's

September 27, 2009

Heatseeker is North Face's version of Primaloft. Just like Hyvent is North Face's version of Gore-tex. Primaloft is lighter, and warmer compared to any given amount of Heatseeker. So 100g of Primaloft vs 100g of Heatseeker, Primaloft wins. 100g of Primaloft vs 250g of Heatseeker, Heatseeker will be warmer. If you have the option of going for primaloft, I would go with it.

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The North Face Redpoint Insulated Jacket - Men's

September 27, 2009

It is zip in compatible with only North Face jackets that feature "Zip in Compatability." If it is not a North Face jacket, and is zip in compatible, it will not work.

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The North Face Redpoint Insulated Jacket - Men's

September 27, 2009

Yeah, this jacket is the ultimate cold weather tool. You can wear it causally around town all winter long. You can wear it under your shell on really cold days. And if you do any bc skiing/touring, it stuffs into its own pocket so it packs down super small to fit into your pack.

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Voile Ski Straps 9 Through 25 inches

September 27, 2009

They are just about 2 cm wide. Just barely under the 2 cm mark when I measured.

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for those of you that abuse your gear

Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

Rating for this product: 5 September 27, 2009

These are the toughest, most durable skins on the market and will stand up to any abuse you can throw at them. I prefer the glidelites personally, they are a little lighter and thinner. But the ascensions are one of the top picks by many backcountry skiers, and for good reason. They are thick, tough, and provide excellent traction in all conditions. Great choice for those of you who tour a lot and are really hard your gear.

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Well...they do work

Backcountry Access Alpine Trekker Adaptors

Backcountry Access Alpine Trekker Adaptors

Rating for this product: 3 September 27, 2009

The good news is...they work. If you are doing a lot of sidecountry skiing, or short tours and require the use of your high din, all metal bindings, and are afraid of breaking your touring binders, then these do the trick. The problem is that if you're touring on anything steep or technical, these don't work very well. They are clunky, bulky, and awkward. Also, now that bindings like the duke/baron are on the market, trekkers are now obsolete, because you get the same rigidity, retention and bomberness of an alpine binding with touring capabilities. Also, even though the dukes are little on the heavy side, they are still lighter than most alpine bindings with trekkers in them. Also, trekkers do take up a decent amount of room in your pack. There are lots of flaw, and negatives to trekkers, but if you want an alpine binding on the way down, these are your best, and only option.

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Superfeet Trim-To-Fit Green Insole

September 27, 2009

Haven't had any problems with these in my ski boots (Dalbello Krypton Pros). As a matter of fact, these have been a savior for me, and my feet have hurt less using these footbeds than in my 22 years of skiing. And for the record, I drop 15-30 foot cliffs on a regular basis, in addition to backcountry booters. Not huge, I know, but big enough that it should cause a problem from "hard landings" if it is indeed a problem. I know people who use them in their ski boots and go even bigger than me, and haven't had any problems either.

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Superfeet Trim-To-Fit Green Insole

September 27, 2009

There is a 1.5 shoe size range for each letter. They fit true to size, so if you're a women's 5.5 you would get the B. The reason this is done, is that one of the goal's of a footbed is arch support. A one size fits all footbed really doesn't allow for optimal arch support, because someone with a size 11 foot and someone with a size 5 foot when wearing a footbed, their arches would line up in different spots. So this is why there is such a narrow size range. This is a great thing though, because it allows for a very tailored fit to each person's foot, and really does what it is designed to do. Support your foot.

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Worth all the hype

Chaco Z/1 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

Chaco Z/1 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 27, 2009

I never owned original made in the U.S. Chaco's. The one's I bought are made in China, but I still love mine and highly recommend them. I've worn mine all summer long, at least 4 days a week, and they show little signs of wear. They are extremely comfortable and fit very well. The vibram sole provides awesome traction. Also, Chaco, is the only sandal company that designs their shoes with the American Podiatric Medical Association, to make sure the footbed conforms to the natural shape of your foot and your arch is properly supported. They are great, and anyone who spends anytime in the outdoors definitely should have a pair. They are tough, rugged, and comfortable. What else can you ask for in footwear?

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Marker Jester 16 Ski Binding

September 27, 2009

The issue is that the jester (unlike the duke) does not have a toe height adjustment. So for boots like the dalbello krypton series boots which have a slightly lower profile sole, there is tiny little gap in the toe, which allows for some play and at times premature release. You just have to make the sure that the forward pressure is set perfectly. So make sure you take it to a reputable shop when you get them mounted and set. As far as changes, they are some minor changes, but nothing with regard to this issue. The changes are mostly cosmetic. I use the dalbello krypton pros, and with the exception of touring bindings, I use some variation of Salomon 916s on all my skis, and have never had any trouble. I would go with the sth16s personally. They have an all metal heel, and I think overall, they are more bomber (less plasticy), and less prone to issues with fit and pre-release. There's a reason, they've stuck with pretty much the same format for over a decade. It works! And it works well.

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Marker Jester 16 Ski Binding

September 27, 2009

The jester is a great binding for someone who skis anywhere on the mountain. If you ski park a lot, the binding works great. If you are stomping cliffs, the binding works great. If you are skiing trees, the binding works great. The wider platform of this binding means they transfer energy really well, and add to the stability of the ski. They are great for all mountain use. However, on a ski that small, it makes me think that you are a lighter weight person. This is a pretty beefy binding, with a high din, meant for heavier or very aggressive skiers. You might want to consider the Marker Baron. Almost identical binding, but with a lower din, meant for lighter riders.

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Great Shirt, tight in the chest/shoulders

Backcountry.com Cocona Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com Cocona Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 September 27, 2009

This shirt is great, and I really enjoy wearing them when hiking or running, even in late spring touring. They breathe really well, and don't absorb odor. This shirt is an excellent value. The only issue i have with this shirt is that you have to have a fairly skinny build for it to fit you well. I have a more muscular build and a relatively broad shoulders, and the shirt feels kind of tight across the chest, and in the armpits. Not so much a problem, more of just something you notice.Other than that though, I really like the shirt.

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My favorite athletic socks

Backcountry.com Cocona No-Show Sock - 4 Pack

Backcountry.com Cocona No-Show Sock - 4 Pack

Rating for this product: 5 September 27, 2009

These are by far my favorite pair of athletic socks. I use them for just everyday use, like anytime I'm wearing sneakers. I use them at the gym. I use them when I go running, play tennis, basketball, etc. They fit great, keep my feet cool and dry, they are comfortable, and they don't absorb odor. What more can you ask for in a sock. As far as them sliding down on your foot, I haven't noticed that personally. However, I do wear fairly tight shoes, and I always make sure to pull them high enough so my heel is in the contoured heel pocket of the sock. Get a pair, you won't be disappointed.

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Black Diamond Avalung II

September 25, 2009

I've worn mine in both 1/2 hour sidecountry treks, and 4+ hour long tours. With both lighter packs and heavier fully stuffed packs. It was never irritating, annoying, or painful. It was just there, and I didn't really notice it. It is no less comfortable then wearing a pack anyway. So if you're used to having a pack on you anyway, it's a non-issue.

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Line Mothership Alpine Ski

September 25, 2009

I've skied these and no several people who have them. It seems that Marker Dukes, Marker Jesters, and Salomon STH 16s are the most commonly used bindings (of the new bindings, still in production). All would be great choices. Some of the people using these in comps have them mounted with Look P18s/Rossi FKS 185s, which should be in production again this year on a limited basis. It's a stiff, burly ski, that needs a tough bomber binding. How much do you weigh, what do you normally set your dins at, and how aggressively do you ski? Those are all important factors in deciding a binding.

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Backcountry.com Stoic Inbounds Glove - Men's

September 25, 2009

I think stretch is the wrong word to describe what happens. The leather loosens up and becomes less tight as the leather softens and gets broken in. So they do become a little looser over time.

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Awesome for cold weather

Under Armour Base 2.0 Crew Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Under Armour Base 2.0 Crew Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

No matter how cold it got this past winter, I was wearing this as my baselayer. It does an awesome job of keeping you warm, wicking away moisture, and it is really comfortable to wear. It fits great, and can be worn for several days without ever taking on odor. This is a must have in your collection. Never overheated, never got cold. Top notch.

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Perfect for cold weather

Under Armour Base 2.0 Midweight Legging - Men's

Under Armour Base 2.0 Midweight Legging - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 25, 2009

This was one of my go to baselayers midwinter when it started to get cold. It is really comfortable, breathes really well, and kept my legs warm all winter long. The only complaint I had with these was the same as the 1.0. The foothole is a little big so it was a little loose around my ankle. Other than that, these are great.

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Perfect baselayer for touring or spring skiing

Under Armour Base 1.0 Crew Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Under Armour Base 1.0 Crew Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

This thing is my favorite baselayer for when I go touring. I often get really hot when I tour, and strip down layers. Often times this ends up being the only layer I keep on as I'm skinning up. It does a great job wicking away perspiration, keeps me warm, but I never overheat in it. Come spring time, this lightweight baselayer is awesome. Under Armour knows what they're doing, and this piece is great.

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Great at keeping you at just the right temp.

Under Armour Base 1.0 Legging - Men's

Under Armour Base 1.0 Legging - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 25, 2009

I use these on warmer days and when I'm touring. They do a great job keeping me warm, but I never overheat in them. They do a great job regulating temperature, wicking away perspiration, and they don't absorb odor either. My only complaint is that I like a really tight fit with baselayers, and they fit well except around the ankles, they are a tiny bit loose. Otherwise, these are great.

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A must have

Nikwax Tech Wash

Nikwax Tech Wash

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

Washing waterproof clothes with regular liquid detergent is terrible. The liquid doesn't completely dissolve and blocks the pores of your clothing. As a result, it is not as functional, and the clothing is less waterproof and less breathable. Using powder detergent is better, but you still face many of the same problems. The solution, Nikwax Tech Wash. This stuff is awesome, does a really great job cleaning waterproof clothing, without damaging it. And after you wash it with this stuff use the WashIn to help restore the waterproofing. This is the perfect 1-2 punch.

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A must have

Nikwax TX Direct Wash In

Nikwax TX Direct Wash In

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

Everyone knows that even the best DWR's start to lose their repellency over time. This is the solution. Use the green tech was first to clean it, and then wash it with this to restore it. Some might say it's magic, and maybe it is. The bottom line is that this stuff restores the DWR coatings on your jackets. So rather than get rid of your expensive clothing, year after year, just wash it with this stuff and your good to go for the next season.

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Helps remove that funk

Nikwax BaseWash

Nikwax BaseWash

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

This stuff is great. Helps remove the funk from your baselayers, and enhances their wicking properties. Won't clog the pores like regular detergent will. This stuff is awesome and a must have.

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Review Title

Scott Newcastle Pole

Scott Newcastle Pole

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

After years of skiing and racing, I've learned that I won't use any other poles than Scott's poles. S4(Series 4) aluminum is one of the lightest, most durable material used in any pole today. Their grips feel great in your hand and don't ever cause any fatigue no matter how much traversing you do. The newcastle pole features everything I love about Scott poles, plus a sick graphic, and really steezey white leather wrist straps. Anyone skiing lots of powder needs this pole. the powder baskets are absolutely massive and do a great job preventing you pole from poking all the way down to the base on those deep pow days. This pole is great, and highly recommended.

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The perfect lens quiver

Smith Performance Lens Pack

Smith Performance Lens Pack

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

The Smith Phenom is by far my favorite of all the smith goggles I've used, and it just so happens that I have three different pairs of them. Each pair I has one of these three lenses that come with this lens pack. Between these three you will have the perfect lens for any condition. The RC36 is great for any condition, and works well when its partly sunny/cloudy, and not really bright. The sensor mirror works great when it is dark and snowy, it illuminates everything really well. The platinum mirror works great on those really bright, bluebird days. All in all, this is the perfect trio to keep your vision perfectly clear the entire season.

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Smith Performance Lens Pack

September 25, 2009

The default picture is for the phenom lens. If you click on the second picture where it says "4 more" it will display the prodigy lenses. Also if you click on the drop down bar under the price where it says "select options" the second option is for the prodigy.

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Smith Phenom Goggle

September 25, 2009

It depends on the size of your face. Both are very high end goggles, and have the same technology. If you have a larger face, or like the gigantic goggle look, i'd go with the prodigy. If you have a smaller or medium face, I'd go with the phenom. I've used both, and prefer the fit of the phenom.

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Backcountry Access Alpine Trekker Adaptors

September 25, 2009

A single trekker weighs 20.81 oz (1.3 lbs). So that's an extra 2.6 lbs on the way up on your feet, and an extra 2.6 lbs in your pack on the way down.

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Backcountry Access Alpine Trekker Adaptors

September 25, 2009

I'm not sure what Marker bindings you have, but race bindings tend to be heavier than regular bindings to begin with. A single duke (with screws) weighs 47.1 oz (2.944), while a single trekker weighs 20.81 oz (1.3 lbs). I would assume that the marker + trekker combo is going to be heavier than the dukes, but at the same time, 189 hellbents are more ski and heavier than the sickbirds, so it might even out in the end. Its hard to tell.

Me personally I would go with the hellbent/duke combo unless it was very firm snow because in the end, dukes tour way better than trekkers, and ski really well too. I've never ejected or prereleased out of my dukes. They're pretty solid.

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Well worth it!

ProBar Cherry Pretzel Sweet and Savory Bar - 12 Pack

ProBar Cherry Pretzel Sweet and Savory Bar - 12 Pack

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

Compared to other energy bars, these things are expensive, but compared to a $14 burger and fries at any resort's cafeteria, this thing is a bargain. These bars are packed with everything you need to optimize performance when you are out on the mountain. High in Carbs and Fats, they are an excellent source of on the go energy, and really do the trick when out in the backcountry. Best of all, they are filling in your stomach but don't take up a lot of space in your pack or packet. They taste really good too. For someone who doesn't want to eat and/or pack a full lunch while skiing or touring, this is the way to go. PB&J sandwiches may have finally met their match.

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Awesome in every regard

Clifbar Clif Shot Bloks - 18 Pack

Clifbar Clif Shot Bloks - 18 Pack

Rating for this product: 5 September 25, 2009

These things are awesome! They are one of my favorite foods to take whether in the backcountry touring, or just doing laps at the resort. They take up very little room, are fairly filling, they do a great job boosting energy and quenching hunger/thirst, and they don't freeze. Plus they taste really good. If you don't like the taste of oats, peanuts, etc. this is a great alternative as a mountain snack to carry along. One pack contains 6 cubes I believe. I usually take two with me on a tour or use one to hold me over until apres when at the resort. Can't say enough good things about them.

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Great glove, great price

Backcountry.com Stoic Inbounds Glove - Men's

Backcountry.com Stoic Inbounds Glove - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 26, 2009

I bought these as backups to my Hestra XCR short gloves, and I have been super happy with them. They are an amazing value. They are extremely comfortable. The leather is great quality, and they are very durable. They fit great, and feel great all around. I'm not sure if it's an issue with my hand or the glove, but all the fingers fit really well, except the pinky. The pinky is a little bit big on me. Not a big deal, but I'm super picky about my gear and a bit of a perfectionist, so to me it was kind of noticeable.

With that being said though, I was extremely impressed with how warm they kept me without making my hands get sweaty or feel stuffy. Also, the waterproofing on it is excellent. I have used it in some really wet conditions, with constant snow contact, and my hands stayed really dry the entire time. They have a really low profile, fit which I like, and are a really great looking and fitting glove. Overall I was really impressed.

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Almost the total package

4FRNT Skis EHP Alpine Ski

4FRNT Skis EHP Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 4 March 20, 2009

Let me preface this review by saying that I when I skied these it was pretty firm and choppy, and didn't really get to test their versatility or floatation.

This ski is a true big mountain ski. It is pretty straight, with a long turn radius, and some early rise in the tip and tail to help with floatation and pivoting/smearing your turns in pow. It has a medium stiff flex to it, which is pretty sweet, and provides great stability. I skied them on a pretty firm day, and they held a great edge and were stable through all conditions. I took them off some 10 foot cliffs, and the landing was great. They absorbed a lot of the impact and didn't wheelie out like some other similarly shaped skis. 4FRNT makes really solid skis, and this one is no exception. They are really well built, and feel pretty solid underfoot. My only complaint about them was with regard to their carvability. They felt kind of hesitant to engage turns, and seemed more comfortable sliding the latter part of the turn. They were more slarve friendly than carve friendly. Which is fine, because they are designed to to ski bigger lines, which often involve sliding your turns out not carving them. I was just looking for something that would be more traverse friendly, seeing as how we have a lot of them at the bird. Overall, a super solid ski, that handles everything pretty well.

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Mine works well

Mammut Bionic Carabiner

Mammut Bionic Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 March 20, 2009

I am not using this for climbing but rather to clip things to my pack with when I go touring. I bought the straight gate version, and have been really happy with it. It is really light, and feels really solid. I clip my gloves and nalgene or klean kanteen bottle to my pack and it works really well. It's been really convenient, and glad I decided to get it and use it in this manner. Really secure too.

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So far so good

Pro-tec IPS Back Pad

Pro-tec IPS Back Pad

Rating for this product: 5 March 20, 2009

I'm 5'8", and I bought the medium originally, and then immediately exchanged it for a large once I tried it on. Both fit well, but the Large offered me more back protection, so that was the obvious choice. This back protector is super light, and offers a great deal of breathability. It's been getting pretty warm lately, and I haven't been uncomfortable, or overheated yet. It offers a pretty good range of forward motion, so you are not restricted when buckling your boots or strapping on your bindings. The closure system is great and has a pretty wide adjustment range to dial in a great fit. There is a wide elastic and velcro closure system for the waist, and the backpack style shoulder straps, work really well too. It doesn't offer any neck protection, but only the POC one does. It does offer pretty good coverage throughout the rest of the back though. One of my favorite things about it is how comfortable it really is.

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Too much rocker?

K2 Hellbent Alpine Ski

K2 Hellbent Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 3 February 24, 2009

This was a ski I absolutely wanted to like so badly, but just couldn't. I own and have skied quite a few rocker skis, and this one just doesn't perform as well as the rest of them. I never thought there could be too much rocker on a ski. But then I skied this ski, and I found out there can be such a thing as too much rocker. There is not enough platform under foot, and there is a ton of rocker in the tail. This combination makes for a very weak tail that doesn't off enough support during turns on steeper runs. As a bc jib ski, this thing awesome. It has a ton of pop and is unsinkable on landings in deep pow. Unfortunately that is about the only place this ski shines. It is too soft in the wrong places to rip more serious lines.
In the ski's defense, I was riding the 179s with an almost center mount (+6). The 189s mounted back a little further probably would have been a much better ski. When skiing pow, I am used to being able to drive the ski through the turn, but with this ski, the lack of tip length constantly left me off balance.
This is a really great ski, just not for me, my style of skiing, and the terrain I ski in. If i were looking for a backcountry jib ski, this would be my top choice. As a pow ski, there are better choices.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 1 No

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The real deal big mountain sticks

Line Mothership Alpine Ski

Line Mothership Alpine Ski

Rating for this product: 5 February 24, 2009

This ski is serious! This is a beast of ski. They are heavy, they are fat, and there is a lot of metal in them. This ski kicked my butt when i was on them, but I still loved them. I've never had to work so hard to ski a ski as I did with these. But it was worth every minute of it. These things are everything a real ski should be. They rail down groomers at mach whatever. They are super stable on landings when hucking cliffs. They have a tiny bit of tip rocker so the float in pow and plow through crud. And for such a big ski, they are surprisingly nimble. Everything you could ever ask for a want in a big mountain ski, this one can do it. Other than its weight, this may be the perfect ski. They are really fun to ski, and inspire tons of confidence in the steepest, sketchiest lines. Riding these I felt like I had a tank on my feet. These things were bulletproof and made me feel i could ski through/over anything that got in my way. If you are looking for a big mountain ski or a comp ski this is where you should start and finish your search. It is an amazing ski in all aspects, and looks absolutely amazing in person.

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It has potential...

Marker Griffon Ski Binding

Marker Griffon Ski Binding

Rating for this product: 3 February 3, 2009

I have the dukes and absolutely love them. I figured a lightweight, alpine version would be great as well. Well, they are. The binding transfers energy really well, but these (and their big brother, the jesters) are missing a crucial component that would makes these a great binding. They do not have a toe height adjustment. So what happens is there is a tiny gap and a little play in the toe piece. I'm sure this is not a problem with all boots, but it was with my Krypton pros. I skied these bindings for 5 days and release once or twice each day. It wssn't consistent either. Sometimes I released on cat track, and other times mid turn. I had the dins cranked up pretty high as well. Overall I was impressed with the binding and the feel. Unfortunately the lack of toe height adjustment was it's downfall.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Awesome!!!

Backcountry.com Merino Crew Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Backcountry.com Merino Crew Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 27, 2009

I recently bought one of these and this thing is awesome! This is my new favorite base layer. I'm 5'8", 160, 38.5" chest, and I opted for the small. It fit really well, tight like a base layer should. It breathes extremely well. It kept me dry the entire day. Even though it is wool, it is merino wool, so it didn't itch me at all. Even in colder weather, I wore just this under my shell, it still kept me pretty warm. The length is a little on the long side which is great, because you can tuck it into your ski pants and help seal it up and keep some snow out, and the heat in. It felt great, and did exactly what it was supposed to do. The best part is that after a day of riding, there is no odor retention. So if you are going on a weekend trip or what not, this would be perfect. My only complaint, was that the sleeves were a tad on the long side. Wasn't really an issue at all, just something to be aware of for potential buyers.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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the best: full of technology, all the bells and whistles

Mammut Pulse Barryvox Avalanche Beacon

Mammut Pulse Barryvox Avalanche Beacon

Rating for this product: 5 January 19, 2009

This thing is super pricey. But it is expensive for a reason. A) It is the best beacon on the market B) It has all the bells and whistles...and then some. Granted A and B go hand in hand, but still. This beacon operates on three antennae signals to locate burial victims, so you are guaranteed to pick up a strong reading. When looking for victims this beacon utilizes a 360 degree direction arrow, making it easier to find burial victims. It also displays signals from multiple burial victims, upto 8, and displays them by closest to farthest. You can also lock into a burial, so that you are distraction/distortion free from other beacon signals being broadcasted, making finding a buried victim much easier, and allowing you to do so in a shorter time. This beacons is also relatively small in size and fairly lightweight, making it less of a hinderance to wear than other beacons. And the cherry on top...this beacon, when wearing, detects motion from you breathing and your heart beating, so that if other skiers in your party have this beacon as well, they can tell if you're still alive. Great feature! If you are looking for the best beacon, the most chock full of technology beacon, and/or the most efficient beacon to use in a recovery situation, there should be not other beacon on your list but this one. Mammut really nailed it with this one. You get what you pay for. You might be paying a lot more than for other beacons, but you're getting a lot more also...you're getting the best!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 2 No

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Great final brush

Swix White Nylon Brush

Swix White Nylon Brush

Rating for this product: 4 January 14, 2009

This brush is meant to be used as the final brush in the waxing process. It does a great job of finishing up the prep process. It really helps remove excess wax. Swix makes some of the best tuning products on the market. This was a great addition to the tuning box. The only reason this didn't get a 5 is because this brush is about half the size of their other, normal brushes. Which means it packs really well for travel, but it means you it covers half as much base on the ski when you are brushing. It definitely does the job, and well, you just have to work twice as hard.

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