I haven't actually used this for skiing yet, but have been using it for biking and it's great. No issues at all, POC makes a sick, safe product.

This is definitely one of the best probes for any area that gets a decent amount of snow. If you want to risk a buddy's life because you wanted to save a couple ounces, look elsewhere, but I'm led to believe that the extra couple feet is a lot more important than a couple ounces. It'll fold out quick, get through gnarly chunks of avy debris, and basically just do what it's designed to do, and in the situations you'll be using it, that's what matters most.

Damn, this thing is badass. If you're looking for something to dig your car out with, or build Chad's Gap with, this is the tool you need, and ignore the 4 star rating. If you want a shovel to get out into the backcountry with on your pack, unless you actually are a Pro in the Chugach, this probably isn't the way to go. It's pretty darn heavy, but the thing that would concern me is that I'm not sure whether it would fit into your average BC pack at all. It'll definitely dig whatever you need it to though, so if that's what you want, BUY THIS SHOVEL.

These have been sitting in my basement for a couple of weeks now waiting for bindings, and let me just say the shape and camber profile of the JJ's just screams FUN! whether you're touring, skiing park, shredding big lines or cruising groomers, these are gonna work for you. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure why Armada even makes a 175 (I could see it being fun for a bigger kid), as the 185 just sells and sells and sells... for a reason. We've got the 185's in stock now (11/14), so I'd advise picking a pair up ASAP as I'm surprised they've lasted this long! Definitely size up, as they have substantial rocker, but if you're looking for one of the best Western all mountain skis to date, get 'em while they're hot!

I went with a size large black in these to go with my Armada Inverse b/w jacket. The fabric isn't amazing, but seems durable and definitely adequate for the price you're paying. The vents are great for getting out and touring, and the pants don't seem especially heavy or hot (which are both good in my book). They have loops that line up with snaps on Armada jackets, and the overall quality and level of craftsmanship seems to be very, very high, which if you know Armada skis you've come to expect. My first impression is that these are a seriously worthwhile deal for what Backcountry is offering them for!

Just picked this thing up... holy shit. I got the black/white, with the black Quasar pants, and it and it looks fresh as... well, you know. Sweet pow skirt, snaps to keep your pants from sagging to much, amazing fabric, and extremely high quality craftmanship (read: it looks flawless) from a first year outerwear company is pretty damn cool. Hopefully I'll get some pics up when the pow starts to pile up.

It's the easiest to use, the most affordable, the best. Just look at all the people with red goats (our team) that have rated this thing highly. I really don't think anything more needs to be said. Just keep your eyes out for the Tracker 2, which should be hitting the store later this season.

I got a pair of these used last season. They look good, but unfortunately I haven't found them to be particularly waterproof or warm. I have them in the orange color, and have found that the color seriously bleeds over anything and everything when wet. Maybe a different color would be better.

This is such a sick helmet, especially considering how much it costs. with most similar quality helmets running at least $20-40 more, these things are bomber. The Brock Foam should be the new industry standard, as it's more breathable, rated for multiple impacts and is softer and more comfortable. They look good too, and if you're a steezy jibber who wants to rock a beanie under your dome piece, just snap out the dope knit liner. Definitely a great, great helmet usable for multiple sports and pursuits.

I consider these to be the standard around which other goggles are measured. You can't beat the performance and style offered by the crowbar, and they fit very well with most helmets (I own a Sweet Protection Rambler Beaked, I don't think I've ever seen a tighter fit on a helmet/goggle combo). They're expensive, but you are definitely paying for what you get.

These are a great goggle at a great price. Very durable, inexpensive, versatile, and good looking. The lenses aren't amazing, but at least you arent paying $40+ for every lense.

Nice, stylie pant with 20/20 rating... good waist adjustment feature, side vents work very well, excellent pant for all weather.

I used to own the Black Diamond Covert Winter Pack. The integrated Avalung is definitely a sick tool. This is a great pack to take up if you're planning on doing some hiking or skiing out of bounds, or even for short BC tours. I owned the older 22L pack in a L/XL (6'1, 175), which was a bit small for my taste, but the 32L, or the newer 30L, is a great do it all pack. The ski carry is awesome, adding a lot of stability over other packs I have used, and fits HUDGE skis (my Fatypus Alotta's, 140mm waist with a twin, fit tightly but well). Definitely the go to pack for day trips and sidecountry yoyoing. It even doubles as a summer hike/bike pack!

These things destroy anything and everything in their path. If you don't know what to expect when you show up at the hill in the morning, take these. Just don't expect to take them on the groomers, unless you're a beefy ex-racer who likes to keep the speed limit consistently above 40mph. The Dynastar Legend Pro XXL's kill it in the crud, pow, chop, mank, corn... you get the picture. I'm a 6'1, 175 pound ex-racer, and while they're heavy,they're a surprisingly nimble tool that really can do it all.