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Sam Hansen

Trail Runner // Camper/Hiker // Telemark Skier // Whitewater Kayaker // Mountaineer

Sam Hansen: #267 of 167,234 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Tetons/Wasatch
  • Bio:

    same as what every other person on here said, i love to ski and play outside bla bla bla

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Skis like an alpine binder

Marker Duke Ski Binding

Marker Duke Ski Binding

Rating for this product: 5 February 1, 2012

can't tell the difference between these and my Jesters while skiing (except stack height), heavy to sour with tho...

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light and durable

Black Diamond Fixed Length Carbon Ski Pole

Black Diamond Fixed Length Carbon Ski Pole

Rating for this product: 5 February 1, 2012

just what the title says. ALuminum bends easy, and then youre stuck using a bent pole, which can suck, even if you try to bend it back it will kink or bend easier next time at maybe a bad time when you might need them. You could probably save money by purchasing several cheap aluminum poles and get the same life out of all three combined compared to this, but the whole point is having poles when you need them, and when a pair breaks at the wrong time, the extra cost for a better pair is justified...

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Stiff...AND comfortable

Nordica Firearrow F1 Ski Boot - Men's

Nordica Firearrow F1 Ski Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 1, 2012

hard to beat combo, pretty comfy and super stiff! What more do you want?

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Smith rules

Smith Prophecy Goggle

Smith Prophecy Goggle

Rating for this product: 5 February 1, 2012

best goggles around(.) if you own the sol x lens and the sensor mirror you don''t need anything else. The phenoms are small on my face, and the prodigies are tweeked out too much, these fit just right.

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Dynafit - true free pivot for your pleasure

Dynafit TLT Radical FT Binding

Dynafit TLT Radical FT Binding

Rating for this product: 5 February 1, 2012

I havent had a lot of dynafit experience, in the past I've enjoyed touring via full apline; telemark (axles and 01's), and before that using a split-board as an ignorant youth. Having used practically every other mode of BC touring transport, I can honestly say that touring on these was a billion times more enjoyable. Everything and more that it was hyped to be. I thought my telemark bindings were true free pivot, but compared to these they aren't even close. Soooo much easier, smoother, lighter, sleeker, etc. I even boosted some small airs and they didn't break, more testing to come soon! My only complaint is the highest setting on the riser should be taller, it seems a bit low.

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Great shell, so so liner :/

Black Diamond Quadrant Alpine Touring Boot - Men's

Black Diamond Quadrant Alpine Touring Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 February 1, 2012

The boots are everything ever advertised, stiff, light, awesome tour mode etc. The liners on the other hand don't fit the boot that well, and the boa is just a PIA, (Take a hint BD) nobody I know including myself actually likes the boa on any of the at, freeride, or tele boots. It breaks, takes longer, and the liner material is crap already, so in no way does it enhance fit. I threw some old intuitions in these as advised by others and thoroughly enjoyed the hell out of them. Its like walking in a tennis shoe, and skiing in an (almost) alpine boot. These are awesome, just plan on upgrading liners if you want them to fit.

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Crispi EVO NTN Rando Boot - Men's

February 1, 2012

I wanted to know the same thing, however their "gear heads" really don't know their shit, so I ended up just buying them and lo and behold......--------------........... THEY DON'T. NO TECH FITTINGS on the Evo's. The picture is misleading. Furthermore the boot fit funny (not even close in length or volume) of Scarpa, BD, and Garmont. Just a heads up.

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Great Shades

Smith Interlock Trace Sunglasses - Polarized

Smith Interlock Trace Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 5 October 18, 2011

Had these for 5 years and running, very durable frames, I've sat on them, stepped on them etc. They stay on very well even in active outings like running, biking, and kayaking, (stayed on when I rolled!) The lenses can get scratched jsut as easily as any other, but luckily replacements can be had for quite cheap, so its almost like getting a new pair.

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Whyy don't other skin companies use this?

G3 Trim Tool

G3 Trim Tool

Rating for this product: 5 October 18, 2011

This is hands down the best skin cutting tool around. Although not rocket science, cutting usually requires moving the skins around on the ski and guessing how much to cut off for optimal edge exposure, other skin cutters can leave you feeling robbed after realizing your entire skin is crookedly cut. This handy tool allows you to center the uncut skins on the ski and make a straight forward cut.

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G3 Targa Ascent Elle S/S Telemark Ski Binding - Women's

October 18, 2011

If you're buying a new free pivot tele binder, why would you get these? (unless color is of the upmost priority) there are far better options for a similar price, look at voile's switchback, or 22 designs axle, all of which should work with or adjust to women's size boots.

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So expensive for so little...

G3 Targa Telemark Ski Binding

G3 Targa Telemark Ski Binding

Rating for this product: 2 October 18, 2011

This binding is almost as expensive as a pair of hammerheads, for a fraction of the performance and durability. Even if you like a flimsy binding there is no reason to use this one because other binders have adjustability to accommodate preferences. Sure its light and "classic" you probably saw more folks tele on these pieces of crap than anything, but if you're going to pay this much you might as well get one of the newer offerings. Just look at the other conflicting reviews and you'll easily see they're a mixed bag.

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22 Designs Axl Telemark Binding

December 21, 2010

If you want something that will last forever, the axle is it. It's also very adjustable in how active it is by simply moving a pin. It weighs a bit more than the others, but you probably won't be able to wear this out or break it if you tried. That said, I think the voile switchbacks would be better than the Targa's if you decide to go that route, but no other binding has so much adjustability or durability.

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fantastic

22 Designs HammerHeel Bail

22 Designs HammerHeel Bail

Rating for this product: 5 December 12, 2010

what jack said, go with the tall ones, the short ones are pointless. I've never seen a hammer heel go bad, they have the best spring back, never fall down when they aren't supposed to, and they are equally handy at holding the heel thrown down on Hammerheads and Axles during transportation, carrying etc.

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Like NEW

Black Diamond Gold Label Adhesive

Black Diamond Gold Label Adhesive

Rating for this product: 5 December 12, 2010

after a season of heavy use your skins aren't quit as sticky as you would like, this stuff is great because you can do touch up jobs on patches where you skin blew into the side of your car, or a cat,or dog, dirt, etc. I've use it on all brands of skins, and it seriously brings the stick back to life. Apply the glue, let it dry (~1 hr)before putting the skins back together or you'll have a problem, and you're back in business. Once it dries it isn't perfectly smooth like the new skins are but its just as stick if not more. Companies sell entirely new glue renew sheets but that really seems like a pain and usually there are just a few patches that need more stick, it used to come in a big jar, but the tube is the same stuff, just smaller. Try it, it will make your skins as sticky as they ever were.

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does what it's supposed to

Black Diamond Glop Stopper Wax

Black Diamond Glop Stopper Wax

Rating for this product: 5 December 12, 2010

make sure you rub this stuff WITH the grain of your skins, otherwise your skins will look funny. Mostly useful in the spring, when things get really warm and sticky, this will keep your skins from getting waterlogged and weighing 2x as much. Doesn't have much application in cold. Also lasts a really long time.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Get some

Voile Ski Straps 9 Through 25 inches

Voile Ski Straps 9 Through 25 inches

Rating for this product: 5 December 12, 2010

possibly more useful than the bunjy cord, sliced bread, and tv remotes, just when I strart wondering if there's a tool for that seemingly impossible job, one of these guys saves the day. I wish they came in longer lengths for bigger applications. if you don't have them already, get some!

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Handy

Black Diamond FlickLock Snow Saw

Black Diamond FlickLock Snow Saw

Rating for this product: 4 December 12, 2010

cuts through snow pretty well (not that its difficult) and the attachment to BD ski poles is genius for a myriad of snow tests. My only complaint is that the handle is a bit thicker, and when used with the pole it doesn't leave a nice clean cut, there probably isn't a way around that though.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Useful

Black Diamond O1 Backcountry Kit

Black Diamond O1 Backcountry Kit

Rating for this product: 4 December 12, 2010

Doesn't look like much but this "kit" or bundle of spare parts can help in a pinch. BD 01's are susceptible to having the plastic heel lever snap off when you put them on and of. I've snapped 2, and my spring pre-load was < than 1 cm. The spare heel assembly saved me. I never had to use anything else from the kit. It is possible to just buy the heel assembly direct from BD, but the spare heel wires and stuff are nice to have around in case you lose one. BD 01's are good bindings, but you'd be wise to have some spare parts on hand...

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there's a difference

Black Diamond O1/O2/O3 Cartridges

Black Diamond O1/O2/O3 Cartridges

Rating for this product: 4 December 12, 2010

I used mid stiff in 01's for a while and soon upgraded to rid stiffs, big difference, especially if you play around with the pre-load ie. tighten the binding to your boot more. Rid stiff cartridges ski similar to hammerheads in pos 4, and axles in pos 2, its a different feel, but certainly still capable of great things. Sometimes the cartridges loosen up on their own, try using plumbers tape, and even just running duct tape around both the tubes to keep them from getting loose. I've had the duct tape fix last over a year before. Another hint, adjust them BEFORE heading up to the hill, sometimes the threads get wet and freeze or for whatever random reason they won't adjust when cold and you're SOL till they get warm again.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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my favorite

Smith Serpico Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 5 December 12, 2010

I've had these for almost a year now, they endured an entire season guiding in Moab, then I took them to a concert and they got stepped on when I set them down. very stupid of me, yes I know. Aviators usually aren't very good at staying on your face but these are excellent. I especially like the additional coverage from the oversized lenses, no matter where you look you eyes are protected form the sun. I wish Smith would make them out of indestructible titanium, hint hint, because they are somewhat succeptible bending.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Perfect

Smith Phenom Goggle

Smith Phenom Goggle

Rating for this product: 5 December 12, 2010

These are light, fit my face perfect, simple, and they don't fog. The sensor mirror lense is simply the best for fog/flat light, also not too bad for sunny days. What more can be said in addition to everyone else's reviews though?

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Burly

Black Diamond Deploy 7 Shovel

Black Diamond Deploy 7 Shovel

Rating for this product: 4 December 12, 2010

This is a pretty burly shovel, don't worry about breaking it. Simple, and quick to "deploy," the spring buttons doesn't ice when you need to open or close it, and can be (opened/closed) easily with big gloves on which is important for those cold days. On one hand it's nice that the handle stores inside the blade, on the other hand, its large size and the handles curve make it a pain to store in a pack with a smaller avi pocket. It's also not the lightest thing around, but given its durability I think it's worth the weight. Someone else posted they use it in their car too, it's trusty enough that I do the same, if you aren't on a slope you really have to bend over because the handle is short and it doesn't extend...

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great watch, a little large

Suunto Core Altimeter Watch

Rating for this product: 4 December 12, 2010

The first version I had glitched, so I returned it. The second has been great, this is my 2nd year with it, fairly accurate, lots of features, and once you figure out the format, is really easy to use. I've heard complaints about the battery going dead too soon, but I've only had to replace mine about once a year. As long as you don't leave the watch in compass mode or altimeter mode when you're not using them, it will last a while. Those two functions chew up the battery. There is also a button lock mode which prevents buttons from accidentally being pressed, a nice feature. My only complaint is I wish it wasn't so big, but this could also be viewed as a plus because its easier to read...

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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OK...

Black Diamond Anarchist Avalung Winter Pack - 1953-2563 cu in

Black Diamond Anarchist Avalung Winter Pack - 1953-2563 cu in

Rating for this product: 2 December 12, 2010

I had the older version of this, doesn't look like the new one is a lot different. First, this pack seems like they took a bag, and added straps to it> Which means it doesn't carry well, there's a lot of swinging side to side rather than hugging your back. The integrated avalung is cool but makes a lump in the shoulder strap and you can feel the plastic digging in while carrying anything heavy. the ski carries also kind-of stink. The diagonal has lower loops, but not a very well placed upper strap to hold things securely. The a frame looks like it would work well, but only if the pack is chuck full, and even then the skis slide and slip around a lot, not very secure. The small side zip is also useless. Think, if your pack id full, will you actually be able to open it and access anything? A little but I'd rather have the security of knowing nothing is falling out of my pack.

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Good pant, not quite as good as you think it is from adevertising...

Patagonia Powder Bowl Pant - Men's

Patagonia Powder Bowl Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 December 2, 2010

I succeeded in wearing out a set of Patagucci Rubicon pants and since the new sizing for that model doesn't fit me I decided to try the powder bowl. I talked to the Patagonia lady on the phone and she assured me that the powder bowl is every bit the pants that the rubicons are (durability). Well, they are a decent well thought out pant, but aren't really on the same level of durability bomberness that rubicons are. Too bad they only fit short fat people... Thats the nice thing about the powder bowl, you can get it in a variety of inseam and waist sizes. Powder bowls are durable, better than most others, but no the best. The fit is in between slim and regular/loose fitting.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great beacon, not perfect...

Pieps DSP Smart Transmitter

Pieps DSP Smart Transmitter

Rating for this product: 4 December 2, 2010

I've had the DSP for 3 years now, luckily haven't had to pull it out for the real deal, (I'd be even gladder if my partner had the DSP too) its powerful, good range (at least 50 meters), simple, and accurate (no wild goose chases when honing in) . The case that comes with it is comfy, but isn't the quickest for getting the beacon out of... I modified mine a bit. I wonder how waterproof (actual beacon) it is,looks like just plastic and it would be nice if they beefed up the beacon casing a little.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Greatness

22 Designs Axl Telemark Binding

22 Designs Axl Telemark Binding

Rating for this product: 5 December 2, 2010

Skis just like the the Hammerhead, (maybe even a tad better?) and it has a TRUE free pivot. Simple design with nothing to break. What more can be said?

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more of a good thing

22 Designs Telemark Binding Stiffy Spring Kits

22 Designs Telemark Binding Stiffy Spring Kits

Rating for this product: 5 December 1, 2010

some of 22 designs older (2+year old) hammerheads came with soft short springs that maxed out in position 5 and didn't allow you to really tap into the bindings full potential. After slapping these in it was like an even better hammerhead than before, (which is really good to begin with), you get the picture. Putting these in can be a little trickier than it should be because there are plastic nubs the spring is supposed to screw around to be properly seated but its hard to get the positioning right. Still highly recommended though

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worked great until they freyed

Black Diamond ClipWire Ski Leash

Black Diamond ClipWire Ski Leash

Rating for this product: 4 December 1, 2010

does what their supposed to do, after 2 seasons mine frayed where they were attached to the binding, not a big deal but for 20 bucks for such a simple item it shouldn't do that

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Surprisingly good

Scarpa T2 Eco Telemark Boot

Scarpa T2 Eco Telemark Boot

Rating for this product: 5 December 1, 2010

I was skeptical of 3 buckle boots before trying these, they weren't as stiff as my t-races but I could sure tell a difference in weight while skinning. Guess thats what they were made for. If the snow is soft its not such a big deal that they aren't as stiff, I wouldn't recommend them for resort skiing if you are riding a ski over 110 underfoot but well worth the$$ to tour in mellow conditions.

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all around greatness

G3 Alpinist Climbing Skin

G3 Alpinist Climbing Skin

Rating for this product: 5 December 1, 2010

great skins, easy to cut (included tool makes it a breeze) tip clips adjust to anything, bomber tail clip makes these super secure even when the glue gets cold or wet. the grip isn't quite as good as other's like climbingskinsdirect.com or Black Diamond's but the sleek design more than makes up for that.

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The Best

22 Designs Hammerhead Telemark Binding

22 Designs Hammerhead Telemark Binding

Rating for this product: 5 December 1, 2010

I've skid just about every binding out there and these blow everything else out of the water. more active, durable and simplistic than anything else on the market. There's a position to match anyones style or size. I f you are thinking about buying a tele binding to shred the resort, look no further, if you plan on touring check out this binding big brother the axle, skis identically and has a free pivot for easy touring.

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Black Diamond O1 Telemark Ski Binding

December 1, 2010

the heel pieces usually have 2 notches for 2 separate climbing wires of differing lengths. My heel risers were acting up I switched the holes they were in and it completely solved the problem. Sometimes the plastic wears down a bit so you have to switch the holes the heel bails are in.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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22 Designs Axl Telemark Binding

December 1, 2010

How stiff are your boots? they aren't on my list of hefty 4 buckle beasts. The axle is a pretty hefty binding, it wouldn't be paired very well with a soft boot. You would probably be better off going with a binding better matched for your boots. Voile switchbacks or G3 targas/ascents might not be a bad way to go, plus they are significantly cheaper. As long as they have the 75mm duckbill they should fit in just about any binding except Rottefella's NTN

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Two thumbs up

Scarpa T-Race Telemark Boot

Scarpa T-Race Telemark Boot

Rating for this product: 5 November 4, 2010

Had these out for two short tours since purchasing, skid/flexed well the first turn, unlike several other boots I've owned. The bellows are a bit softer than BD's Custom boot, witch is good IMO, a lot smother flexing while just as laterally stiff, I think these are a few ounces lighter too. The walk mode is an added bonus, and the craftsmanship/durability seems to be top notch, I love the vibram soles, they seem to offer a bit more traction and durability for climbing up stuff. The heel retention buckle is also amazing, loosen the others and just leave that one done up for touring. I have a normal width foot and these fit snug, but I haven't molded them yet. Part of me wants to buy another pair in case scarpa stops making these like the last T-Races...

Edit: The plastic used in the bellows guard on these is exceptionally soft, ie: not that durable, after a half season I'm wearing into the actual bellows, great skiing boo tbut durablity is still an issue, the bellows and everything has softened up quite a bit too.. plan on packing out at least a half size...

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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K2 SideStash Alpine Ski

October 18, 2010

can one of the bc.com reps just measure these things and give a true length? Also give the lengthfor this year and last year...

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Poor Durability...

Black Diamond Custom Telemark Ski Boot - Men's

Black Diamond Custom Telemark Ski Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 July 4, 2010

performance wise, these boots are amazing, 4.5 stars, however, I have literally stripped every buckle, ( I know that if you over tighten or loosen them they will strip) this is just from regular use. worn through 2 bellow guards and mangled the rubber soles. Also, the area on top of the forefoot has torn and now is less warm and it gets lots of moisture in through there. Durability gets a 3, I'm going to try scarpa's new t-race this fall because the customs aren't gonna last another season. I use them but I havn't bused them, I've tried to take care of them as best I could

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Review Title

Black Diamond Ernie Beanie

Black Diamond Ernie Beanie

Rating for this product: 2 January 7, 2010

hate to bash here but this hat sucks. I think its made to fit sasquatch or somthing, or some rasta with 2 ft of dreads. I like a ski hat to fit on my head and stay there. This is far from it, and you can't really fold it over. I gave it 2 stars for cool colors.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Scarpa T-Race Telemark Ski Boot

December 15, 2009

does the T-Race have an alpine overlap constuction or does it use a tongue like an AT boot?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Simple and solid

Backcountry Access Profile 240 Avalanche Probe

Backcountry Access Profile 240 Avalanche Probe

Rating for this product: 5 December 28, 2006

Simple solid system, no frills. This is a great probe.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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