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Andy Jacobsen

Telemark Skier // Trad Climber // Sport Climber // Big Wall Climber // Boulderer // Ice Climber // Mountaineer

Andy Jacobsen: #89 of 91,688 Top 100 Gear Guru More Information

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42 Reviews:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Bio:

    Born and raised in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains I was lucky enough to be introduced to downhill skiing at a very young age. At age 15 I left the comforts of my alpine bindings and began to explore the sport of telemark skiing. It was not all easy and I definitely have the scars to tell, but the challenge kept me coming back for more. I honed my skills at Telemark Freeskiing competitions, placing in the top 5 multiple times and in the big mountains of the world, climbing and skiing in the Cordillera Blanca range of Peru, Patagonia, the Chilkat and Chugach ranges of Alaska, the Tetons and of course the Wasatch. These days you will most likely find me on a skin track searching out steep lines and deep powder or wandering around the desert climbing towers. I am truly lucky to have the support of family, friends and sponsors which allows me to pursue my passion and push big mountain freeheel skiing to a new level. I plan to continue to do so as long as possible.
    www.steepdreamer.com

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Justice in the San Juans

Justice in the San Juans

Black Diamond Justice Ski

September 7, 2009

The Justice about to shred another coulior, high in Chicago Basin of the San Juans.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Always glad to have the Mondo below...

Always glad to have the Mondo below...

Black Diamond Mondo Crash Pad

June 5, 2009

Starting up the ultra-classic White Arete at Ibex.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Thin edging phenoms

Thin edging phenoms

La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoe

June 5, 2009

Good problem for a thin edging shoe...The solutions crushing in Triassic!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Solutions in action

Solutions in action

La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoe

April 27, 2009

These shoes were the solution to this problem in LCC.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Havocs with Coalpit Headwall

Havocs with Coalpit Headwall

Black Diamond Havoc Ski

January 22, 2009

With no easy way to get there, the Coalpit headwall remains a Wasatch classic. With an approach of 5,000'+ the Havoc was my ski of choice for this line.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Good glove for the price.

Black Diamond Soloist Glove

Black Diamond Soloist Glove

Rating for this product: 3 October 25, 2009

While this is not my all-time favorite glove it really good for the price. Plenty of dexterity and warmth. Removable liners make it easy to dry out whether you are on an expedition or just at home eating some carbs and getting some sleep in between ski days. The large gauntlet provides easy on and off and great protection from the elements. I prefer some sort of knuckle protection which this glove does not have.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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MAXimum protection

Black Diamond Mad Max Glove

Black Diamond Mad Max Glove

Rating for this product: 5 October 25, 2009

I love the combination of durability and protection that these glove provide. Being a full leather glove the mad max will take a beating. This was my go-to glove this past winter and they barely show any of the abuse that I put them through. I am a big fan of padding over the knuckles on ski gloves and this glove does not disappoint in that department, in fact it excels. The padding is thick and covers the majority of the top of your hand. I have punched too many rocks to ever have an everyday ski glove with out some sort of protection for my knuckles. Good dexterity and warmth as well. Plenty warm for all but the coldest of places.

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Super light...

Black Diamond Tracer Helmet

Black Diamond Tracer Helmet

Rating for this product: 5 October 5, 2009

This is an awesome all-around helmet. Super light! I use it for rock climbing, ice climbing and ski-mountaineering. It is a lot lighter than my normal ski helmet which makes it an ideal choice for ski-mountaineering. It works well with goggles or sunglasses. Plenty of room for a beanie underneath when it is cold. Really easy to adjust the size on the fly.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Holy cold smoke batman!

Black Diamond Megawatt Ski

Black Diamond Megawatt Ski

Rating for this product: 5 September 30, 2009

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

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Great to grab.

Black Diamond Vari-width Dogbone

Black Diamond Vari-width Dogbone

Rating for this product: 4 September 30, 2009

These are my dogbone of choice for sport climbing for one simple reason: they are easy to grab. I definitely have a little bit of added confidence when grabbing for these when I am pumped out of my mind and need to grab the draw to clip. I prefer a skinnier and lighter dogbone for trad and alpine climbing.

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Super light and sleek.

Black Diamond Dynex Sewn Runners

Black Diamond Dynex Sewn Runners

Rating for this product: 5 September 30, 2009

I really like these slings for their lightweight and sleek design. Also they seem to absorb a lot less water than my nylon slings which makes them a great choice for ice climbing, alpine climbing, mountaineering and ski-mountaineering. I have found myself leaving my nylon slings at home even when just going to crag.

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Light is right.

Black Diamond Neutrino Carabiner

Black Diamond Neutrino Carabiner

Rating for this product: 5 September 30, 2009

I love this biner. Just big enough to clip easily and still very light. I like this biner a little better than the Oz biner because of it's size. I have found the Oz biner tougher to clip (especially with gloves on). The neutrino is great for slings, draws or cams. From alpine climbing to sport climbing I prefer this biner for its lightweight and perfect size.

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Great layer

Ground Ground Neve Down Jacket - Men's

Ground Ground Neve Down Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 30, 2009

Great thin down layer. Works really well under a shell since it is so thin. Not the warmest down jacket out there but good as one of your layers. Light and very packable.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Review Title

Ground Down Sweatshirt - Men's

Ground Down Sweatshirt - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 30, 2009

Great stylish down jacket. Not for an everest expedition but great for around town and as a frontcountry or apres layer. Super warm hood!

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Super cool!

Ground Ajanta EXT Tent 3-Person 3-Season

Ground Ajanta EXT Tent 3-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 5 September 30, 2009

I have had this tent for 7 months now and really love it. It is ridiculously easy and fast to set up. The all mesh tent walls are awesome. I love sleeping in it with the rain fly off. It is like sleeping under the stars but no bugs! Also it is truly a three person tent unlike other "3-person" tents that I have owned in the past. The tent design makes for a ton of headroom inside the tent. Very different from most tents that only have headroom right in the center where the tent peaks. Overall I have been extremely pleased with this tent.

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Warm and plush...

Discrete Kaos Beanie

Discrete Kaos Beanie

Rating for this product: 5 September 30, 2009

Warm and plush, yet another sick domepiece from Discrete. I have yet to find a beanie from Discrete that I did not like but the Kaos stands out for its warmth, comfort and simple style.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Sick beanie

Discrete Doyonator Beanie

Discrete Doyonator Beanie

Rating for this product: 5 September 30, 2009

Not your average beanie but, my favorite everyday beanie. Great for shredding the slopes or a night out kicking salt lake city in the face. Just put it on your dome and warmth and style will follow.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Justice for all conditions

Black Diamond Justice Ski

Black Diamond Justice Ski

Rating for this product: 5 September 7, 2009

I really really like this ski as a one quiver ski for the backcountry skier. At 115 in the waist this ski is fat enough for the deepest of days yet not so big that you won't take it on long tours. At a pound or so lighter than the Megawatt the Justice gets around the backcountry nicely. The Justice is a super friendly ski for skiers of all levels. It is a fairly straight ski so it likes to be buttered around turns rather than carved. The reasonable size and weight make this my ski of choice for all but the very longest tours.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

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less than perfect

prAna Centaur Pant - Men's

prAna Centaur Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 June 29, 2009

These are not my favorite pants. Sure they would be ok for wearing out to dinner but as a climbing pant they are neither burly nor stretchy at all. Two things that are quite important to me in a climbing pant. They seem to fit odd. I originally ordered a 34 and they seem to fit fine but were a bit to big in the waist. So I returned them and BC.com took care of me and I had a 32 at my door the next day. While the 32 fit in the waist, they are quite a bit less baggy throughout than the 34. Making them difficult to climb in.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Black Diamond Alias with Avalung Pack - 1831-1939cu in

June 13, 2009

BD has done tests with some very brave individuals who volunteered to be buried with an avalung. They were equipped with some sort of thermometer to track body temprature and a heart rate monitor which was monitored by a doctor. I believe that most individuals were buried for up to an hour! I do agree with Shane's answer below, that it is very dependent on many factors. Which is probably why BD does not specify a certain amount of time.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Critical base camp piece.

The North Face Nuptse Bootie II - Women's

The North Face Nuptse Bootie II - Women's

Rating for this product: 4 June 13, 2009

Warm and comfy! Great for walking around base camp or just for staying toasty in cold cabin. They definitely are not waterproof but they seem to stay fairly dry walking around snowy camps. Nice grippy sole works great in the snow but, I would not recommend hiking very far in these because they are not very supportable, just very comfortable. More of a hanging out boot than a hiking boot. I am a 10.5-11 street shoe. I ordered these in size 11 and they fit perfect.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Worthy ski-moutaineering tool

Black Diamond Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole

Black Diamond Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole

Rating for this product: 5 May 31, 2009

Nice steep skiing tool. Although they are a little heavier than your average pole they make up for it in peace of mind when skiing or hiking in "no-fall" zones. They are super helpful when booting up steep, firm snow on all fours. I normally will use one whippet and one regular ski pole. I only take two whippets when I am headed to the super-duper gnar.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Black Diamond Whippet Self-Arrest Ski Pole

May 31, 2009

It makes sense to sell them separately because for a lot of stuff you only need one. I rarely ski with two. The price is a little steep but for spicy ski mountaineering they are priceless at times.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Dome protection

Smith 2008 Variant Brim Helmet

Smith 2008 Variant Brim Helmet

Rating for this product: 4 May 27, 2009

Good all around helmet. Warm enough for cold days yet with the adjustable vents open cool enough for spring shralping. Light enough to haul all over the backcountry as well. I have yet to really "test" this helmet with an impact and hope to keep it that way but it does feel burly on my dome. Definitely a confidence booster when dropping into the gnar.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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THE standard...

Petzl Grigri Belay Device

Petzl Grigri Belay Device

Rating for this product: 4 May 25, 2009

The gri-gri is the standard in self-locking belay devices. It definitely takes some getting used to but once you have it dialed it is just as easy and smooth as any belay device. It definitely makes belaying your hangdog buddy trying to dial in the crux sequence a lot more enjoyable and safe for all involved. Take the time to get used to the gri-gri before you use it in a real climbing situation and you will have a life long cragging tool.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoe

May 15, 2009

I have climbed in 40.5 katanas for years. I have climbed in the Miura VS in a 40 and a 40.5. The 40 was disgustingly painful out of the box but did break in to fit very nicely. The 40.5 was a good fit out of the box and has yet to strech to the point of being sloppy. So I would recommend sizing down for redpoint/bouldering type of shoe and probably stay the same if you are looking for more comfortable fitting all day shoe.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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small but featured...

Black Diamond Bandit with Avalung Winter Pack - 690cu in

Black Diamond Bandit with Avalung Winter Pack - 690cu in

Rating for this product: 4 April 30, 2009

Nice day pack for shorter days in the backcountry or perfect for cruising around the resort on day that you might head out a gate towards the backcountry. I know a lot of people are starting to wear beacons and avalungs inbounds these days, I think this is the perfect pack for that.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Nomad

Petzl Nomad Climbing Rope

Petzl Nomad Climbing Rope

Rating for this product: 4 April 30, 2009

I have about 40 days of climbing on this rope, all types: sport, trad, alpine. The durability seems great. This is the best feeling brand new rope I have ever felt. Usually it takes 10 days or so for a rope to break in to the point where I like it's suppleness, this rope felt perfect brand new and still has not lost it's great feel.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Mondo love

Black Diamond Mondo Crash Pad

Black Diamond Mondo Crash Pad

Rating for this product: 5 April 30, 2009

I love this pad. It has saved me more than once. Thick and stiff enough to throw over rocky landings and still soft enough to make those highball falls a lot more reasonable. While I don't recommend this as your only pad unless you climb with a posse all the time, it is too big for some landings. If you climb alone this pad is great for making you feel more comfortable without a spotter. Also can not recommend this if you climb in places where there is a lot of bushwacking involved in getting to the climbing. It is really wide and tough to hike through the bushes. All in all I love this pad and take it with me everyday bouldering.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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The only picket

MSR Coyote Snow Picket

MSR Coyote Snow Picket

Rating for this product: 5 April 24, 2009

The picket of choice for sure. Strong, light and dependable. The only picket I have ever needed. 24" is way more packable than the 36" version.

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Black Diamond Megawatt Ski 08/09 Model

March 25, 2009

The Megawatt is a more powder specific tool than the Zealots. Still the Megas are surprisingly good in all but the most firm snow. While the weight of the Mega is not great for extremely long days of touring, they are a great ski for frontcountry and smaller backcountry day tours. The rockered tip is GREAT for breaking trail as it always stays on top. This can work against you if you are the only person in your crew with a pair of Meags then you are bound to become the designated trail breaker!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Black Diamond GlideLite Nylon STS Skins

March 25, 2009

I would definitely go with the 110 mm width. You will regret going any skinnier. As far as the STS tail clip and rounded tails they do work but not perfectly... if you have less than perfect skinning technique and you cross you tails on kick turns then you will probably kick the clip off of the tails here and there.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Perfect for BC skiing

Suunto X6HR Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Suunto X6HR Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Rating for this product: 4 February 27, 2009

I use this watch mostly for backcountry/ski-mountaineering in the winter and training for backcountry skiing in the summer. The logbook is my favorite function of this watch. It tracks the total amount of vertical ascent and descent as well as the number of laps. I only use the heart rate monitor in the summer months while training. I like being able to keep an eye on my heart rate. The heart rate monitor allows me to pace my self better and target a certain heart rate and stay there. Definitely helps me get a little more out of my workouts.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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All-time

Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 26, 2009

All-time favorite shoe. If I could have only one shoe for the rest of my life this would be it. Light, waterproof, comfortable, durable and actually I think very good looking. I love the lacing system, easy on, easy off. I have been buying this style of shoe from Salomon for about 3 years and have been consistently impressed. I use mine mostly for trail running and long approaches to crags. I have a semi-wide foot and unlike other reviewers below, I have never had any problems with the fit of the shoe.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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great for steep climbing

La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoe

Rating for this product: 4 February 24, 2009

Great shoe for very overhanging climbing. I tend to only wear my pair on really steep stuff. Almost felt like I was cheating the first time I climbed in them. My feet were sticking to crystals where I had popped a foot repeatedly before. I have climbed some trad in these shoes and they were ok but I definitely prefer my miuras when climbing trad or something less than vertical. I have two main complaints about this shoe: 1. The big and thick heel is not very sensitive at all for heel hooking. 2. The velcro strap can wear out and snap. Good thing these shoes climb almost the same strapped shut and not. I am 10.5/11 street shoe and wear the solution in a 40.5. While I could barely get them on when they were new, I think that I would size down to a 40 for a redpoint only type of shoe and up to 41 for all day comfort. For some reason this shoe is still comfortable when fit tight.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Black Diamond Havoc Ski

February 23, 2009

Depends on where you are skiing. If you are skiing in the west (tahoe, jackson, utah etc.) then I would definitely go for the 180 Verdict because they are quite a bit better in the pow. If you are skiing in the east then you will probably prefer the skinnier Havoc for its quickness and carving ability.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Scarpa T-Race Telemark Ski Boot

February 15, 2009

Well, the BD Push is similar to the T1 in flex. So the stiffer boots would be the TRace and the Custom. I would personally go with the BD Custom since it has the Boa lace system in the liner and the BD Custom has a tour mode unlike the T-Race.-------I've heard of issues with the BD Custom (and BD boots in general), like rivets coming out, and the Boa tightening wheel becoming damaged and rendering the liner unusable. Buying any boot in it's first year of production is a gamble...I'd go with the tried and true T-Race.---------The Custom is a little stiffer than the T-race and the Push is a little stiffer than the T-1. Try them all on and buy whatever fits best.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Ortovox S1 Avalanche Transceiver

February 15, 2009

I got slammed into some trees one time with this beacon on, broke 3 ribs, but I was saved because it keep transmitting... I do not think this beacon is any more likely than any other beacon to break in the case of being slammed up against some hard object while being carried in an avalanche.

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Liking them so far...

Black Diamond Custom Telemark Ski Boot - Men's

Black Diamond Custom Telemark Ski Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 26, 2009

I have about 25 days on these boots, about 50/50 as far as resort/touring days. I have been skiing the Scarpa T-race for years before this boot came out. In contrast to the T-race I think the Custom is slightly stiffer in the bellows. One big advantage over the current T-race is the Custom has a tour mode and a great one at that. The Custom when in tour mode has a ton of freedom of movement. Compared to similarly big and stiff boots the Custom is lightyears ahead as far as ability to tour. As far fit goes, I was a 28 in Scarpa and I am also a 28 in the BD Custom (I have a 10.5 street shoe). The Custom's heel cup is large and comfortable. There is no need to even snug these boots up for the hike up, I leave all the buckles on the loosest setting for hiking. The boa lacing system in the liner and big heel cup keep my foot right in place. One of my first days touring with this boot we skinned 7,000' and no blisters or even hot spots! So far my only major complaint is with one of the buckles. I buckle my boots TIGHT and sometimes have problems unbuckling the higher of the two lower buckles, especially with gloves on. My solution is to tie on a very small scrap of 3mm cord to the end of each buckle so I can grab that with a gloved hand.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 0 No

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Quick, snappy, stable

Black Diamond Havoc Ski

Black Diamond Havoc Ski

Rating for this product: 4 January 26, 2009

Great all-around ski for everything except the deepest days. Extremely snappy, while these skis love to turn they have no problem opening it up a little for some high speed carving. Light enough to not weigh you down on those long tours yet burly enough to hold an edge on 50 degree ice. I would recommend these skis a single quiver ski for most places. In Utah and other places that get large amounts of snow regularly I would prefer something a little bigger like the Verdict as an all-around ski. I am 5'11", 155 and ski very aggressive and the 185 feels perfect for me.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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The jury has spoken...

Black Diamond Verdict Ski

Black Diamond Verdict Ski

Rating for this product: 5 January 26, 2009

Great all-around ski for anywhere in the west. If you live on the east coast check out the Havoc. The Verdict is not huge so it is fine on longer tours yet big enough to ski on a pow day at Alta. Surprisingly great edging on firm snow. Stability in all types of snow seem to be the #1 quality of this ski.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Light and quick...

Black Diamond QuickDraw Carbon Fiber Probe 230

Black Diamond QuickDraw Carbon Fiber Probe 230

Rating for this product: 5 January 26, 2009

Light... quick to put together... what more do yo want out of a probe? I have been very impressed with this probe. I upgraded from my old aluminum probe to shed some precious ounces and have been pleasantly surprised to find that this probe is not only lighter but more functional. The shorter sections make it possible to fit the broken down probe in my smallest pack without it sticking out. Also this is the quickest probe to put together that I have ever used. The velcro flap on the stuff sack opens much quicker than a drawstring, then just pull the cable tight and the whole thing snaps together. Very impressive.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Focus on comfort.

Black Diamond Focus Speed Adjust Harness - Men's

Black Diamond Focus Speed Adjust Harness - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 26, 2009

Great harness. I love mine. Easy on and off with adjustable leg loops. I use this harness for sport, trad, big-wall, alpine and occasionally ski-mountaineering. It excels in all types of climbing. Super-comfortable even on those long hanging belays. A little heavy for alpine or ski-mountaineering but if I am going to be at any hanging belays the comfort makes it worth it and the adjustable leg loops make it possible to easily take the harness on and off with ski boots on. Gear loops work well even when over-loaded. I had to tie a little knot in the straps that go over the butt to keep them from adjusting but other than that this harness is fantastic.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Alpine, multi-pitch tool.

Black Diamond ATC Guide

Black Diamond ATC Guide

Rating for this product: 5 January 26, 2009

I love this device. Makes raps down thin, icy ropes a lot less sketchy . The ability to clip directly into the anchor and belay two ropes with a self-locking system is amazing for alpine and multi-pitch climbing. A little on the heavy side but worth every ounce. I don't really mind this but this device is quite slow while rapping on thick (10mm+) cords.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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greatest thing since plastic boots.

Black Diamond O1 Telemark Ski Binding DO NO TUSE

Black Diamond O1 Telemark Ski Binding DO NO TUSE

Rating for this product: 5 October 17, 2008

After 10 years of touring on normal telemark bindings, my first day on 01's I felt like I was falling UP the hill. It was way too easy. Good thing I never tried AT gear before that because if I would have known what difference free pivot makes I would have bought an AT setup and locked the heel down until the day someone came out with a ripping tele binding that has a free pivot touring mode. Well that day is here and the 01 excels in all aspects, not just uphill ease. The rid stiff cartridges are stiff enough for your 6'5", 258 pound friend that likes a particularly deep and powerful tele turn and the softer cartridges work great for your mild mannered girlfriend that likes to shred pow all day in the trees. Truly a binding that does it all. I have been skiing this binding exclusively since it first became available and they still bring a little smile to my face every time I start up a skin track and click them into tour mode. Ahhhhhh free pivot is a beautiful thing!

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes | 3 No

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My favorite all-around backcountry pack.

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

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

Rating for this product: 4 October 17, 2008

The avalung is obviously a nice feature on this pack but that is not really what I love about it, more like icing on the cake . I love the simplicity. There is nothing on this pack that I do not use. The vertical zip on the back offers quick and easy access to all of your avalanche tools and seems to be the perfect size for my shovel, probe and snow saw. I use the 42 L which is quite large for small day tours but it is worth it to me to have the versatility. No big deal if I want to bring the extra down or if heading out for a three day tour carrying bivy gear. The fit is great for me. I am 5'11" and 155 lbs. Plus you gotta love the name... Anarchy rules!

Helpful Votes: 5 Yes | 6 No

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Light and fast operations...

Black Diamond Alias with Avalung Pack - 1831-1939cu in

Black Diamond Alias with Avalung Pack - 1831-1939cu in

Rating for this product: 4 October 17, 2008

The Alias is my pack of choice for light and fast missions when traveling in avalanche terrain. BD has done their research and come up with a highly efficient tool for gaining and dispensing vertical with the added safety of an avalung. This pack is lighter than the other BD avalung packs of similar size. While I prefer the BD anarchist for carrying heavier loads the Alias really shines on long tours and climbs where I am going light and fast.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes | 17 No

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My everyday ski pole

Black Diamond Carbon Fiber Ski Poles

Black Diamond Carbon Fiber Ski Poles

Rating for this product: 4 October 17, 2008

This pole does it all. It is light, durable, adjustable, comfortable and easy to use. I have done everything from multi day tours to hucking cliffs and this pole has withstood it all. Takes a little tweaking to get the flicklock adjustment dialed to where it is not too tight but just tight enough not to ever slip. But once it is dialed in you never have to think about it again. I would recommend this pole to anyone looking for an adjustable pole that is lightweight and durable.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Steezylicious...

Zeal Flyer Sunglasses - Polarized

Zeal Flyer Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 4 October 17, 2008

These nasty bad boys are my favorite sunglasses. The lens are amazing, they seem to enhance everything. The flyer is comfortable yet very snug on my face. Never have to worry about these flying off your face. They are fairly large sunglasses so they offer full protection for your eyes. They seem to fit very close to my face which I like except that they tend to fog while touring a little easier than some other sunglasses that are not quite so close fitting.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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strong, smart, simple, small.

Black Diamond Deploy 3 Shovel

Black Diamond Deploy 3 Shovel

Rating for this product: 5 October 17, 2008

Great shovel. i really like the small size, it allows me to always leave the handle on the blade no matter what pack I am using. Shovels I have owned in the past have been too big to fit in an accessible area of my pack without taking the handle off of the blade. Putting the handle and blade back together is just another thing to fiddle with in the case of a burial. It seems that in terms of speed of digging a person out a larger shovel is only preferable in softer snow. Seeing as most avy debris is generally solid and dense I don't know how much a bigger shovel will really help. Maybe a little. If I was a ski guide and had to dig 10 pits a day I would definitely prefer a bigger shovel. One of the best features of this shovel is how the handle and blade extend and collapse easily into a tight little package. Cool design feels far stronger than other shovels I have used.

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes | 2 No

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Holy Cold Smoke Batman.

Black Diamond Megawatt Ski   08/09 Model

Black Diamond Megawatt Ski 08/09 Model

Rating for this product: 5 October 10, 2008

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

Helpful Votes: 6 Yes | 0 No

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Durable dexterity

Black Diamond Kingpin Glove

Black Diamond Kingpin Glove

Rating for this product: 4 October 8, 2008

My favorite ski glove for all but the coldest days. Tons and tons of dexterity and durable enough for the hardest of the hardcore. Easy on and off with a very simple and effective velcro closure system. Simple no frills design is perfect for a leather work type of ski glove. Dexterity is definitely the priority, not warmth. I generally have warm hands and this glove works for me all winter except for the absolute coldest days.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Warmest glove around.

Black Diamond Guide Glove - Men's

Black Diamond Guide Glove - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 October 8, 2008

The guide is my cold weather glove of choice. Still has reasonable dexterity considering how nicely insulated they are. Great everyday glove for people who normally get cold fingers. I generally have warm hands so these can be hot on warm spring days. The large gauntlet keeps all the fluffy white stuff out even on the deepest days.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 1 No

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disappearing knee pads

Black Diamond Telekneesis Kneepad

Black Diamond Telekneesis Kneepad

Rating for this product: 5 October 8, 2008

These knee pads are so comfortable they seem to disappear once you put them on. They are light yet provide great protection. My favorite feature is the upper portion where strap attaches. It stays above your kneecap even when in a deep knee bend, providing protection against a direct impact to the uphill knee while making a telemark turn. By far my all-time favorite knee pad. Can't say enough good things.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 1 No

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Versatile vision

Zeal Detonator Polarized Photochromatic Goggle

Zeal Detonator Polarized Photochromatic Goggle

Rating for this product: 5 October 7, 2008

Definitely the most versatile lens in the business. Amazingly good in flat light yet still fine on those bluebird spring days. Great peripheral vision as well, almost like wearing nothing at all. Compatible with or without a helmet. My goggle of choice.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 1 No

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