As a recent convert to AT, I am more than pleasantly surprised by these boots. So light and responsive, while being super comfy. The magazine reviews complain of the buckles, but I think the reviewers need some occupational therapy. I think the buckles are perfectly fine. They are extremely easy to switch from the ski/walk modes. I am 5'7" 175 lbs, and ski aggressively. After alpine skiing my entire life, I would recommend these boots to anyone - veteran and beginner alike. I have a very wide foot and high instep, usually struggle with heel slippage. These almost feel custom fit, before the heat molding. If you weigh more than 175, and are more aggressive, you might want a beefier boot. A few times they felt a little soft. 100% satisfied with my purchase.

When they say "float" they mean it. They also hold a great edge on ice. For such a lightweight ski, they deliver in all conditions. I use these with Dynafit Vertical TLT, and Scarpa Spirit 4. I love the set up. I'm new to AT but a long time alpine skier. I've never skied on anything this wide, but my body doesn't know the difference. They excel in all turn shapes. This ski is very light weight, very lively, will take you anywhere you'd like to go, and bring you back. Thanks to these skis, I'm actually happy I lost my job. For the price, this ski is a steal.

I use Scarpa Spirit4, and Atomic Janak with these bindings. As a beginner, I think it's worth noting that I had no problems figuring out how to operate these bindings. Adjusting the height of the heel piece is a cinch, and I don't think a better placement for the toe pivot is possible. After 28 years (kinda) of alpine skiing, I had my doubts about the safety of these bindings. I had a 12 year hiatus from skiing from 5 knee surgeries and college. Trust me, these bindings released like a dream and my knees are still intact. Once I get in better physical condition, I might not test the release function of these bindings as often. Being an AT newbie, with serious concerns for knee protection, I hope this helps. For the money, weight savings, and performance this is the binding of choice.

I first tried Smartwool socks for my vacation to Kodiak last year. Now all my socks are Smartwool, with exception for a few Injini socks that fit in my Vibram Five Finger shoes. These socks stay put, breathe so well, and hold no odor.... unless you're curious like me and test their odor resistance. I found that after 96 hours of nonstop use, i could faintly smell foot odor. I've owned many synthetic socks, but those days are over. From sub-freezing temps, to 75 degrees, my feet stay happy in these socks.

I've owned Salamon ski boots for 25 years, both alpine and nordic. In 2001 I bought a pair of their standard winter boots in Moscow, Russia and they're still in great shape. Last year I bought these shoes, and they didn't disappoint me. I live in Kodiak, so I am in the rain almost everyday. My feet are dry and happy. I even like these shoes in the snow - 6 inches or less. The lace system is quick, easy and durable. I'm not an expert runner, but I'm 31 and have had 5 knee surgeries. My knees never complain after a jog on pavement, or on the mountainous trails. After owning these shoes, I threw away my Nikes. My only other running shoes are Asics... for what that's worth. Wear these with a Smartwool sock, and you'll be one happy camper.

some have complained that this sock didn't keep them warm. Good, because they are a warm weather sock and are supposed to keep you cool. Wool is more breathable, and moisture wicking than any fabric made, even synthetics. Read "light" in their description, that means they are THIN. I use these for my summer socks: running, mountain biking, just walking out and about. My best testament to these socks is that after even my most intense workouts at the gym, I pull these off and only feel a trace of moisture. I thought I was hallucinating because my old synthetic socks were always soaking wet.

I am a huge Salomon footwear fan. I also own this shoe in the Gore-Tex version. Read my review there if you like. This is my warm, dry, sunny day running/out-and-about shoe. These have great support, fit, and breathable. My 31 year old knees never complain, even after 5 knee surgeries.

I know people love to hate Oakley because their so trendy and all that. But I sweat a lot, and hate the impaired vision when it drips on my sunglasses. Problem solved with the Radar. Yeah you can get Natives, or Smiths that come with other lenses. I know too many people that have to pay $30 or more for them to honor their warranties. I've had Oakley's since the Razorblade and never had a quality issue. I live in Kodiak and live outdoors: kayak, mountain bike, hike, run, ski, hunt, fish. Maybe the biggest reason I stay with Oakley is that after almost 20 years, I know exactly what to expect from their lenses.

When you're heart rate increases, you'll know to relax and breathe so you don't scare her/him off. Well, I've never tried that, but I'd probably do it just for the sake of trying it. I really despise wearing watches or any other type of jewelry. But this is so lightweight and comfortable that I wear it everyday. I usually forget it's there and people look at me funny when they ask me the time and I say "I don't know." I use it for running, hiking, and cycling. I'm not training for anything, but it's good to have information right on your wrist so you can keep track of your body's improvement.

This is a fantastic boot for most advanced/expert skiers. I use these with my Volkl AC40 skis, and I'm usually single during winter. I just love to be ripping out there on the slopes. It's such a great feeling to know that my equipment is not what limits me. These boots keep me warm and comfy all day long. Great lateral stiffness for quick response. For an alpine boot, these are very lightweight. I've only owned Salomon boots, they still are the only ones that fit my feet. But don't take my word for it. Read the boot reviews from all the ski mags. Salomon is never a gamble when you're looking to buy a ski boot. One last note, dump your synthetic ski socks and buy Smartwool ski socks. They have superior breathability, and moisture wicking properties. They don't hold odor either. Two pair of Smartwool socks is all you need for a week-long ski trip.

To address some other questions: The visor survived a nasty face-plant that cracked a couple of my ribs. The vent works well, however, when it's really cold, I feel a draft from the bottom, rear vents. You can't close these, so you just have to be a man about it. The visor also helps keep the sun out of your eyes when it's high in the sky. Just be sure you try it on with your goggles before you go out on the slopes. I use the Oakley A-frames... If my memory isn't mistaken, the crowbars don't fit with this helmet. you won't regret buying this helmet.

such is the case in the ski world. I bought the AC40s last year, and they're sick. I can't imagine them being any better, but apparently the AC50s are. Ice? That was ice? It felt like butter. These things love to turn, but will hold on as long as you can in longer arcs. Fast, fast, fast. Don't forget to breath. I ski my AC40s at 170cm, volkl recommended 163. The longer ski is still effortless. I feel like I'm cheating at the sport. This may not be the best in the powder, but for most people, having a powder ski is like having expensive sunglasses in Kodiak. In my opinion, this is the one ski to have in your arsenal. You absolutely will not regret buying these. I actually skipped classes last year to ski these... and my grades improved!! Must have been the extra endorphines. For the record, I had a 12 year ski hiatus from 5 knee surgeries, then finished college. I'm 31 now, so if I can ski these, anyone can.

Really, last season I had a pretty wicked face plant in the terrain park. I cracked a couple ribs. Had I not been wearing goggles, my nose would have been broken for sure. And I was stoked that the lenses didn't even scratch! You can spend more money on a goggle without the spherical lens, and trust me, you want a spherical lens. The optical clarity can't be matched since the lens follows the curvature of the eye more closely than a normal goggle lens. Before you buy any goggle, make sure you try them on with YOUR helmet, not just any helmet. I actually own 2 pair of the A-frames. One High-Intensity Yellow, the other Persimmon.

why do I know this is a legitimate product? I survived 8 days of severe salmonella poisoning when I lived in Russia- 2 days away from death. After 3 days in the western clinic (Canadian and British doctors) they handed me two things: over a months worth of effervescent tablets. one of them was calcium, the other was magnesium. This is the only hydration product with the vitals. Also don't waste your money on Endurox, Accelerade, or Hammer, etc. Don't get caught up in all the post-recovery hype. My nutrition professor shouts these are a waste of money. She's an avid cyclist too. The best post-recovery drink is CHOCOLATE MILK!! Ask a real doctor if you don't believe me. All the non-biased university research indicates that the window for post-recovery is 4 hours or so after a workout.