I had heard really good things about these skis. I really wanted to love them. I purchased them before this season and took them up and skied with them in several different conditions. I was really looking for an all around ski that would perform on groomers and hard pack, but be fun in the powder too. I first tried these skis out in early December in Colorado on hard pack/man made snow. I was really disappointed with the edging of these skis. I felt like I could not stop well on anything less than powder. I even took the skis in and had the edges redone. This did not make a very big difference. Without the ability to edge, I lost confidence in these skis. I tried them for 3 straight days and then benched them.

I found myself going back to my K2 Apache Recons for the hard pack days. I have yet to try them in powder, but I do not see myself replacing my Scott P4's (which I absolutely love). I will not be keeping these skis.

I have had a pair of Salomon knobby snow shoes for the last 10 years. I was very uncertain about the idea of replacing those shoes. I made the jump and purchased the Hot Toddys. On my first trip with them, I brought along my old Salomons just in case. I never used them. I really like the Hot Toddys and I cannot believe how good the grip is compared to other shoes I have used. At first, they were a little tight, but they loosened up over a few days. I liked them so much I purchased additional pairs for my mom and dad. They love them too.

These boots are a lot of fun. I came from a 90 flex rating boot and I was a little worried about a 120 flex rating. With these boots you can feel every bump on the mountain. That is great for control. I did notice that I tired a little quicker with these boots, but I would not trade them for my old pair. I love them.

I purchased these gloves just in time for a 6 day ski trip to Vail. It was cold and the Patrol glove did a good job of keeping my hands warm. They are not as warm as my Swany gloves. When you first put them on, you will notice a difference in feel. They are not bulky. They are great gloves and I will continue to use them.

This is my first Hestra glove. I honestly had never heard of the brand before buying this glove. I tested this glove out on some very cold days in Vail Colorado. I previously owned a pair of North Face gloves. I really like the feel of the Hestra Heli Gloves. My fingers felt nimble and able to do whatever I needed. I ended up not using the hook and loop strap underneath the glove.

My fingers were a little cold, but then again it was 2 degrees with a 15 mph wind so I expected it. All in all, I love these gloves and will not be going back to my North Face ones any time soon.

I have owned several The North Face jackets before this one. This one is somewhat unique in The North Face group and it took a little getting used to.

First of all, I have to say this jacket has a ton of pockets which is very helpful to me. The zipper takes a little time to get used to since it does not zip down the center of the jacket. The neck also took a little time to get used to. It is much higher than other jackets I have used. Once I got used to the neck though I loved it. I tested it during a very cold week in Colorado and the jacket is warm and great. On warmer days, there are 4 vents that can be opened to provide soon cool air.

All in all, I love this jacket.

These poles are thin, but strong. At first I did not like the wrist straps, but now I use them and love them. Excellent Poles.