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Gabe Westheimer

Skier // AT Skier // Alpine Skier // Telemark Skier // Mountain Biker // Road Biker

Gabe Westheimer: #37 of 98,578 Top 100 Gear Guru More Information

37 Reviews:

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32 Yes | 23 No

0 Questions:

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140 Answers:

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2 Photos:

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0 Comments:

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0 Gearlists:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    I live in Berkeley CA, Bike all the East Bay. Winter i am up in North Lake Tahoe. Also i get out to Utah and ski the sweet pow that only utah has.
  • Bio:

    it is quite simple, in the summer i bike, and the winter i ski.

    i ride my OBEY fixie around Berkeley and Oakland
    for road rides i am on my Kestrel Evoke
    and when i am playing in the Dirt i am on my Turner XCE

    come winter i am still biking, but when i can i am up in the snow.

    ripping everything up on my 185 El Hombres (such a bad ass ski)

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a glimps of the binding

a glimps of the binding

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

January 11, 2009

I have the Freeride on my G3 El Hombre -- this is a killer setup.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 2 No

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Salomon SPK Kaos Ski Boot - Men's

1 day ago

with the whole size and the half size it is the same shell and liner. but i truly would get your son sized by a professional -- you don't want ski boots fitting like a shoe.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Marker Duke 16 Ski Binding

5 days ago

I would go with the Barons, even if you want your DIN at 10 (your knees wouldn't like you) these will work great. the are a better weight, better for touring, better all around. -- and the size you get is dependent on the length on your boots.

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DAKINE Fall Line Double Ski Bag

December 11, 2009

that would depend on how long your skis are, but if you skis anything over a 175 then i would say NO.

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Dynafit ZZero 4 C-TF Alpine Touring Boot

December 11, 2009

these will work in a traditional AT binding, and some Alpine binding that have an adjustable toe height. there are NO swappable soles.

-G

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Lange Super Blaster Ski Boot - Men's

December 8, 2009

well, this does have a softer boot board. so it is ready to go big. you need to make sure that the 102 last is what fits your foot. this is a NEW last for lange and just because your foot may have fit into another 102 last it doesn't mean that this will fit your feet. i would always say find a boot fitter and get fitted first before you go buy blind.

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Tecnica Agent 110 Ski Boot - Men's

December 8, 2009

well. . . . . . heat and thermo = the same thing. so yes there are moldable parts in this liner. it is a far cry from an intuition liner like the ID liner from Dalbello and FT liner. but around your ankle the Agents liner will mold.

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Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

December 8, 2009

you got it! there is a metal tab that slides into the elastomer and that clips on your ski. there are different wholes to slide it in depending on the length of your ski.

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Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Ski Brakes

December 8, 2009

that depends on your skiing style. you could run into three (or more) problems with wider breaks. 1st if you ski with your skis close together you run the risk of when you are skiing the breaks catching on each other. 2nd when edging you might drag the break in the snow. 3rd they could catch on branches and other stuff in the snow.

that said, none of this could happen and they could work just fine.

G

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Line Prophet 90 Ski

December 7, 2009

sorry to add a differing opinion, however, the 179 sounds like the best length for you. remember the effective edge of the prophet is less because of the raised tail. also this will be more stable at higher speeds.

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Line Prophet 90 Ski

December 7, 2009

I think you got the right ski after all. the 179 sounds like the best length for you. remember the effective edge of the prophet is less because of the raised tail. also this will be more stable at higher speeds. mount them up and start ripping!

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Black Diamond Justice Ski

December 5, 2009

you have made the right choice, out of all the skis you are looking at I think these are the way to go. you have the early rise on the tip, and this will make it a great Tahoe ski. remember this when you are thinking about size, so go BIG.

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Volkl Katana Alpine Ski

December 3, 2009

Go BIG, this is a big ski and you need the length. get the 183, no question. with the rocker you will have a shorter effective edge. so the shorter one would be squirmy. go BIG and have FUN.

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Line Prophet 100 Ski

December 3, 2009

the ski is an ease choice. i would go with the 100. these are one of the most versatile skis i have ever skied on. as for length i would need to know more of what you are looking for. if you like big lines with long GS turns the 179 is the ski for you. if you like a little quicker ski then look at the 172. this won't give you quite the float, but it will be a killer tree ski and quick turner. so it depends on where you are skiing and what you like to ski. but the 100 is the way to go.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Volkl Mantra Alpine Ski

December 3, 2009

Both great skis. I like the construction of the 888 bette. you can't go wrong. you east coast skiing will excel with the 888, they have better edge to edge handling and they will be great in the glades and the bumps.

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Volkl Mantra Alpine Ski

December 3, 2009

I would go with the 184 for a fun quick ski. if you want a strong big ski you could go with the 191, but that would be allot of ski. so (not to confuse you) i would go with the 184. it will be a great mid fat ski.

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Bern Baker Hard Hat Helmet w/Knit Liner

December 3, 2009

I would go try this on. not all helmets fit the same, and if this isn't the right one for your head then it won't work. you could always order both and send one back.

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Bern Baker Hard Hat Helmet w/Knit Liner

December 3, 2009

I would go try this on. not all helmets fit the same, and if this isn't the right one for your head then it won't work. you could always order both and send one back.

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Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Custom STS Skins

December 3, 2009

I have used it on the Scratch BC from 06. as for the size the 120mm works great. but with a 128mm tip you could go for more coverage with a 130mm skin if you are carrying a large pack.

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one of the best

Mammut Pulse Barryvox Avalanche Beacon

Mammut Pulse Barryvox Avalanche Beacon

Rating for this product: 5 December 2, 2009

this is a great upgrade from my old SOS. (not that it was bad, just new tech) it is super quick to learn and makes fast finds. i would say A+

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Black Diamond Kilowatt Ski

December 2, 2009

I would go with the 185 but you could enjoy either one. as for the bindings if you are skiing in bounds then look at the Hammerhead and the O2, if you are planning on touring then look at the O1 and the AXL -- bindings are super subjective and it depends on who you ask.

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G3 Targa Ascent Telemark Ski Binding

December 2, 2009

This is NOT something i would recommend doing. if this is something you truly wanting to do i would look for mounting plates and then switch with those. all this said, i would make a choice. have one ski you want to tour on and one ski you want to ski in bounds.

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Black Diamond GlideLite Mohair/Nylon MIX STS Skin

December 2, 2009

they would work, however you would get better coverage and therefor better adhesion on climbing if you go bigger. that said i just picked these up for my Rossi Scratch BC that have a 128 tip. i would say Go for it. this is a great deal.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Black Diamond GlideLite Mohair/Nylon MIX STS Skin

December 2, 2009

they would work, however you would get better coverage and therefor better adhesion on climbing if you go bigger. that said i just picked these up for my Rossi Scratch BC that have a 128 tip. i would say Go for it. this is a great deal.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Rossignol SAS 110 Sensor3 Ski Boot - Men's

December 2, 2009

Two totally different shaped boots -- Go to a Master Fit boot fitter and have them look at your feet and find a boot that is right for your foot. if you plan on buying online, bring a six pack of good beer and tell them your plan.

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Rossignol SAS 110 Sensor3 Ski Boot - Men's

December 2, 2009

it is less of fitting true to size but are they the right shape for your foot. this boot and the agent fit two totally different feet. Go to a Master Fit boot fitter and have them look at your feet and find a boot that is right for your foot. if you plan on buying online, bring a six pack of good beer and tell them your plan.

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Rossignol SAS 110 Sensor3 Ski Boot - Men's

December 2, 2009

often it is not the material (though any boot with an intuition liner tends to be warmer)more often it is the shape of your foot and the fit of the boot. Go to a Master Fit boot fitter and have them look at your feet and find a boot that is right for your foot. if you plan on buying online, bring a six pack of good beer and tell them your plan.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Dalbello Sports Krypton iL Moro I.D. Ski Boot - Men's

December 2, 2009

first all they have here is a 25.5 so you are out of luck.

so i would go into a boot fitting shop and get fitted. if you plan on then going online to buy you might want to bring them a 6 pack of good beer and be upfront with your plans.

that said depending on your foot shape a 28/28.5 would be a good size for you if you are a true US 11.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Dalbello Sports Krypton IL Moro T I.D. Ski Boot - Men's

December 2, 2009

there are three differences
1. the shell is a different material
2. this comes with two different tongues
3. this has two different boot boards

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Garmont Ener-G Telemark Boot - Men's

December 2, 2009

Alright, here is the deal. you could get a new pair of Intuition liners and give it a go. however you will come up with the same issues soon. the Ener-g is a boat of a boot, not too much foot contour and if they are too big they will stay too big. you can also try getting a custom foot bed and this would help anchor your heel. i would say take these to a master fit boot fitter and see where to go. in the end you may have a boot that is too big that doesn't fit you foot. and you need a new boot.

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Volkl Kuro Alpine Ski

November 20, 2009

Well. . . . in short, Yes. you could. mount them up with a pair of Dukes or O1. but this all depends what you are going for. this would be a tank, in good ways and bad.

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Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

November 19, 2009

these are more adjustable for length. a better way to go if you might ever change skis.

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Marker Baron 12 Ski Binding

November 19, 2009

oh yea it will. this will be a great setup for some side country skiing. go enjoy the bounties of hiking.

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one of the best

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

Rating for this product: 4 November 19, 2009

the is one of the BEST AT bindings out there. now i have been using these bindings for the past 8 years. over 1000 days on them. my only complaint is they are laterally a little soft. i wish they would lower them and widen the screw pattern for today wider skis. this isn't 1999 anymore.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 1 No

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lasts forever

Life-Link Variant Ski/Probe Pole

Life-Link Variant Ski/Probe Pole

Rating for this product: 5 November 18, 2009

I am using the SAME Life Link pole for the past 8 years (~ 60 days a year) and it is still kicking. i have replaced a few little parts but this is the BEST pole i have ever used.

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Black Diamond Zealot Ski

November 18, 2009

I have skid the 182, and for a fat/midfat skis it rocks for the quicker moving skis. i am 5'8" and the length works for me. however if i was to get an early camber ski like the Justice i would go longer. you truly can't go wrong with this ski.

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Black Diamond Verdict Ski

November 18, 2009

two super different skis. the coomba has a softer flex and will be a super fun ski, and if you like a softer ski it would be the way to go. However, the BD is my go to ski. the Verdict is killer for every type of snow. i love it in the Tahoe snow, and the Utah pow. so that said i like the BD over the K2.

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my 1st choice

22 Designs Hammerhead Telemark Binding

22 Designs Hammerhead Telemark Binding

Rating for this product: 5 November 18, 2009

killer binding for all conditions and skill levels

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22 Designs Hammerhead Telemark Binding

November 18, 2009

I'll 3rd this. i just started tele skiing and the HH was my choice. it has been great. you can't go wrong with this binding.

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Rossignol S7 Barras Ski

November 17, 2009

if you are skiing on the 166 then i think you are on the right tract -- go with the 176. it will be a good match.

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Best for Me

Dalbello Sports Krypton Pro I.D. Ski Boot  - Men's

Dalbello Sports Krypton Pro I.D. Ski Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 17, 2009

Love It, hands down the best boot for my foot

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Full Tilt Seth Morrison Pro Model Ski Boot - Men's

November 17, 2009

there is NO traditional scale. however this boot is along the lines of a 120ish for some companies.

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G3 Rapid Transit Ski

November 14, 2009

I would at least go with the 178 (this will be the most versatile length, good for glades, and bowls, and hiking, and just about whatever you want). that will be a good all round length don't go with the 171 as i assure you if you are a strong skier you will be disappointed. if you want a big mountain ski go with something longer and wider.

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Black Diamond Verdict Ski

November 14, 2009

BOTH great skis, however they are two TOTALLY different skis. it depends on your skiing style. the LINE will be a little more forgiving, the BD will be a little stiffer and harder charging (IMHO). though they both have wood cores the LINE macroblock vs the BD milled create a different flex pattern. SO i would say if you are looking for a little quicker ski that is a little more playful then go with the LINE, and if you want a Bulldozer that can take on anything you through at it and requires a little more power to get the good stuff from it then go with the BD.

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Black Diamond Kilowatt Ski

November 14, 2009

YES, this will be a FUN ski, it will be quick and snappy, super responsive, and a jack of all trades. if you want a ski with a longer radius turn and a little stiffer look at the Verdict. but don't worry about the size, 185 will be plenty of ski for you.

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K2 ObSETHed Alpine Ski

November 5, 2009

I wouldn't switch. saty BIG. with the early rise it will dance like a shorter ski.

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Garmont Prophet Rapid Thermo Telemark Boot - Men's

November 4, 2009

Nope, this is just for the NTN tele system -- the only ntn boots that will work with dynafit are the scarpas with the dynafit toe and heel.

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G3 Viva Ski - Women's

November 4, 2009

Personally, i think this would be better. this ski is stiffer torsionally and will hold a better edge. but it is close to the Jill in size. you might want to think about getting a BIGGER ski, something with more waste width.

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Garmont Xena G-Fit Alpine Touring Boot - Women's

November 4, 2009

NO, you can switch. But if you have an AT binding then just keep the AT sole on and pray for snow!

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Black Diamond Method Alpine Sole Block

November 4, 2009

they can handle any ISO or AT sole. you don't need ANY Dynafit sole. but any boot with a Dynafit will work with any AT binding.

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Full Tilt Booter Ski Boot - Men's

November 3, 2009

FT says it is a 100mm last.
Now REMEMBER -- with this liner it is quite adaptable.
I work at the only FT dealer in the Bay Area (California Ski Co.)
I have fit people with B/C/D width foot.
IF you have a narrow foot i would also check out the Dalbello IL Moro this has a 98mm last.

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K2 Dawn Patrol Telemark Ski - Women's

November 2, 2009

they will be OK, for what you are looking for i would look at something around 100mm, this will give you better float and more of an all round ski (depending on where you live). if you are our east you will have a blast, though you may like a stiffer ski. out west getting 100mm under foot isn't too much.

All this said, these are FUN skis, they are light and good for 75% of your days out there.

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Black Diamond Zealot Ski

November 2, 2009

Look at the new Line Pandora -- you can get the 172, and with the early rise you will be in hog heaven.

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Black Diamond Justice Ski

November 2, 2009

So i would say GO BIG. i am about your size and i am skiing a 185 and a 188. and with this early rise there is no question. Go with the 185 you will be a Happy skier. I am on the Megawatts and the 188 is a perfect length for me.

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Black Diamond Justice Ski

November 2, 2009

So i would say GO BIG. i am about your size and i am skiing a 185 and a 188. and with this early rise there is no question. Go with the 185 you will be a Happy skier. I am on the Megawatts and the 188 is a perfect length for me.

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Ski Trab DUO Free Rando Touring Ski

November 2, 2009

They will be OK. . . . Just OK. they are super light. that said you will find this a little problematic on harder snow at higher speeds. IF you are going to spend most of your days in the resorts i would look at another ski. this is for people who go UP just as much as going DOWN.

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Black Diamond Verdict Ski

November 2, 2009

you will love this ski. the Verdict will be a great step up for you. the boots will do just fine. a stiffer boot will give you more lateral control -- you could try putting a stiffer liner in your boots if you find you are mushing around.

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Voile Insane Ski

November 2, 2009

I would go with the 183 all the way. it may be a bit big at first but as you get your ski legs you will be happy with it! it will be much stabler at high speeds and give you the float you will learn to demand.

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BOMBER SKI

G3 el Hombre Fat Ski

G3 el Hombre Fat Ski

Rating for this product: 5 October 21, 2009

i have the 07 -- however it is the same ski.
I have skied many many skis, this is defiantly on the top of my list. get it with out looking around, you don't need to demo. if you can't handle this ski, put it away, get better and then come back to it when you can ski a big ski.

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Rossignol Sick Bird WRS Ski

October 21, 2009

it would work, they are soft, but not as soft as the PR. i would say go for it!

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Rossignol Sick Bird WRS Ski

October 21, 2009

I am skiing on the old Scratch BC (black and red) (they are just about the same ski) i can take them anywhere. they carve with the best of them and they float like a champ.

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Rossignol Sick Bird WRS Ski

October 21, 2009

I am skiing on the old Scratch BC (black and red) (they are just about the same ski) i can take them anywhere. they carve with the best of them and they float like a champ.

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Black Diamond Justice Ski

October 21, 2009

How tall are you? -- remember the effective edge is much shorter then the 175. they will ski much shorter than they are measured. you will have a total blast on these. they are truly one of the BEST skis out there. i would say GET THEM and enjoy this epic year!

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Black Diamond Justice Ski

October 21, 2009

GET IT! -- this is one of the best fat skis out there. i am skiing on the Megawatts and this is a smiler ski to that. As for the float, you will be happy. just don't be suprized if you stop skiing your K2s. BD is a superior ski.

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Black Diamond Kilowatt Ski

October 21, 2009

i would go with the 175s and go with the Kilowatts. if you do that will be a sweet sweet setup. the 95mm underfoot will provide the float that you need, and the sidcut will allow you to carve the sweet turns down the slopes. IF you go with a shorter ski i don't think you will be happy at higher speeds.

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DAKINE Guide Backpack - 3000cu in

October 20, 2009

you can go A frame, but you would block your gear loops

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Marker Griffon 12 Ski Binding

October 20, 2009

YES. the people who think that they need 18 din are compensating. your knees will thank you later.

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DAKINE Fall Line Double Ski Bag

September 16, 2009

I can say that i can fit two 100mm skis with freeride AT bindings in my bag. you may need to flip a set so the bindings don't line up. but it should work.

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DAKINE Fall Line Double Ski Bag

September 16, 2009

I have a 185cm bag from Dakine that fits my 185s just fine. so i would say if you are skiing 170 then get the 170. however, if there is a chance you will get a bigger ski in the future then buy up. you can always pack extra stuff in your ski bag.

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K2 Pontoon Alpine Ski

September 10, 2009

with out a doubt, you will love the extra length. remember you are not dealing with any effective edge, you should go BIG! I am 5'8" and 150lbs and have used the 189 and i couldn't think of going smaller.

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Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Clipfix Skins

September 10, 2009

no, you need to go up to the 140 and trim it down. you won't get the purchase you need with that much base showing at the tip and tail.

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K2 GotBack Alpine Ski - Women's

September 10, 2009

With any ski that has a rocker i would go up, so the 174 would be a good size for you. my wife rides the Pandora and she is 5'3" and on the 172, so i know you would be loving life in the 174s

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Tecnica Agent 120 Ski Boot - Men's

June 7, 2009

these are not at all the same
you are looking at a boot with a wider last
where as the pro is a 98mm race last

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Full Tilt Hot Dogger Ski Boot - Men's

June 7, 2009

I have fount them to fit on the small size. though remember that it doesn't matter what number size they are, all that matter is the shell fit.

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Garmont Helium Alpine Touring Boot

February 26, 2009

as a shop monkey i can say i would do it for a good bottle of whiskey -- some nice booze and a humble attitude goes a long way.

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Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Standard Skins

February 26, 2009

if you are doing accents you will love these skins. what ski binding setup are you using?

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K2 Dawn Patrol Telemark Ski - Women's

February 26, 2009

if I were you i would stay with the 167s if you are touring with a pack you will want the extra flotation. plus you already know you can handle it. why don't you use mount your Phat Loves with an AT binding and get a true powder ski.

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Garmont Adrenalin Alpine Touring Ski Boot - Men's

February 26, 2009

was this a question? if you have a narrow foot and skinny ankles you are in the wrong boot. check out the new BD boots!

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Black Diamond Ascension Custom STS Climbing Skins

February 26, 2009

you should get the 130, but it doesn't look like they have any now. check out another brand. you want a skin that is about as big as the tip of the ski.

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G3 Rapid Transit Ski

February 19, 2009

i see many reasons to go with the rapid transit over the mantra. first it is a better made ski. i think when volkl moved their operation from Germany they quality went down hill. next the RT side cut is better for tele turns. the RT flex is a more progressive flex, the mantra is more like a board the whole way down. i am sure you will be happy with the RT. enjoy!

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Atomic Alea 53 G2 Ski - Women's

February 17, 2009

you can use any x county binding. you might want to try a NNN binding.

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Black Diamond Ascension Custom STS Climbing Skins

February 12, 2009

Go with the 120mm -- i'm not sure what your tip is but i think this should do. b/c they are out of the 130s that will fit your skis.

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G3 Viva Ski - Women's

February 3, 2009

WOW this is a hard choice. i love both brands and ski both of them. I have the Kilowatt with dynafit and some g3 el hombres with freerides. the G3 tend to be a little stiffer and damp and the the BDs are livelier and quicker. you would be happy with either one. sorry this answer isn't too exact. but trust me you would be happy with either one.

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Scarpa Tornado Pro Alpine Touring Boot

February 3, 2009

I would change shops. what are the bindings you are trying to use? as long as they are not dynafit then you should be just fine.

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Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Explore Binding

February 3, 2009

you can, however it will weigh just about as much as the freeride. might as well just buy one of those.

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Black Diamond Velvet Ski - Women's

February 3, 2009

I don't think they will be. my wife is the same size as you and she skis on a 165. enjoy! this is a great ski.

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Rossignol SAS 110 Wide Ski Binding

February 3, 2009

so dude, the break width has nothing to do with your boot size. this has to do with your waste width of your ski. so in short this will work with your size 10.5 shoe.

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G3 el Hombre Alpine Ski

February 2, 2009

For you, I'd suggest a 177 in this ski.i have to say i would disagree, though it would depend on what length you have used in the past. the ski i had before i got the el hombre was a 176 and i thought it was too short, so i went with the 185, and i wouldn't go shorter. i am 5' 8" and 150. so i'll respectfully disagree with cory and say get the 185. now it is up to you.

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Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

January 14, 2009

this would depend on your weight and ski boot length. the freeride goes up to 12din and the explorer goes to 10din. it all depends on what you are looking for. the break adds extra weight so you can take them off either modal. don't forget leashes if you do this. it is the fact that the freeride comes with breaks and the explorer you must add them. this is the difference.

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K2 Mt. Baker Alpine Touring Ski

January 12, 2009

if i were you i would look at a BD or a G3 ski (i think k2s are to soft). as for boots go with a 4 buckle boot that fits your foot. if you are going to buy a boot from backcountry.com than i would take a 12 pack of good beer to your local shop and get fitted. having a boot that fits your foot is super important.

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