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James Francis

Skier

James Francis: #381 of 93,508 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

19 Reviews:

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1 Questions:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    The wasnatch
  • Bio:

    Raised in PC, now I live in SLC for school and to be closer to the central wasatch. I grew up on skis, and spend as much time as I can out making turns. When the snow melts I spend my time on wheels or in a tent, thinking about when winter will start again.

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solid probe, simple and burly

Black Diamond QuickDraw Super Tour Probe 265

Black Diamond QuickDraw Super Tour Probe 265

Rating for this product: 5 September 17, 2009

This is everything that I want in a probe...solid, simple to assemble, and light(ish). I originally wanted the carbon version, but ended up going with this to save some dollars. The weight penalty is not bad at all, and I am glad that went with the aluminum version as I feel that this will hold up better in the long run. The assembly mechanism is simple and works well, and most important is fast and solid. highly recommended

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Great shoe...but no support

The North Face Rowan Shoe - Men's

The North Face Rowan Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 September 17, 2009

I have two months in these, and I am really happy with them. The fit is great (as said below, roomy toe box), and they are really comfortable. But, they have essentially no arch support...the footbed is practically flat. I ended up stuffing a pair of footbeds in them and they are now much more comfortable. The rubber sole is quite thin, but has held up well so far. If you are looking for a pair of casual shoes without looking like a total wanker take a look at these

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Good product, somewhat limited uses

Patagonia R1 Hooded Fleece Pullover - Men's

Patagonia R1 Hooded Fleece Pullover - Men's

Rating for this product: 3 September 17, 2009

The insulating capabilities and moisture transfer of this are awesome, and the crafstmanship and quality are typical of patagonia (by that I mean, it is built well and holds up). The thumb loops are very nice, and help to keep the shirt from pulling up. I also have several regular R1 pullovers, which I like much more. Personally, the problem lies with the hood. I rarely find the need for the hood, and it is somewhat bulky when it is not being worn. The hood fits awkwardly under any layers on top, and when I am wearing a pack it rests between my shoulder blades and the pack...and is quite uncomfortable. The zip goes way up, so that in normal use the top of the shirt folds down and makes pack straps uncomfortable. That said, the few times I have needed the hood, it was nice to have and provided needed protection. But, this has become essentially a town shirt for me.

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Great ski

Black Diamond Verdict Ski

Black Diamond Verdict Ski

Rating for this product: 4 September 17, 2009

I bought a pair of these last winter in the 180, mounted with BD01's. I have been very happy with them, for a ski of their width they are still capable of tight turns and are a ton of fun to ski on. They float very well, and are quite responsive. My only gripe is the weight...at nearly 9lbs these can be a bit of a beast on a long tour (especially when paired with tele bindings). But, for shorter tours, slackcountry, and in-bounds these skis are a ton of a fun and a great mid-fat pair of boards

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Black Diamond Verdict Ski

September 17, 2009

Personally, I have the 180's and I think I would have been happier with the 170s. I am 5'11''. I tend to like a shorter ski that I can push around alot, and the 180 is good, but I think the 170 would be a bit more maneuverable. I do tele ski on them, so that is one caveat that should be considered. Also, the 170 makes snap turns on tight skin tracks a bit easier. Just my thoughts, take em as you will

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Great Bag

Black Diamond Covert with Avalung Winter Pack - 1343-1953 cu in

Rating for this product: 5 September 3, 2009

An excellent backcountry backpack from BD. I have put about 200 days on mine, and it has held up beautifully and is super functional. The integration of the avalung into the backpack is awesome...I had an old school avalung before this and it often was left at home because the fit was akward under a backpack or I just forgot it, now it is fully integrated and I hardly notice it. The shovel and probe pocket is very nice, and does a good job of keeping wet gear from the main compartment. It is pretty roomy, but would not accommodate a huge shovel blade without some zipper issues. The main compartment is sufficient for a long day tour, and the integrated bladder sleeve does a good job of holding a platypus or camelback bladder, while the hose routing does a great job of keeping the hose out of the way and from freezing. My only complaint is the waistbelt, which is a bit lightweight and without much support, though the size of the bag keeps the weight down so it is not a huge issue. Overall a great product, very well designed and solid

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good, but not as good as glidelite

Black Diamond GlideLite Mohair/Nylon MIX STS Skin

Black Diamond GlideLite Mohair/Nylon MIX STS Skin

Rating for this product: 3 September 3, 2009

I bought a pair of these last winter and put about 10 days on em. They perform well, similar in terms of bite on new snow to ascensions or glidelites, but better in glide. I would recommend the glidelites over these because the bite of these in hard snow (like stiff crust or recrystallized) was not quite as good, and both days I used them when it was a bit wet I ended up with massive snow buildup (skins were treated with wax, and compared to others with glidelites I was by far the worst off). Great for flatter tours where glide is key, but save some coin and get the glidelites if you want a more versatile skin

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Highly recommended

Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshell Pant - Men's

Arc'teryx Gamma MX Softshell Pant - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 29, 2009

As per normal with Arcteryx, the fit on these is perfect. They are not cut too long and are narrow without being tight or restricting....definately designed with climbing or backcountry users in mind....so if you are a park rat these are definately not for you. The weight of these is pretty low when compared to others, and the interior is minimal, which is very nice since it allows you to layer as needed rather than baking if it is warmer. I dont know why the tech specs says no for the belt, because there is a built in belt. Also very nice to find is a heavy duty patch at the inside of the leg to reduce pant shredding by crampons and edges. Overall these are the best technical pants out there.

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A really light softshell jacket

Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pullover Softshell Jacket- Men's

Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pullover Softshell Jacket- Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 29, 2009

This is probably the best very light softshell jacket that I have found. Most others seem to think softshells require a significant amount of insulation in the form of fleece or brushed lining, which for high intensity activities is totally non-functional. Very light, but the interior is not totally raw and is comfortable over bare skin. This is perfect for days where a shell is overkill or during aerobic activity. Highly recommended

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Great!

Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip Top - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 29, 2009

Just got one of these, and the fit and quality are typical of arcteryx (better than pretty much anyone else). The material is quite light, but provides a fair bit of warmth. Likely to be a bit too hot if you are really working. Does not bind under other jackets. beware, the size chart is a bit misleading, as I would personally go for the next larger size than what is recommended, especially if you are tall. I have a 38 chest, so I ordered the small, which felt like it was painted on and did not even cover my belly button.

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Recommended

Patagonia R1 Flash Fleece Pullover - Mens

Patagonia R1 Flash Fleece Pullover - Mens

Rating for this product: 5 February 17, 2009

I have to agree with Gee Alsenz...I have this and the hoody and this is WAY better. The hoody is akward, and cant be worn under a fleece unless you like the feel of being choked. This on the other hand, is a nice piece of clothing. The offset zipper does help with chin chafe, and the outer material does not bind when under a fleece. It wicks very well, and when paired with a wicking baselayer I stay dry pretty much all the time. Worth the money for sure. Be warned though...once you ski in it you wont want to wear it out and about since patagucci doesnt treat their gear with antimicrobial treatment, and as a result mine stinks badly (washing doesnt do a thing).

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Dynafit ZZero 4 PX-TF Alpine Touring Boot

February 6, 2009

how does the width of these compare to scarpa or garmont? Looking for a narrow low volume boot, and these are waayyy lighter than garmonts

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These are incredible!

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

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

Rating for this product: 5 February 3, 2009

I bought a pair of these thinking they were not the gore-tex version since I wanted the regular ones. When they came I was a bit bummed, but decided to give them a try anyway. The fit is perfect, better support than any other shoes I have and they are incredibly comfortable. I was a bit unsold on the waterproof feature until I spent a morning tromping through the snow, and after that I am totally sold. I have not had wet feet since these came. They also vent incredibly well, and have not had an issue with swamp foot like I had with a pair of NF gore-tex shoes that ended up in the donation box. The lacing system is bomber, works very well. Highly recommended.

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totally bomber

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 February 3, 2009

I bought one of these last year, and it is hands down the best technical shell I have ever owned. It is totally wind-proof, and I have never had the inside of the jacket get damp or clammy, even on the shoulders under pack straps where all my other shells have failed. After two seasons it still is totally water-proof without any treatment. In foul weather having one of these is liking being in my own tent, and with a good baselayer and insulating layer I have not been cold even in some really bad weather. And, unlike several other jackets it has not torn or marred despite several run ins with branches and rocks. A bit expensive, but worth the money.

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Sweet!

Suunto Observer Stainless Steel Watch DO NOT USE

Suunto Observer Stainless Steel Watch DO NOT USE

Rating for this product: 4 February 3, 2009

I have had mine for two years, and with the exception of a few weeks with a broken band it has not left my wrist. It is pretty complicated at first, but once you get the functions down it is a necessary tool to keep track of bearing, vert, alti and time. The batteries go a bit fast (1x/yr), but that is to be expected with the watch in log mode at least a few hours each day. The altimeter is excellent, just remember to calibrate it each day if you need exact height (or dont worry about it if all you care about is relative elevation gain or loss). The band sucks, and expect to replace it every year or two (mine is the elastomer band), but well worth it. Compass is accurate as long as you are not near power lines or mag sources, and re-calibrating is not too difficult. The case is super durable, as is the face; I have no major scratches after two years.

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Great skins, but go for the glidelites

Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

Black Diamond Ascension Nylon STS Skins

Rating for this product: 5 February 2, 2009

I have been on a pair of glidelites for four seasons now, and just picked up a pair of these. The weight difference between the two is pretty much non-existant, and as far as I can tell the bite is about the same (maybe even better with the glidelites, but that may be just my imagination). The glidelites cost a bit less and are a bit more supple, so if I were in the market I would buy those and save some $$$. Durability wise, the glidelites have made it through 4 seasons of skiing over bushes, getting soaked, stuffed in my bag and they are bomber. The glue does not degrade as far as I can tell (though mine are covered in dog hair, which is getting to be a problem). I ended up stitching the tip loop in with an awl to get rid of the folded back section, which has helped reduce snow buildup under the skin. The STS clip rocks, much better than the clipfix, and far better than the G3 tail clip (though their tip clip is far better than the BD tip loop). I routed the STS clip from the other side of the dongle and then hooked it through a hole further down the strap so the dongles dont hang out and now I dont step on them during kick turns. Either way (ascension or glidelite) these are the best out there, and will last you several years and possibly more if you take care of them. Great product!!

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes | 0 No

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works for the observer...

Suunto G3 Elastomer Strap Kit

Suunto G3 Elastomer Strap Kit

Rating for this product: 4 January 29, 2009

Spoke with a BC representative who told me this band does not work with the observer, but after doing some research it does. Ordered it and it certainly does work, watch is back in working order. Replacing the band is not for the faint of heart though, unless you have extremely small hands and zen buddhist calm...getting the pins back in was a bit tricky to say the least

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finally....

Black Diamond O1 Telemark Ski Binding DO NO TUSE

Black Diamond O1 Telemark Ski Binding DO NO TUSE

Rating for this product: 5 January 29, 2009

After a few weeks on these I am back for the review. They are awesome! I have tried a few other free pivot tele bindings, but had the locking mechanism freeze up on me after the skin...took hot water to get them back into ski mode. These on the other hand have never locked up on me through some snow situations that I thought they would. The pivot is ideal, and compared to my old set up of touring on 02s these are a god send. As other users have said, the cartridges to tend to loosen significantly over time, and I do end up re-tightening them once or twice a day for a long day. I thought about a bit of threadlock or even plumbing tape, but haven't gotten to it yet for fear of the threading locking up. But, if you are in the market for a pair of touring tele bindings I think these are the best on the market. Hopefully BD will work on reducing the weight in the future though....

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"problems" with alti and compass

Suunto Core Altimeter Watch

Suunto Core Altimeter Watch

Rating for this product: 4 January 16, 2009

Looks like a few users are upset because the alti function needs to be reset often...that is because the altimeter uses barometric pressure to determine altitude, so whenever the barometer changes the alti will change also. You need to either: set the watch to the correct altitude each day or adjust the barometer to your local value. This is the nature of the altimeter, and is true for all altimeters except those using GPS to determine altitude. As for the compass, I have found mine to be pretty true UNTIL I head back into town. Being anywhere near moving current (powerlines, electrical devices, etc) will skew the compass reading since current moving produces magnetic fields. And, just like the alti you need to reset the compass every once and a while. Overall, suuntos are pretty magnificent watches, and once you get the hang of the buttons and the programming all is well

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Excellent

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

Black Diamond Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding

Rating for this product: 5 January 21, 2008

Just finished the first day on these...after nearly five hours of touring I can say that they perform above all expectations. The pivot point is perfectly placed, greatly reducing the energy needed to drive the ski while skinning. They do just as well going downhill, powering my gotamas with very little perceptable flex. They do create a slight dead spot underfoot, but nothing more than I have experienced with any other alpine binding. The heel piece is a bit stiff, making changing the boot angle a bit tough, but I expect that they will break in and this problem will solve itself.

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Ener-G G-fit boots

Garmont Ener-G G-Fit Telemark Boot - Men's

Garmont Ener-G G-Fit Telemark Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 November 21, 2005

I purchased these boots looking for a high performance telemark boot, and they are exactly what I was looking for. The fit was not the greatest out of the box, but after the thermo-fitting they fit better than any other pair of boots I have ever owned. On snow they perform incredibly well, power transfer to the ski is very efficient due to the stiffness of the boot and the height of the cuff. I would recommend this boot to anyone looking for a performance boot.

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