Contributions by freakofsnow (5)

This is my primary backcountry setup w/ fritche freerides and Denalis. At ~8lbs per pair this seems to be a great all around AT setup. While light enough to smoke buddies in the skin track, they maintain their float and are super responsive in tight situations (almost too much sometimes). The flex of the ski is fairly uniform, not too noodly in the tail to shovel. While some other reviews say they are on the stiff side, I would to very much disagree. I'd say if anything they are a mid-stiffness ski. In speaking w/ BD they had this to say: "The Kilowatt is a softer flex longitudinally and torsionally than the 06/07 Verdict. It is also softer in the same regard when compared to 07/08Verdict. The Kilowatt was designed to be very easy to ski and have the versatility to get around all parts of the mountain." Overall, this is a great backcountry ski. I personally wouldn't want to ski it every day at the resort as I prefer skis with a bit more beef. But when used for AT in the slack and backcountry I think it performs great.

This pack has been well thought out. It has been apparent everytime I have used it. There are many small details that make the pack so user friendly. The pockets on the waistbelt are key for snacks while skinning. The access through the back panel kicks ass. And the way you can alter the straps on the back to cinch your load or strap something on the side panel is handy as anything. The materials seems very high quality and I anticipate it lasting a long time. My only gripe it's not necessarily hydration pak compatible, although it doesn't take much to improvise.

For the price, I don't think you could go wrong. Seem to be pretty strong and well balanced. My only complaint is that I thought they might "collapse" to a shorter pole (found them a little long when they are strapped to my backpack while snowmobiling).

These pups do what they should, easy to get apart and the glue seems to hold up well in super cold temps. Really like the tail attachment, no issues with it coming off. Now.........if only Black Diamond could made a self propelled skin, my legs get tired sometimes.

Poles seem well balanced and pretty much do what a pole is supposed to do. Good sized baskets to aid in getting up the hill. Only thing you might consider is if you want a pole that adjusts small (ex. strapping them to pack while on the sled), these are still a bit long when fully collapsed.