…the decision to retire the Hammerhead is purely economic since it has been one of the most influential designs in recent telemark history and carries significant sentimental appeal based on a large customer base that is adamantly vocal about the binding’s superior power and control.
Archive for the ‘Gear’ Category
First Look: Gecko Climbing Skins
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To the touch they appear mildly sticky, maybe half as sticky as “normal” glue, but when stuck to the base of your skis, especially when weighted, they hold as well as any other skin glue. The Gecko folks say it is a pressure sensitive adhesive so when you’re skinning, they hold tight and keep snow from creeping under.
PR: Ortovox to offer ABS packs in 2013
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Ortovox has announced their plans to partner with ABS Gmbh, originators of the avalanche airbag pack system, to provide an Ortovox branded avalanche backpack. The new licensing agreement enables Munich-based Ortovox to integrate the ABS system into its own backpacks, further developing safety concepts with an eye on comfort and fit. The system will be built on the popular Vario system which places all the airbag components on a backpack frame that various packs can be attached to with a main zipper and reinforcing straps.
Posted in Airbag Packs, Dostie, Craig, Ortovox, Press Release 
Tags: ABS, airbag pack, Ortovox, safety 
No Comments »Preview: Four new AT boots for 12/13
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Though the subtleties of downhill performance with training heels may elude me, boot and ski performance is relatively easy to evaluate. I managed to get on four different AT boots for next season – Tecnica’s Cochise Pro Light, Dalbello’s Sherpa, next year’s addition to the groundbreaking Virus, a pair of Lange XT‘s, and one of Black Diamond’s new Free Tour boots, the Prime.
Posted in Alpine Touring Boots, Black Diamond, Dalbello, Dostie, Craig, Lange, Tecnica Tags: Black Diamond, cuff ROM, Dalbello, Lange, Tecnica, walk mode 4 Comments »Review: Scarpa’s T2X / T2 Eco
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I don’t miss the lack of power, I’ve skied some pretty heinous slopes with far less power but I’m always butting up against the back of the cuff when skinning. Overall though, it’s the best there is for a mid-weight boot that won’t suck too much energy on the climb and still has enough power for driving whatever line you take back down.
Preview: Elan Adrenaline AT Binding
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…it will come as no surprise that the Adrenaline takes direct aim at the fast growing and energetic “big mountain” free-ride and sidecountry community — expect tourability with an emphasis on downhill performance, a wide stance for driving today’s wide-ride skis, true step-in ease of entry, and, high maximum DIN settings. Weight-wise, the Adrenalines will be competitive with the Duke and Guardian/Tracker.
Preview: The Dozer™ – New BCA Shovel
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The Dozer … converts into a backcountry hoe for excavating large amounts of snow quickly … it reduces shoveling from a three step process, to only two.
First Look: Rottefella’s NTN Freedom
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To get the total weight under 3½ pounds and keep Rottefella’s touring mechanism — the one first seen on the Cobra Free, now on the NTN Freeride — required to serious rethinking. So Rottefella went back to the drawing board, so to speak.
Posted in Dostie, Craig, Rottefella, Telemark Bindings Tags: free pivot, telemark touring 19 Comments »Preview: G3 Enzo
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Enzo appears to be a synthesis of numerous bindings already on the market. … it looks like the G3′s Enzo has a lot to like about it. Easy mode switching, adjustable power and lots of it, plus leagues of theoretical improvement over the Targa Icent for immunity to icing up.
Preview: Marker Duke upgrade for 12/13
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…the Duke’s new Extended Power Frame Chassis is a stunning 28% wider. Refinements to the heel and toe dimensions not only make the binding sleeker, but lighter too.
