Last month, the boss took Shep’s managers went up to Afton to get on some of next year’s equipment. They came back excited about what the future holds in the ski and snowboard industry. They’re pumped about what they rode and what you’ll be buying and riding next year. Below you can find a few “reviews” about some of the new gear and find out what our guys’ favorites are. Feel free to stop into the store and chat about the new stuff – they’ll be happy to share their thoughts and even give you recommendations based on the performance you’re looking for.
Tony
Fischer Hybrid 85- Ski has great control under foot, nice to have flexibility of riding rocker or camber on one set of skis at the flip of a switch.
Nordica Hell & Back Burner- Light and flexible ski that offers all day performance. Keeps a great edge on groomers.
Nordica El Paco- Another great twin tip ski from Nordica. Makes it easy to shred anywhere on the mountain. Great flex on this ski.
K2 Velocity- Very responsive groomer ski. Rocker shape makes it easy to initiate turns even at high speeds.
Volkl Kink- New all mountain ski from Volkl, versatile for all over the mountain, rad graphics.
Tony’s Favorite: Volkl Werks
Definitely my favorite ski of the day. This ski could go through anything, yet it’s still lightweight enough to ski all day. Edge control on this ski is beautiful.
Dane
Blizzard 8.0 Magnum TI- Ski had great edge hold, fast edge to edge ski.
Fischer 8.0 hybrid- 75mm under foot, felt like skiing a race ski. Next year’s model is totally new, and allows you to switch between a raised rocker tip or cambered non rise tip. It is like skiing two totally different skis with a flip of a switch.
Nordica Hell And Back Fuel & Hell and Back Avenger- Two different constructions on the skis, but both were a super fun ride. It’s hard to be dissatisfied with the performance of Nordica.
Rossi Experience 88- A ski that you could ski anywhere and not be disappointed. It’s saying, “lets go experience the entire mountain and have a blast doing it.”
K2 Charger- An awesome frontside fast turning ski. With this ski, set it and forget it; the ski will do all the work. Hold on because it will push you into the next turn! Feels like the ski is on rails.
Dane’s Favorite: Volkl Werks
It’s a brand new ski for 2012-2013. It was the best ski I skied the entire day! Nothing this ski could not do; race course, short fast turns, long radius turns, bumps… all around the ski was unbelievable. Volkl really knocked it out of the park with this one.
Dan
K2 Happy Hour- Clean, basic solid colored graphic, softer flexing than last year’s board. Has a good all- mountain feel.
K2 Lifelike- A very predictable and enjoyable ride.
K2 Ultra Dream- Softer all-mountain/backcountry snowboard, unique camber profile, directional board, held an amazing edge, incredibly fun in softer snow.
Burton Root- Directional version of the Burton Nug, all-mountain board with an amazing feel under foot and held great edge considering the length (board is sized down about 10cm).
K2 Turbo Dream- Little brother to the Ultra Dream.
Dan’s Favorite: Tie between the K2 Ultra Dream and Burton Root
Both were all mountain boards, liked Root because it held the edge I expected but was extremely playful. Because it was sized down 10cm w/ slightly set back stance, I was able to throw it around and it held. Ultra Dream was super buttery and plowed through softer crud, I can only imaging how it would ride on a powder day. Also a very stable board.
Get excited for next year’s gear!
