January 29^th, 2018

Just got back from Outdoor Retailer and boy that is a lot busier now that the two shows OR and SIA have merged.  More vendors, more people, more excitement tons of new gear that’ll turn heads as it starts to roll into stores in July, 6 months from now.  

What’s changing, skis are getting lighter, constructions are getting more complex, more boots are being injected with Grilamid, GripWalk has won the battle against WTR.  The name of the game right now is putting materials in the boot or ski where they need to be.  In turn weight gets reduced and performance stays up. Welcome to 2019.

2 New Mantra’s for 2019, the M5 and the v.werks.  The M5 feels more like the cambered Mantra that experts loved but with a smoother turn initation and way better float.  The v.werks is for those that wish the M5 cost more, your wish is Volkl’s command.  

Carving is back, groomers are in. For those born from ice, meet the Deacon from Volkl

This is the best overlap ski boot Dabello has ever made, it’s one of the best ski boots they’ve ever made. The DS is going to be a favorite next fall.

A photo I took of a guy looking at the photo he just took of the best looking skis for 2019, the Zero collection looks awesome.

Shready, set, go.

*Art Break*

The binding that will kill framed bindings – Shift. Better touring, better skiing, Papa… Wait, what?

Minimalist… Yes but Marker calls it the Alpinist.. Now I’m craving an Alchemist.

Being greeted by a dog is exactly how you want to enter a booth at OR. Thank you Icelantic.

Ben Anderson, founder of Icelantic Skis is responsible for the graphics on the Sabre.  It’s a picture from their cash wrap in Golden, giving Parr a run for his money.  

The 2019 K2 Marksman just makes you crave Rocket Pops.

Would’ya look at that…

The veteran 88 and 84 remain, the lesser experienced 98 ti replaces the 100.  This is best the experiences series have ever skied and by far the best they’ve ever looked.

You’ve never seen a walk mode this dope.  Full Tilt’s Cult following are going to love the Asendant a desendant of the Descendant series.  #marketing #josh

Yes, those are tech inserts.

Somehow the graphics topped the 2017 Sick Day series. Holy Cow!

Meet Sakana, Pescado’s little bro.

It’s light, it fits, it skis well, it says Dynafit on it. Hoji

Bruuuhhhhh. New 102 is modeled off the 115 little less tail than the 98 Ti, still for the sendy at heart.

The Ranger 130, the best boot I’ve ever skied in.  Grilamid makes apres easier.

The next logical step. Sport, Speed and now Pro.  Heel lift, heel slop fuhgeddaboudit.

Bent Chetler at 100 under foot – what, what?!

New construction, new shape, same name.  Similar construction concept to the Mantra M5.  

It’s not normal for beginner or intermediate skis to be featured in this post. But what Elan innovated for beginners and intermediates is absolutely awesome. The placement of the grooves allow the ski to always flex in the middle underfoot regardless of the skier being to far forward or back.  Weeble technology.

The man, the myth, his ripstick.

Looking forward to skiing all the new stuff that we haven’t had a chance to shred on yet – 2019 here we come.