23/24 Test Day 6: Pico Demo

Some of our favorite days are the bigger demos where we can test a variety of gear back to back. This year, we brought 5 testers to Pico Mountain in VT for their annual early-season industry demo. With a storm on the horizon and snow starting to fall in the early afternoon, we were stoked that it was finally starting to look and feel like winter. The Northeast saw a lackluster start to the season, but things were looking up, and the snow-covered trees at the summit made an excellent backdrop for our test day. 

Our first stop was the K2 tent to test the new Mindbender C skis and Recon BOA boots. For the 23/24 season, the biggest change in boot technology is the addition of BOA closures. K2 has replaced the bottom two buckles with a BOA system to provide a more fine-tuned fit and feel on the sides and top of your foot. It offers a more even wrap and a sense of pressure in that area of your boot. Skiing in them, our feet felt locked in, and they could handle the variety of skis we tested with power and ease. 

As far as the Mindbenders go, Tyler Fuller, a member of our customer service team, tested the 96C — the new counterpart to the well-known Mindbender Ti series. His initial thoughts were that they are a fun new addition to the lightweight all-mountain ski category. 

Testing them back to back with the Elan Ripstick 96, he felt the Ripstick could initiate a turn smoother, and they were a bit easier to get up on edge. That being said, when he did get the Mindbender 96Cs up on edge, they did hold it well. 

We tested the new K2 lineup on its own a little later in the season, where we got to really focus on the Mindbenders alone. Read more about that test day here.

Another new big player in the game is the Elan Playmaker 101. Donald Little, from our softgoods sales team, called the Playmaker 101 his top ski of the day. “I like how they are lively and stable feeling at the same time,” he said. “You can tell they are soft underfoot, but there’s enough material there so you can feel the different layers.”

He was also decked out in a new Flylow kit for the 23/24 season. The same Baker Bib and Knight jacket you know and love just with an updated colorway. He said they were very durable and appreciated their weather resistance when the snow started coming down later in the afternoon. 

Speaking of clothes, I wore the Lynx Pullover Anorak from Strafe. The coat is from this season, and I loved the bright lavender color. It really popped on camera and the mountain. I also appreciated the variety of pockets. Not only does it have a classic kangaroo pouch but it also has side hand pockets, perfect for snacks, extra hand warmers or anything you might need. 

We also tested some snowboards at Pico. Clothing and snowboard sales associate, Mitch Carlin, spent some time on the Jones Flagship. The Flagship is a stiff directional board that he felt was “kind of demanding but also kind of fun.” Its concave base is designed to help the board initiate turns and gives it a good edge grip. 

Mitch also wore a full Mammut kit that he described as lightweight, true to size and complete with the perfect amount of pockets.

Unfortunately, our day was cut short due to the incoming storm. Things were looking a little hairy weather-wise, so the event packed it up early. Luckily we still got some solid laps in before. We will also have the opportunity to test this gear and more throughout the season. Keep it locked on our socials for upcoming reviews and more! 

For any gear questions, book an appointment to see us in Boston or contact one of our gear experts!