On Snow: 21/22 Gear Testing TSM

When we aren't out testing with a specific brand, we typically grab a bunch of gear and do some comparison testing on our own.

Do we ever go ski just for fun? Of course we do, but honestly about 95% of our time on snow there is testing involved. It could be hardgoods (skis, boots, bindings, snowboards, etc) or some new baselayers, heated socks, outerwear, helmets, goggles, skins, or often a mix of them together. It's important that not only as much of the staff has a chance to get on the gear we sell and believe in, but also understands how certain products compare to others in the same category.

A good example would be skiing the current Volkl Mantra M5 up against the new 21/22 version which is the M6. Then discussing what everyone felt the differences and similarities between them were. As often as possible we like to make sure all the skis get tested with some consitency. This means tuning the skis the same way, skiing the same trails with the same conditions, using the same boot, etc. Of course this isn't possible every single time, so it's also the reason we test gear all season long. 

Apres testing is just as important!