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That’s Snowbiz, Kid
We’ve rated the best ski and snow equipment so you can join our search for definitive proof
that snowmen are among nature’s most savage carnivores.
Stuff,
12/10/2003
By Ben Hewitt
BEST SNOWBOARD
Atomic Alibi $430
The Alibi arcs through high-speed turns with precision, thanks to a layer of rubber inserted directly under its top sheet. It rides high and responds to your every desire—except the one you have to wear leather pants. (It’s strictly into denim.)
atomicsnowboarding.com
BEST CLIMBING GEAR
Bionic Crampons $160
Fusion pick $269
These are for hiking straight up frozen waterfalls—or over the ski lodge. The Bionic crampons fit onto your boots, turning your feet into ice-climbing claws, and the Fusion pick, which fits perfectly into your hand, has a steep front tooth for maximum grab. You can use it to make shish kebabs!
blackdiamondequipment.com
BEST GOGGLES
Smith Optics Fuse Regulators $65
It will comfort your mom to know that these babies boast a shatter-resistant lens, which is a good thing—unless you enjoy picking shards of plastic from your eyes. The strap fits more securely to helmets than those of other goggles. Especially the helmet we wear when we’re tethered to our backyard jungle gym.
smithsport.com
BEST SNOWBOARD BOOTS
DC Rogue $264
The inflatable liners in these boots allow you to fine-tune their fit with insulating cushions of air, and gel pads in the toes ensure that you won’t crunch your piggies when landing jumps. The Boa Lacing System, which tightens with the twist of a knob, seals the deal. Not unlike a real boa, which can seal the deal on your autoerotic-asphyxiation fantasy.
dcshoes.com
BEST HELMET
Giro Fuse LE $180
While other helmet manufacturers are still playing catch-up to the Fuse’s great ventilation, style and comfort, Giro has one-upped itself and added removable audio ear pads to the mix. Just plug the earpads directly into your MP3 or CD player and press PLAY. Then press REPEAT—especially if you’re listening to Mariah Carey. (We’re her biggest stalker!)
giro.com
BEST SKIS
Dynastar Skicross 10 $750
No skis can handle any and all conditions and terrain—except for these. The 10s are burly enough to charge through deep powder and nimble enough to slip through the steepest, tightest glades and moguls. They even carve fluidly on icy trails. They don’t carve roast beef very fluidly, however. For that we suggest a chainsaw.
dynastar.com
BEST SKI BOOTS
Rossignol Bandit B2 $579
The Bandits’ Thermo Fit liner and four micrometric aluminum buckles assure a perfect fit. An adjustable flex index (stiffer for high-speed carving, softer for powder and cruising) and a three-position tongue mean you can further tweak the boot to your anatomy. Alternatively, tweak your anatomy with radical plastic surgery. Imagine how much easier your life would be with six toes!
rossignol.com
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