Snowboard
Season Pass Splitboard 2022
The feature-packed Season Pass is the most well-rounded splitboard I have owned, and I trust it on any backcountry adventure. A directional twin shape and medium flex are ideal for versatile performance, while its mid-wide waist width adds float and helps stop toe drag. The poplar/paulownia wood core and full ABS sidewall keep the ride feeling light and playful while preventing chatter in variable conditions. My favorite splitboard profile, classic camber, prevents skin track slipping and remains stable during descents. Although I prefer to ride the 163cm vs. my 157cm solid daily driver at the resort, the unisex sizing provides plentiful options for most people. And thanks to a sintered base, the Season Pass is super fast in all conditions, with my favorite Karakoram Ultra clips holding it all together! Additionally, I fell in love with the included pre-cut Pomoca Pro Glide skins, as they performed flawlessly and packed away efficiently. The skins were surprisingly grippy in steep sections yet maintained unmatched glide in the flats. Finally, metal inserts on the board's tail provide durable protection from rocks and trees, especially when hastily shoving it into deep snow before attaching skins during pre-work dawn patrol hot laps at our local touring spots. The Season Pass Splitboard is a highly recommended, dedicated backcountry tool, ideal for anyone looking to earn their turns and enjoy it too!
Bottom Line
Deep powder? Variable snow? Switch turns? The Season Pass Splitboard does it with ease as a jack of all trades packed with top-tier performance-oriented features from tip to tail. Buy once, smile forever.
Lib Tech T. Rice Golden Orca Snowboard
The C2X profile is one of my favorites out there. The float is amazing in powder and makes the board very nimble. This hybrid rocker profile also makes the board easy to butter and press on boxes/rails. The G.O. features Mervin’s tried and true Magne-Traction which helps round out the rocker profile and cuts on that ‘washy’ feel. The star of the show though is the Power Kink Tail. This extended version of the original Orca tail makes this board a threat in either direction. While it is not a true twin, it does significantly improve the switch riding and still retains 1” of setback and 9mm of taper for float. All this wrapped around their lightweight FirePower core construction makes for one killer Orca. The G.O. can easily be a 1-board quiver for someone looking to ride powder, groomers and even park; it makes for a great dedicated powder board for more freestyle inspired riders. The extra width also allows a bigger range of riders to be able to get on the board. I would recommend that the rider be of at least intermediate if not advanced level, especially for the price tag. If you are somebody who finds themselves wanting more playfulness out of your powder board or more float from your freestyle deck, you’ll want to give the Golden a GO!
Bottom Line
This innovation of the Lib Tech Orca elevates the powder freestyle category for snowboards. The G.O. can easily be a quiver killer due to the versatility it offers. This board is a great resort ripper. It’ll have you blasting side hits, carving fresh cord, jamming a slalom course, bonking jibs and more. If you can think it, this board can handle it.
Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero
Get ready to have a blast on the mountain with this board. The Hometown Hero does it all. If you like to bomb hills, get some side-hit action and travel through the trees, this is the board for it. I usually like to ride fast on the groomers, and with the backseat camber in this board, I feel like I have all the stability I need. On a more playful day, I like to ride through the trees and hit the side hits. Having the shorter tail allows me to ride through trees effortlessly and take the side hits out of the trees. Everyone needs a board that can let you feel the freedom of floating through powder. With the rocker nose and short tail you can feel free to just be in the moment in powder, no more worries of taking a nosedive. With its unisex sizing, this board is for anyone who likes to do it all!
Bottom Line
Great board for charging all over the mountain. The backseat camber and early rise rocker in the nose give for great stability and float. It can hold an edge really well on the hardpack and the short tail makes it great for tree runs.
K2 Kinsley Boot
The K2 Kinsley boot is nothing short of an upgrade! With a quick break-in period and a comfortable flex, I enjoy this boot for everything from park laps with friends to powder days at 13,000’ feet at Loveland Ski area - and everything in between. The dual zone boa offers a great secure feel and allows for those micro adjustments on the fly. A comfortable intuition liner that has a great heel hold and support around the calf to keep me riding all day long, no matter the conditions.
Bottom Line
A great mid flex upgrade for any ride.
Burton Scribe Snowboard Bindings
Coming in at $229.95 these bindings are perfect if you are stepping up your game from a more beginner binding, without breaking the bank! The react ankle straps are super comfortable and are easy to buckle on and off. The fullbed cushioning system makes for a smooth ride on the groomers, through the trees, or in the park!
Bottom Line
These bindings are a great bang for your buck!
