3 Skis and 3 Snowboards to get you amped for 2020!
As spring and summer drag on in the northern hemisphere, we’re already looking forward to next winter. And with winter fast approaching south of the equator, it’s time to get excited about some new gear. Most brands have already revealed their new lines of ski gear and snowboards for next year, now we’re just waiting for the snow to start falling so that we can get out and ride them. Last winter, a bunch of brands made big changes to their lineups, added models and features, and tweaked old classics to make them even better. So here are our top three skis we’re excited to get out on next winter, along with our top three snowboards. These are the rides we’ll be dreaming of through this long summer, as we tan outside in our ski goggles.
SKIS
Dynastar MFree 108
In the past few years, Dynastar hasn’t really been known for their “playful” skis. Instead, they’ve focused on more directional skis, with a bit of a bias towards more intermediate skiers. The MFree 108 is a departure from that trend. If we had to use one word to describe this ski it would be “fun.” This thing just wants to play around, all over the mountain.
Some of that is thanks to its more centered mount point and symmetrical shape. Jibby skiers who like to spin and ski backward will get along well with the MFree 108. But that’s not to say it doesn’t have a backbone. The 108 has a layer of Titinal metal that helps it stay damp and composed even at high speeds in variable snow. So skiers who want to go fast and jump off things will find a stable platform in the MFree 108. It’s shockingly surfy in powder but can still trench a turn on icy groomers. In short, the MFree 108 is an incredible do-everything ski for anyone who wants to make the whole mountain their terrain park.
K2 Reckoner 122
K2 has a legacy of making awesome powder skis. From classics like the Hellbent and Pontoon, to asymmetrical planks like the Catamaran, K2 knows how to party when things get deep. And their newest addition to their line, the Reckoner 122 carries that flag proudly. In the past, the biggest drawback of K2’s pow skis has been their weight. They’ve been really fun, but also really tiring. With the Reckoner 122, K2 has borrowed technology and construction from their directional “Mindbender” series to lighten up the Reckoner, without losing any performance.
If you’re looking for a weapon that prioritizes the deepest days, the Reckoner 122 is just the ticket. It’s made to pop, jib, and slash easily, but has the float and stability for bigger lines and higher speeds. And, if the snow reporter exaggerated new snow a little bit, the Reckoner 122 does just fine in lower tide, firmer conditions.
Rossignol Black Ops
In the past, Rossignol had two distinct lines: their more directional “7” series, and the freeride oriented “Black Ops” series. Both have been wildly successful, with thousands of skiers loving the Soul and Squad 7 lines, and hard-charging freestylers meshing well with the Black Ops. But last winter Rossignol decided to combine the best qualities of each line into their all-new Black Ops line.
Now there’s a Balck Ops ski for everyone. For the hard-charging directional skier, the Sender TI offers a damp, stable ride. For the pow jibber, the Black Ops Gamer offers the float and surfy ride needed to land big tricks into deep snow. And for the playful all-mountain skier, the Black Ops Hollyshred brings that park ski feel to the whole hill. Rossignol has made some big changes for 2021, and we can’t wait to try these new skis out.
SNOWBOARDS
Jones Stratos
The Jones Stratos has one simple goal: make every run a little more fun. The Stratos is Jone’s all-mountain board, designed for any conditions at any resort. To achieve that, they’ve balanced a short sidecut with a slightly stiffer flex to make a board that’s easy to turn, but still holds up at higher speeds.
And, since versatility is the name of the game with the Stratos, they’ve included an extended insert pack. This allows you to change your setback based on snow conditions. Snowed a foot overnight? Move your stance back a few inches for more float in deep snow. Sunny and firm? Swap that snowboard jacket for a hoody, and move to a more centered stance for park laps. The Stratos is a top choice for riders who just want one board that excels everywhere.
Arbor Veda - Women’s
Arbor’s Veda is an all-new women’s board for next season. It’s designed by Marie France Roy as an all-mountain ride. If that name rings a bell, it might be because of the X-Games medals, or the “rider of the year” awards. She knows what she’s doing on a snowboard.
And with the Veda, Arbor has given her free reign to make her ultimate all-mountain ride. The Veda is designed to give female riders reliable performance regardless of the terrain. It’s happy to slash deep pow all morning and then go lap the terrain park all afternoon. We can’t wait to get back to carving turns on the Veda.
Rome Stale Crewzer
When Rome Snowboards updated their line for 2021, they wanted to create something playful, yet approachable. Enter Rome pro rider Ståle Sandbech. Ståle’s new pro model combines a fun, retro shape with a medium flex and sidecut.
The result is a freestyle board that just wants to pop and spin off everything. The Crewzer can handle pow laps all day long, but where it really excels is the week after a big storm where there are still soft landings to be found. If you like using the whole mountain as your own personal terrain park, the Stale Crewzer is your ride.
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