Tyrol Trip (11/22/08)

I headed up to Tyrol Basin with some friends to take advantage of the early season riding. The snow was actually prettty decent and Tyrol even had some more park features setup than the last time I was there. I was stoked I finally got to test my new setup out at Tyrol's mini park. I was blown away with the performace of the ICS boards and EST bindings from Burton are. I ended up going with the X8 155, Triad EST bindings and Ions. The X8 and Triads make for killer park setup. The X8 is super playfull and maintains its stability even at highspeeds.

The Season Begins (10/28/08)

October 28th marked the first day of the season.  I went to Tyrol Basin with a few buddies for some night riding.  After driving three hours and getting lost in the great land of cheese and fireworks we arrived with an hour left till close.  I was just stoked to finally be on snow again.  To my surprise Tyrol had eight jib features set up so I was quite content.  Although we did not get much time to ride it was worth it to get some early season riding in.  

Blue Burton X8

Alright so I picked up my X8 the other day and I was surprised to find that it comes in other colors than the lime green that is shown on Burton.com.   In addition to the lime green the X8 will come in black and blue.   Here's some pics of my X8, check em out.

2009 Setup

Alright so I finally came to a decision for my setup for the 2009 season.  It came down to either the Burton Jussi 156 or the Burtin X8 155.  I'm gonna go with the X8 because it has a more mellow flex and a faster base than the Jussi.  Since I'm getting a board with ICS I decided I want to fully experience everything the system has to offer so I will getting the Burton CO2 EST Bindings.  Last, the most important part boots, I'm gonna go with another pair of the Burton Ion's for a third season straight.

K2 and Mishka NYC Partner Up For 2009 Jibpan

K2 and Mishka NYC have produced a sick stick for the upcoming season.  The Jibpan has fresh graphics that will definitely grab some attention on the slopes.  With a centered stance and a twin tip shape you can count on owning the park.  Also K2's HARSHMELLOW technology will be sure to enhance your ride by helping absorb all those nasty vibrations you pickup while riding at high speeds.  So look out for this board this season.   The Jibpan will retail for $479.00.

Tech:

HARSHMELLOW: NEW! Integrated
TIP TECH: NEW! Jib Tip
SHAPE: NEW! Twin Tip Hyper Progressive
STANCE: Centered
CORE: WH4
GLASS: NEW! ICG 20 Top/Triax Base
TORSION FORKS: Carbon Matrix II
BASE: 4000 Sintered
BASE BEVEL: 1°

What The Crew Is Rockin 1.0: Pete

• Board: Burton X8V 154.5
• Bindings: Burton P1's
• Boots: Burton Ions size 10
• Stance: Regular, 21 inches wide, +15 degrees in the front, -9 degrees in the back.

Nixon Banks

Whether you go swimming, snorkeling or surfing you can take the Nixon Banks anywhere you go, this sucka is water resistant  up to 100 meters.  The Banks also has three Japanese movements, dual time and a second sub dial so you don't have to worry about remembering what time it is by your bro on the east coast.  Dial it in and roll out son!  The Banks retails for $270 - $350.

The Ultimate Camera for The Mountain

If you have been looking to purchase a new camera to get all those great riding shots, Olympus has the perfect camera for the job.  Their Stylus 850 SW has all the features a snowboarder could want.  The stylus 850 is shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof so it will endure any conditions possible.  I tried it underwater in my pool and it worked great.  With a 2.5 inch hyper crystal LCD and anti-glare technology you can shoot even on the sunniest of days. The 8.0 MP camera provides superior quality images and the 28 different shooting modes will make sure that you can capture anything.  The Olympus Stylus 850 SW retails for $299.99.   

2009 Nike Snowboard Boots

Alright if your a Nike fan like I am then you will be stoked by the snowboard boot line they are launching for the 2009 season.  The boots are styled after the Air Force Ones.  They will available in both mens and women's models.  I had to do some searching to find these pics but lucked out on snowrev.com, check em.

Mens

Mens

Mens

Womens

Womens

Analog Geiger Jacket and Initiative Pant

I grabbed the Analog Geiger Jacket and Initiative Pant early this season and I was quite pleased with both.  There is a jacket to pant interface that prevents the snow from getting up in your situation which I was a big fan of.  Both do an excellent job of maintaining your toastyness on frigid days with merely base layers.  Also there's tons of pockets for you to store all of your junk.  The chest pockets make a great place to stash your camera while your riding too.

Jacket Features:                                                                

+ Dobby ripstop
+ Satin lining
+ 20000mm/ 10000g
+ Fully taped seams
+ 550 goose down engineered fill
+ Waterproof zippers
+ Adjustable fulltime hood with detachable faux fur trim
+ Removable stretch powder skirt with jacket to pant interface
+ Adjustable cuff
+ Fleece-lined handwarmer pockets with hem cinch
+ Internal goggle and sound pocket with headphone port
+ Pocket key clip
+ Removable AG tie tack

Pant Features:

+ Cross-dyed slub
+ Analogic lining with satin embossed intercept print
+ 20000mm/ 10000g
+ Fully taped seams
+ Metal AG branding
+ Magnetic closures
+ Dual cargo pockets
+ Mesh lined interior thigh vents
+ Adjustable fleece lined waist system with jacket to pant interface
+ AG double stack center front snap closure
+ Reinforced kick panels
+ Stretch gaiters with boot connection
+ Ghetto slits
+ Leg lifts

+ Removable AG tie tack

On Snow Shot

2008 Dragon Decade Sunglasses

Just picked up a sweet pair of Dragon Decade's in Jet with a grey lens for only $34.95 from ProBoardshop.com.  Get em while you can its the featured product for the deal of the day.

2008/2009 Burton X8 Looks Promising

Alright so I was pretty bummed out about the discontinuation of the Burton Tadashi Fuse pro model but I think I found my board for next season!  The Burton X8 155.  After talking to some of my buddies who own the 07/08 model and fishing around on the internet I am pretty convinced that this X8 is going to be sick!  I have heard its really playful and dominates in the park which is my kind of ride.  Also from what I have read Tadashi Fuse is apparently providing input for the X8 so it should be a fun board to ride.  Oh and did  I mention the top sheet colors change due to temperature.  Sold!  That won't actually be a deciding factor but its still pretty sweet.   

Features

• Infinite Channel System   
• Twin Shape
• Twin Flex
• Sintered N2o WFO Base
• Park Fly III Core
• Multizone EGD
• Negative Core Profile
• Triax Response Fiberglass
• 10:45 Sidewalls
• Grip and Rip Tuned Edges
• Elliptical Tip and Tail Kicks
• Pro Tip
• Infinite Ride
• Feel: 3

-

2007/2008 Burton Custom X Review

The Burton Custom X is the ultimate shred stick, it excels on any type of terrain imaginable.  I took the 158 everywhere and over everything in Utah it and destroyed absolutely everything in its path.  I also took the 156 to the park for a day and could not believe how well it performed on all the features for me despite it being quite a stiff board.  If your looking for a board that will never be lacking in speed the Custom X is definitely for you.  The Sintered WFO Vision Base has two speeds Stopped and Mach 5.  Also this year all of the modes have an increased waist width with the exception of the 156.  Even at extremely high speeds the X maintains its stability perfectly.  A new tech upgrade for this year is the Vaporskin which reduces the weight of the board by an impressive half a pound.  The Pressure distribution edges also provide a little more grip and will come in handy for those who ride in icy conditions.  In addition to all these tech features the Custom X is wrapped up with some clean and fresh graphics.  Bottom line this board will conquer anything you can throw at it.  The Custom X retails for $750 but I have seen many good deals out there so look around and capture this board while you can. 

Features

+          Sintered WFO Vision Base                                        

+          Dragonfly™ Core

+          Multizone EGD™

+          Vaporskin™

+          Carbon I-Beam™

+          Infinite Ride®

+          Stainless Steel Pressure Distribution Edges

+          Pro-Tip™

+          Positive Core Profile

+          Increased Waist Width [Excluding 156cm]

On Snow Shot

 

 

Burton Ronin CW Jump Suit Review

One pieces are making a comeback on the mountain and if you don't already have one you should consider snagging the Ronin CW Jump Suit cause your missing out.  Not only are you guaranteed to turn some heads but you'll never have to worry about getting snow down your pants after sketching out on those landings.  The Ronin CW is super easy to maneuver in so you can nail all those stubborn grabs every run.  Its also extremely functional and quick to pack in your daypack or luggage.  If your worried about overheating, fear not there's enough vents to keep your body comfortable.  For those of you that don't want to rock the diced print there is a orange color way that will make you look like an escaped convict and are few more subtle color choices too.  The Ronin CW Jump Suit retails for $349.95-359.95 but look for deals during the off season and pick one up!

Features: 

• Storm-lite® 3.0-E Fabric [10,000MM, 5,000G] 

• Fully Taped Seams 
• ALS™ Lining 
• Wickter Drop Top Straps 
• Mesh-Lined Pit Zips™ 
• Mesh-Lined Inner Thigh Vents 
• Fulltime Contour™ Hood 
• Cargo Pockets 
• Insulated MP3 Storage and Flash Pass Pocket 
• LIFETIME WARRANTY 
• Includes Ronin™ Jacket Features Package

The Burton Tadashi Fuse Comes to an End

After three seasons Burton's Tadashi Fuse pro model is not in the lineup for next season. Am I disappointed, yes. The Fuse has been my favorite board since it has come out, possessing limitless versatility and dope graphics its a must have for your quiver. I have owned all three models. Out of all the boards I have owned and tested none have been more fun to ride than the Fuse. So here's a tribute to Tadashi's short but sick mini dynasty.

2005/2006

Features
+ Sintered Vision Base
+ Super Fly II Core
+ Dualzone EGD
+ Biax™ Fiberglass
+ Infinite Ride
+ 10:45 Sidewalls
+ Even Core Profile

+Sweet Pug

2006/2007

Upgrades:

Pro Tip

Carbon I beam

2007/2008

Upgrades:

Park Fly II Core

Skyline Session

After getting some snow in Chicago it was time for a session.  We all headed over to Grant Park with our gear getting some extremely confused looks along the way but hey its Chicago what would you expect.  Once we were there the session began and we made use of a mellow ledge and a water fountain.  We got some sick shots and had a lot of fun.  

Chicago 

Matt K, frontside on the ledge

Matt P, one footer over the water fountain

Me, one footer indie

Dan going old school

Me, noseslide on the ledge

Matt, goin for the full pull

The crew

Return to the bird 2007/2008

We decided to venture back to Utah this year to go ride Snowbird again.  I brought along my new Burton Custom X 158, Burton Co2's and Burton Ions.  I could not wait to test out my new gear. Upon arrival there was a lack of fresh snowfall due to the it still being early in the season but that did not stop us from getting some shredding done.  We managed to find some untouched stashes in the trees and some out of bounds areas.  Luckily after a few days we got dumped on overnight.  We woke up early to get the first chair and and throw down some runs.  It was definitely worth the wait cause the pow was awesome and barely anyone else was out riding yet.  The new snowfall also opened up new terrain that was full of great features that let me put my new gear to the test.  We found plenty of good lines that day and some good places to take some falls too.  I was stoked on the trip and there was no better way to end it than with some quality pow riding.