Reviews by User: Matthew Tabrys (52)

This beacon is super simple to use. Everything on this beacon is simple and straight forward. Its display is bright, clear, and easy to read/use. If you are looking for an inexpensive beacon to get the job done that is super easy to use, this is your best bet. It does lack some of the bells and whistles of other beacons, which can make multiple burials a bit more difficult. But this one is pretty much the standard in avalanche safety and for good reason.

This was a ski I absolutely wanted to like so badly, but just couldn't. I own and have skied quite a few rocker skis, and this one just doesn't perform as well as the rest of them. I never thought there could be too much rocker on a ski. But then I skied this ski, and I found out there can be such a thing as too much rocker. There is not enough platform under foot, and there is a ton of rocker in the tail. This combination makes for a very weak tail that doesn't off enough support during turns on steeper runs. As a bc jib ski, this thing awesome. It has a ton of pop and is unsinkable on landings in deep pow. Unfortunately that is about the only place this ski shines. It is too soft in the wrong places to rip more serious lines. In the ski's defense, I was riding the 179s with an almost center mount (+6). The 189s mounted back a little further probably would have been a much better ski. When skiing pow, I am used to being able to drive the ski through the turn, but with this ski, the lack of tip length constantly left me off balance. This is a really great ski, just not for me, my style of skiing, and the terrain I ski in. If i were looking for a backcountry jib ski, this would be my top choice. As a pow ski, there are better choices.

I recently bought one of these and this thing is awesome! This is my new favorite base layer. I'm 5'8", 160, 38.5" chest, and I opted for the small. It fit really well, tight like a base layer should. It breathes extremely well. It kept me dry the entire day. Even though it is wool, it is merino wool, so it didn't itch me at all. Even in colder weather, I wore just this under my shell, it still kept me pretty warm. The length is a little on the long side which is great, because you can tuck it into your ski pants and help seal it up and keep some snow out, and the heat in. It felt great, and did exactly what it was supposed to do. The best part is that after a day of riding, there is no odor retention. So if you are going on a weekend trip or what not, this would be perfect. My only complaint, was that the sleeves were a tad on the long side. Wasn't really an issue at all, just something to be aware of for potential buyers.

This edge guide is meant to bevel the side edge of the ski only. Not the base. It does a really good job, and is really accurate i.e. if you get the 2 degree, it will sharpen 2 degrees, if you get the 3 it will sharpen 3 degree, etc. It makes tuning your skis at home super easy. The only drawback is that it can sometimes slip off the base while tuning your skis. This usually doesn't affect the bevel, but it is a pain. Overall though, this is a great tool to add to your tuning kit.

I'm very greatful I haven't had to actually use it other than wear it. This thing is the real deal and has gone through tons of testing to make sure it actually works. And it does. This is no substitute for proper training and avalanche safety, but in the event of being caught in an avy, this can save your life. The average burial victim has about 15 minutes, before their chances of survival drops dramatically. With this thing on, worn properly and used properly you time frame is increased to about 45 minutes. It makes it possible to breathe while buried, and prevents CO2 poisoning, a big factor for those who are caught and able to breathe. This thing is the real deal and a worthy investment. Even if you never have to actually use it, isn't your life worth more than $130.

All the great features of the Cobra glove, but in mitten form. They have a gore-tex insert, so you have unparalleled waterproofing and breathability. You are certain to stay dry in these. The insulation on these is great. You will stay superwarm. Skied with these in 0 degree weather at the Bird and had no issues whatsoever. My only complaint about the glove was that it is not warm enough for really cold days. The mitten solves this issue. This mitten is open inside and does NOT have finger dividers. As a result you get a lot more warmth circulating through them, and freedom to wiggle your fingers around inside, allowing for a little more dexterity than you normally have. This is one of my new favorite cold weather pieces of gear.

This pack is my go to pack for inbounds and slackcountry skiing. Super comfortable and great fit. Fits some snacks, a nalgene or a bladder, an insulator jacket, video camera, probe, and shovel as well. Super durable as well. Only complaint is that if you have some super fat skis, more than 125 or so in the tail, you won't be able to use the diagonal carry system. Other than that this pack is sweet.

I don't own this ski but will in the near future. I've have skied this ski on several occasions. This may be the single best ski ever made. If you are looking for one ski to do it all, your search should start, and will probably finish with this ski. I have never skied a ski that does everything so well. Although it has a massive tip, and is wide, 100 underfoot, this ski is super nimble. The shape helps it float really well in the power while still making it quick edge to edge on the hardpack. I can carve super tight and deep gs turns on these, i almost feel as if I were on my race skis. I can ski bumps with ease, and these thing rock in tight trees. They are fairly light also, and would make a great touring ski (as would their brother, the karhu jak team 100). These skis are also more than competent in the air and the park. Ski switch fairly well too.

Let me preface this review by saying that I when I skied these it was pretty firm and choppy, and didn't really get to test their versatility or floatation. This ski is a true big mountain ski. It is pretty straight, with a long turn radius, and some early rise in the tip and tail to help with floatation and pivoting/smearing your turns in pow. It has a medium stiff flex to it, which is pretty sweet, and provides great stability. I skied them on a pretty firm day, and they held a great edge and were stable through all conditions. I took them off some 10 foot cliffs, and the landing was great. They absorbed a lot of the impact and didn't wheelie out like some other similarly shaped skis. 4FRNT makes really solid skis, and this one is no exception. They are really well built, and feel pretty solid underfoot. My only complaint about them was with regard to their carvability. They felt kind of hesitant to engage turns, and seemed more comfortable sliding the latter part of the turn. They were more slarve friendly than carve friendly. Which is fine, because they are designed to to ski bigger lines, which often involve sliding your turns out not carving them. I was just looking for something that would be more traverse friendly, seeing as how we have a lot of them at the bird. Overall, a super solid ski, that handles everything pretty well.

I have the dukes and absolutely love them. I figured a lightweight, alpine version would be great as well. Well, they are. The binding transfers energy really well, but these (and their big brother, the jesters) are missing a crucial component that would makes these a great binding. They do not have a toe height adjustment. So what happens is there is a tiny gap and a little play in the toe piece. I'm sure this is not a problem with all boots, but it was with my Krypton pros. I skied these bindings for 5 days and release once or twice each day. It wssn't consistent either. Sometimes I released on cat track, and other times mid turn. I had the dins cranked up pretty high as well. Overall I was impressed with the binding and the feel. Unfortunately the lack of toe height adjustment was it's downfall.

This brush is meant to be used as the final brush in the waxing process. It does a great job of finishing up the prep process. It really helps remove excess wax. Swix makes some of the best tuning products on the market. This was a great addition to the tuning box. The only reason this didn't get a 5 is because this brush is about half the size of their other, normal brushes. Which means it packs really well for travel, but it means you it covers half as much base on the ski when you are brushing. It definitely does the job, and well, you just have to work twice as hard.

Chocolate Chip and Blueberry Crisp are two my favorite flavors. These bars are great. First off they never freeze. Which is always a plus when skiing in cold weather. They are super nutritious, taste great, and give you a great boost of energy. I don't eat lunch when I go skiing. I just eat two of these throughout the day and they do the trick. High in calories and carbs keep you filled and give you a great boost in energy. Great for as an energy bar for all sports.

Rocker is the new big thing in skiing today. It is the wave of the future and it is here to stay. A lot of people are hesitant to get a rockered ski, as there only ski, because they feel it may negatively impact there performance when it is not a deep powder day. Salomon has taken that concern and has thrown it out the window. The rocker on this ski is very subtle. It starts relatively close to the tip, and the rise is very subtle and gradual. What this does is gives you a ski that still skis on the groomers and hard stuff the way a traditionally cambered ski does. But when you get into pow and crud, the rockered tip helps keep your tips up and allows you to float over it all. Now that Salomon dropped its World Cup/Race department, they have a ton of resources to pour into their Freeride line, and the benefits are being seen already with skis like this. Salomon is now using wood cores again in the freeride line and the difference is noticeable for sure. Much more durable and stable skis that those in recent years. Salomon nailed it with this ski. Anyone looking for one ski to ride everyday regardless of conditions this is it. This ski will float better than any other similarly shaped ski thanks to its rocker. If you are searching for a versatile ski, don't overlook this one.

Now that the 916 has been dropped from the Sally binding lineup, these are there highest din, burliest binding. These things a super bomber. This binding only has the metal where necessary to lighten them up. They have excellent energy transfer, and great retention as well. These bad boys start at a din of 9, so if you aren't super heavy, or extremely aggressive, stay away from these. You will likely not release. The updated graphic is sick too. White looks so awesome.

Not sure which sin this ski is supposed to represent, but if you've ever skied it will leave you LUSTing for more. This ski is the perfect west coast ski. At 110 it floats super well in the pow. Its shape makes it super nimble and allows you to make tight short turns or arc super nice long gs style turns. It is a really light ski as well, and feels super light on your feet. This makes it sweet in the air. Take it off some backcountry kickers, jib off some natural terrain, or show up the park rats in the terrain park. This ski does everything well, and anyone who's skied it can attest to this. Rossignol took a long time design a ski like this, and with its introduction as the Steeze last year, and the S6 this year, it was definitely worth the wait. Rossignol nailed it with this ski.

Did you grow up racing, or love skiing on your carving skis. But now you need something for softer, deeper snow. Take a look at these. With a layer of metal in them, not too aggressive sidecut, and 96mm waist, these things are oversized gs skis. These fat gs skis, provide great stability, excellent edge hold, and the ability to carve all over the mountain. Unfortunately there is a down side to this. They are heavy and do not float as well in the pow as similar skis in this category. If you are looking for some better soft snow performance, check out their big brothers, the Gotama.

Smith has arguably the best venting system on the market and it is clear (no pun intended) with these goggles. Smith's lens quality is seconded to none. The goggles fit great and fit seamlessly with smith helmets. If you have a medium to large face they fit great. If you don't they can be a little overwhelming, especially with certain helmets. Bottom line: Top notch goggle, for medium to large size faces.

Bought these for my Hustle and they didn't fit that well. When you use these in the hustle, you lose the adjustable clicker in the back. On the other hand, these fit absolutely great with the Holt, and if you are looking to add some tunes, these work great. Pretty good sound quality too.

Scott makes the best poles hand down. Excellent grip/handles. Super lightweight. Excellent swing weight. Super durable. Plus they look sweet too.

MrDalton has no idea what he is talking about. The anthem was a brand new ski for last year, and wasn't around in 2006. What he is referring to is the same design on the base a previous generation of invaders. These skis are super fun and jibby. Great park ski, completely symmetrical and a nice wide platform. Plus you get the bonus of Eric Pollard's sick artwork. This ski is sick. Same guts as the Anthem, but with one of coolest topsheets around. Way to go Line.

Just to clarify... There was an anthem for the 2006/07 season but it was not produced in mass quantities. These new limited edition anthems (the spiral and the octoland)share those bases, but they are NOT the same ski as the 06/07 anthems. The 06/07 Anthems had a poplar core. The redesigned anthem in 07/08 (even though Line claims its a completely new ski) has a maple core. The 08/09 Anthems (Spiral and Octoland as well) also have a maple core. What that means is that they are slightly different skis and will ski a little bit differently. Even though the bases are the same, the core or the guts of the ski are different. It has a stiffer more durable core, the same base, and as Mr. Dalton said...a SICK graphic.

I bought these as backups to my Hestra XCR short gloves, and I have been super happy with them. They are an amazing value. They are extremely comfortable. The leather is great quality, and they are very durable. They fit great, and feel great all around. I'm not sure if it's an issue with my hand or the glove, but all the fingers fit really well, except the pinky. The pinky is a little bit big on me. Not a big deal, but I'm super picky about my gear and a bit of a perfectionist, so to me it was kind of noticeable. With that being said though, I was extremely impressed with how warm they kept me without making my hands get sweaty or feel stuffy. Also, the waterproofing on it is excellent. I have used it in some really wet conditions, with constant snow contact, and my hands stayed really dry the entire time. They have a really low profile, fit which I like, and are a really great looking and fitting glove. Overall I was really impressed.

I'm 5'8", and I bought the medium originally, and then immediately exchanged it for a large once I tried it on. Both fit well, but the Large offered me more back protection, so that was the obvious choice. This back protector is super light, and offers a great deal of breathability. It's been getting pretty warm lately, and I haven't been uncomfortable, or overheated yet. It offers a pretty good range of forward motion, so you are not restricted when buckling your boots or strapping on your bindings. The closure system is great and has a pretty wide adjustment range to dial in a great fit. There is a wide elastic and velcro closure system for the waist, and the backpack style shoulder straps, work really well too. It doesn't offer any neck protection, but only the POC one does. It does offer pretty good coverage throughout the rest of the back though. One of my favorite things about it is how comfortable it really is.

I am not using this for climbing but rather to clip things to my pack with when I go touring. I bought the straight gate version, and have been really happy with it. It is really light, and feels really solid. I clip my gloves and nalgene or klean kanteen bottle to my pack and it works really well. It's been really convenient, and glad I decided to get it and use it in this manner. Really secure too.

This ski is serious! This is a beast of ski. They are heavy, they are fat, and there is a lot of metal in them. This ski kicked my butt when i was on them, but I still loved them. I've never had to work so hard to ski a ski as I did with these. But it was worth every minute of it. These things are everything a real ski should be. They rail down groomers at mach whatever. They are super stable on landings when hucking cliffs. They have a tiny bit of tip rocker so the float in pow and plow through crud. And for such a big ski, they are surprisingly nimble. Everything you could ever ask for a want in a big mountain ski, this one can do it. Other than its weight, this may be the perfect ski. They are really fun to ski, and inspire tons of confidence in the steepest, sketchiest lines. Riding these I felt like I had a tank on my feet. These things were bulletproof and made me feel i could ski through/over anything that got in my way. If you are looking for a big mountain ski or a comp ski this is where you should start and finish your search. It is an amazing ski in all aspects, and looks absolutely amazing in person.

This scraper is awesome. Stays pretty sharp, and does a great job of removing wax in the scraping process. Doubles as a true bar so you can tell when you need to drop the skis off at the shop for a basegrind. Very durable, but a pain to clean. It is the same as the standard scraper but the extra width makes scraping your fatter, pow skis a breeze. This scraper is awesome.

I used these pants when racing because of the full side zips and they did great. Super waterproof and great insulation to keep you very warm. These pants have a narrower, traditional cut to them. They are not the most functional pant out there as they lack a lot of storage. They do have a built in keychain in the pocket so you don't lose your keys. I was stoked on that feature. Overall these pants are great. Highly waterproof, extremely breathable, and super durable.

On a budget and looking for a great goggle. Go for the Fuse. Although it doesn't have a spherical lens, you get a great field of vision. The fit is great on these as well for someone with a small to medium size face. Smith has the best ventilation system on the market, and they use this system in their high end goggles and in these as well. These things are pretty stylish too and have great strap/frame graphics.

So everyone is always looking for an AT boot, that is stiff and flexes like an alpine boot. Well kudos to BD for giving us what we want. A 130 flex provides a super stiff responsive boot. This boot is awesome as an everyday resort boot, or as a touring boot. Other boots have better walk modes, but this one's is more than adequate. The boa system on the inner boot is cool in concept but makes for a major pain when trying to take the boot off. Overall, BD nailed it, and you couldn't ask for a better, more solid touring boot. Intuition liner would have been a nice touch. Oh well...no one is perfect.

This binding is a great touring binding. Tours really well on the uphill, with 4 different heel elevation positions. Very smooth lift. Pretty lightweight. This binding is great for someone who wants a binding exclusively for touring, and even for the person who wants a binding to ski inbounds and out. Even though there is a ton of plastic on this binding it is pretty durable, and feels quite solid. The only complaint I have about this binding is when actually skiing it, there is some lateral play. There is some side to side wobble when you're skiing downhill.

Super durable blade. Shovels extremely well. D-grip hand is awesome. Easy to assemble and disassemble even with gloves on. Telescoping handle is super useful. Anything you need to dig, this shovel will do it...from kickers to snowpits to your car when its puking out.

This probe is great. Super easy to assemble. Fits well in your pack. Very lightweight and durable. Has centimeter marks the whole way up so you can measure snow depth. This thing is huge though. Over 9 ft tall. Which can make handling it feel a little clumsy, but well worth it when probing.

I use this pack when I head into the backcountry and do some touring. Holds all you avy gear, plus food, extra clothing, and anything else you want to throw in there. Lots of room. Great fit too. Shoulder strap and waist belt provide great support. There is also adjustment straps that connect the top of the pack to you shoulder straps to ensure an ideal fit. Awesome pack and super durable.

This movie is well worth it. The TGR crew stepped up their game big time. The skiing in this flick is on a completely different level. Sage, Ian, Seth, and Jeremy Jones ride some of the biggest, gnarliest lines I have ever seen. If you are a fan of big mountain skiing, definitely be sure to buy this one. You won't be disappointed.

The A-frames may be one of the most popular goggles and the market, and for good reason. No matter what size or shape face you have they seem to fit seamlessly. They have very good clarity regardless of what lens you have. The Persimmon lens is an amber tint that works well in pretty much every condition. There are only two issues I have with these. A) The lens although curved for better field of vision is a little on the small side, especially compared to competing Smith models. B) The venting on here is good, but not great. The vents can and do get clogged if it snowing heavily or if you are skiing in deeper snow, causing fog issues.

This ski is one of the few big mountain skis that is stiff enough to ski the gnarliest, steepest chutes, but still forgiving and fun enough to rip with all over the mountain. This ski has been one of the most popular one ski quivers since its inception a few years ago, and for good reason. Typical Volkl ski in construction and performance, but still super fun all over.

Great socks. Really happy with my purchase. They fit extremely well. Hug the foot really well. Sock breathes and wicks very well.

This is a great glove. Gore-tex keeps you dry. Very dexterous. Very comfortable. Very durable. This glove gives you that steezy pipe glove look while still keeping you warm. This is not the glove to wear on those really cold days. But upt o about 20 degrees they will do the trick.

This is by far the best fitting helmet I have ever owned. I don't know if my head is perfectly shaped for this helmet or it is really that adjustable. But it fits perfectly. The fit is top notch, and the micro adjust dial in the back really optimizes the fit. The venting system is grade A. Open or closed the helmet breathes great. Super stylee looking too. The brim is awesome, but it is a pain when you have your goggles up, they often slip off the back. That is the only drawback. This helmet is perfect otherwise. Fits seamlessly with smith goggles.

These skins have great traction and are very lightweight. Easy to trim as well. They are on on the thin side so you can store them in your jacket if need be. The big tip loop and the sts tail attachment make putting the skins on and taking them off very easy. Very secure attachment.

If you are on a budget and looking for an inexpensive lid. This helmet takes the cake. Relatively cheap, very comfortable and pretty good fit. Fits well with goggles, and looks pretty stylish. Two drawbacks are the venting system is the greatest. They don't open are shut, they are always open, and there is no micro-dial adjustment. But other similarly priced helmets don't have this either and they don't breathe or fit as well.

This thing is awesome. Fits really well do to top of the head strap. You can wear it comfortably and right, without it being super tight on your head. It has very bright lighting and a strobe light mode. This is a must have.

Best ski straps I have ever owned. Use these in varying lengths on all of my skis. Have never had a strap hold skis together so securely as these do. These are super versatile too. I always carry a few with me when I ski, especially in the backcountry. You can make everything from a toboggan to a belt with these. These things are great. Like one of the other reviewers said, don't leave home without them

Sick park ski. Super fun and pretty stable on rails, boxes, and kickers. Pretty light, and butters like a dream. Completely symmetrical flex makes riding switch a breeze. Low tip profile doesn't do to well outside of the park. More versatile park skis out there. But as a park ski, these kill it.

If you are looking for a binding to use inbounds and out, you couldn't ask for a better binding than these. Bomber bindings! Weigh about as much as any high din alpine binding, but you can tour with these. Tour mode is super easy to switch in and out of. Some people complain that you have to take your ski off to switch modes, but this a moot point. A) You don't have to worry about accidentally switching into tour mode. B) You have to take your skis off to get your skins off, and to test the snow anyway. These bindings ski way better than other touring bindings, and with the exception of dynafits, the touring mode on these is on par with other touring bindings. Very rigid and stable bindings. They feel very solid undefoot. Couldn't be happier.

If you have a medium or small sized face, take a look at these goggles. They fit extremely well. They are also very comfortable. The spherical lenses provide excellent clarity and a very wide field of vision. Also, smith has some of the best anti-fog technology on the market. I have never had any issues with these. I own three pairs of these. RC36 lens for everyday skiing. Sensor Mirror lens for flat light and snowy skiing. Platinum Mirror lens for bright bluebird days.

Was hesitant about putting these into my ski boots, but finally decided to, as my feet were paining. I have fairly high arches and these have excellent arch support. I am very happy and noticed a difference immediately. I am planning on putting these into my sneakers as well. I highly recommend these. Great substitute for expensive aftermarket footbeds.

Not a huge fan of north face products, but this one I couldn't help but buy. This is one of my favorite pieces of gear. This is my go to jacket in the winter. Great to wear around town when running errands. Great as a layer under my shell when I go skiing. This jacket is great. The primaloft does a great job of insulating. I am always warm in this jacket, but never overheat. I can often wear just a t-shirt underneath when I go out, and it still keeps me warm. If you are looking for a versatile insulating layer, look no further. You have found your jacket

Average size toe box, narrow heel pocket. Fit me perfectly. Flex is super smooth. Stiff laterally, but very round progressive forward flex. Transfers energy very well. Intuition liners are the most comfortable, warmest liners I have ever used. Getting them molded to your feet is a pain, but a small price to pay in the long run. These boots are very painful for the first week you wear them, but break in quickly after that. Also, make sure you lean forward in these, or your feet will go through even more pain. Great boot regardless of what type of skiing you do. I even use these when i go touring. Dalbello really nailed it with this boot. I will never get another boot for freeskiing. Best boot I have ever used. ***Normally wear a 26.5 in salomon and nordica, sized down to 25.5 in these and the fit is excellent

I have tried and pretty much eat every flavor. They are all really good, although I like the pb&j the best. They give you a good boost in energy, taste great, but are not filling at all, especially compared to a regular clif bar. I eat two throughout a day of skiing plus some of the clif shot blocks and that keeps me going through the day. Overall: Does the trick, but not filling.

I have these skis in 182 and they rip. These skis don't do anything exceptionally well, but they do everything great. Like making gs turns at high speeds, these are for you. Skis are super stable, fairly quick edge to edge, and have great edge hold. Like skiing pow, these are for you. at 129 in the tip and 104 underfoot you will get great float in the deep. Looking for a backcountry ski, this ski is for you. Relatively lightweight so great for touring, and with its twin tip, it is great for skiing/landing switch off kickers. Very durable bases, sweet artwork on the topsheet, and even good in the bumps and trees. Great ski for any and every condition.

This thing is super pricey. But it is expensive for a reason. A) It is the best beacon on the market B) It has all the bells and whistles...and then some. Granted A and B go hand in hand, but still. This beacon operates on three antennae signals to locate burial victims, so you are guaranteed to pick up a strong reading. When looking for victims this beacon utilizes a 360 degree direction arrow, making it easier to find burial victims. It also displays signals from multiple burial victims, upto 8, and displays them by closest to farthest. You can also lock into a burial, so that you are distraction/distortion free from other beacon signals being broadcasted, making finding a buried victim much easier, and allowing you to do so in a shorter time. This beacons is also relatively small in size and fairly lightweight, making it less of a hinderance to wear than other beacons. And the cherry on top...this beacon, when wearing, detects motion from you breathing and your heart beating, so that if other skiers in your party have this beacon as well, they can tell if you're still alive. Great feature! If you are looking for the best beacon, the most chock full of technology beacon, and/or the most efficient beacon to use in a recovery situation, there should be not other beacon on your list but this one. Mammut really nailed it with this one. You get what you pay for. You might be paying a lot more than for other beacons, but you're getting a lot more also...you're getting the best!