CHEYENNE, Wyo. - March 30, 2016 - PRLog -- OutdoorGearLab, a distinguished and fast growing gear review site, has just unveiled the Top All-Mountain Ski review. This comparative review updates a previously published analysis from 2014 and presents the latest results of innovative gear testing. For the data collection process, a team of three expert athletes collaborated to develop comprehensive testing methods and utilized their expertise to provide diversified feedback for the eleven products. They sought all-mountain planks from reputable manufacturers that were suited to handle conditions contained within the powder to hardpack spectrum.
Reviewers spent the past two seasons experimenting and then determined results based on speed stability, playfulness, performance in powder and crud, and handling of bumps. High Sierra West Coast resorts staged the testing grounds for the day in, day out analyzation where conditions were highly variable due to drastically differing seasons. All products were mounted, tuned and maintained at a local Mammoth Lakes shop to provide a level of consistency throughout the process.
The winners are as follows:
Editors' Choice - Volkl Mantra
The Volkl Mantra was a clear front runner for this award due to factors such as versatility and responsiveness. This all mountain product cruised the testing process and surprised assessors with its high level of playfulness. With a full rocker profile and a wide middle contour, the Mantra excelled in stability tests while seamlessly carving out fluid easy turns, even in firm snow. Lead reviewer, Mike Phillips states that "The Mantra exemplifies what an all-mountain model should be: it performs extremely well across the board of our scoring metrics, is incredibly versatile for just about any type of terrain or snow condition, and could keep someone very satisfied if this was their only pair."
Best Buy Award - Dynastar Cham 2.0 97
In terms of value, the Cham 2.0 97 deservingly earned this honor; it's reasonably priced and makes no compromises in regards to quality or performance. This model, new and improved from its predecessor, feels agile, light and delightfully playful underfoot. It features traditional camber with a bounteous tip rocker and modest tail rocker. These construction details, according to Philips, "Keep it floating in deep and soft snow and also keep it on top of refrozen crud and choppy snow." Overall, it strikes a solid balance without breaking the bank.
Top Pick Award for Powder and Soft Conditions - DPS Wailer 99 Hybrid
For fluffy, floaty conditions, the DPS Wailer 99 Hybrid stood tall above the rest of the competition. It pops in turbulent conditions, surfs smooth in deeper snow and isn't noticeably lackadaisical from edge to edge. Aesthetically sophisticated details, such as the bright nondescript top-sheet, make this product stand out in a sea of planks but it does carry the price tag to match the pedigree. While it rocks the powder, Philips states "We are hesitant to classify the Wailer as a true all-mountain model, but think it is an attractive ski that is irresistible to pick up in the shop, and a pleasure to slide around on in the soft stuff."
Top Pick Award for Carving and Firm Conditions - Dynastar Powertrack 89
The Powertrack 89 is the plank to pick for groomer days with intermittent jaunts off-piste. This plank is swift from edge to edge and features a rocker tip making it seamlessly maneuverable and responsive. The carving centric design featured the smallest turn radius of all models tested making it bomber on the hard stuff, yet it's adaptable enough to perform in the soft. According to expert reviewer, Mike Phillips, "If you love fresh corduroy and your preferences lean towards a narrow waisted ski, we think that you will love the Powertrack."
Based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming, OutdoorGearLab, LLC aims to offer highly informative in-depth gear comparison reviews to aid outdoor enthusiasts in their gear purchasing choices. The site presents side by side comparative charts which break down products based on specific measures. Skilled reviewers implement rigorous, creative methods to test products over these measures and then award top performers accordingly. Categories cover a range of activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, cycling, and running. Check out outdoorgearlab.com to explore this fast growing resource.
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