MCM

Louie Fountain says the tassels are long enough to hang down from your jacket cuff, but not too long to be dangerous: Perfect! The glove is warm and not bulky. The leather is soft and supple, but the only complaint is that it also gets wet easily. I imagine I'll have to use leather wax/conditioner regularly to maintain these gloves.

Rode a Believer 154 all season long. It was THE quintessential do-everything board. Good for ripping the all mountain park at Big Bear, and it was good enough for the powder up in Baker. Of course you could get a better rail board (WWW), or you can get a better pow board (Gyrator). But if you can only have one, then look no further.
It has good flex, slightly stiffer than the Darkstar, and good sidecut too. You won't be dissapointed.

I normally ride a 154 believer for everything, and got a chance to ride this for a few pow days up at Mt. Baker. Based on the condition (5+ inches of fresh) and my build (5'9" 145lbs) I was told by one of the board engineer to check out the 159cm. I had never ridden anything that long before...I was nervous, but this board is real loose and quick to transition from edge to edge, it was crazy! The float is amazing, even on choppy snow you can still turn on a dime. Ride it centered for the best surf feel on the snow!

PROS: Swapping lenses is ridiculously easy. Wide field of vision. Looks high-tech to justify the price. It integrates well with SMITH brand helmet, I used it with the Hustle helmet, and they were made for each other.

CONS: The gasket that seals the lens to the goggle frame has a tendency to leak in certain situations. Louie Fountain complained about this very thing to me on a pow day in Mt. Baker. Also, depending on the shape of your face, it might not fit correctly around the nose area, as some people have already mentioned. Flat faced people like me will have a huge gap around the nose unless you sag it real low. I personally wear the Prodigy goggles more often, or a Japan/Asian fit Fuse Regulators that I special ordered from japan (It has thicker foam around the nose for flat faces).

People are always skeptical of new technologies/concepts. I was one too until I tried one in the shop, and once more on the mountain. After a few laps of the park, I was sold! You customize the fit of the toe-strap once and find the right fit. After that it will always revert back to that fit when you tighten the ankle strap. Getting into your bindings twice as fast means you'll be able to hit that jump before the park crew comes down and hogs everything in sight. Not only is the AUTO a great breakthrough in technology, the other features are just as good as "normal" bindings. Lightweight, comfy straps, awesome ratchets, great fit all around. Pick up a pair, you'll love it!

These boots are pricey but you defiantly get what you pay for. I have either ridden or tried on all of the K2 T1 boots with the Boa liner, and these are the best so far. The liners remained the same as the previous 2 seasons, but the insole/footbed has been upgraded for more arch support and a comfy fit. The biggest improvement would be the new Vibram sole, they stick to everything! Last year's Vibram was good, but this year it's on a different level altogether. This is an easy boot to ride with. The only complaint I had was with the toe box. Personally I think it's a little too small, but you might like a snug fit.

These bindings are a step up from the K2 Formula, using real leather on the Caddi ankle strap and Universal toe strap. The leather will pretty much break into and mold itself to compliment your boots' shape, especially in the toe area where you can use this strap over or around the toe. Tons of adjustability to fit them "just right". The paisley print adds the finishing touch, I've gotten lots of compliments on them.