Andy’s Picks
Co-Owner & President | Route 5S, Amsterdam
Volkl Kendo 88 2024
This is an all-mountain freerider with a state-of-the-art build that can be used for so many different things by experienced skiers who relish powerful turns on any terrain and on any piste. Like the new Mantra and Kenja, the Kendo 88 comes with revised geometry and a one metre shorter centre radius in its 3D Radius Sidecut. The key is that the three different radii combined in one ski make for enormously versatile cornering. The new 16 m radius in the middle further increases its radius variability. Thrills await if you love tight turns cut fully on the edge. This ski encourages a sporty, intuitive style on groomed slopes, but also provides the manoeuvrability you need to get through challenging terrain. Less force is required too, thanks to a shorter centre radius. This season, the Kendo 88 also features Tailored Carbon Tips and a Tailored Titanal Frame. So if it wasn’t clear already, there can now be no doubt that fun is the Kendo’s middle name. Tailored Technologies – exclusively from Völkl The Tailored Titanal Frame, which features in the Mantra, Secret, Kendo and Kenja, is an evolution of our familiar Titanal Frame. In this design, the width of the Titanal upper belt can be adapted to the length of the ski; the resulting torsional stiffness and the desired damping behaviour can be adapted to the skier. The Titanal content is reduced in shorter skis, which means shorter and lighter skiers can get the most out of their skis without excessive effort. The new Tailored Carbon Tips make the Kendo 88 extremely versatile. Carbon fibres applied by means of Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) allow our engineers to influence curve behaviour with great accuracy. The strength and alignment of the fibres define the force you need to apply and the energy that builds up where it’s needed. Agile shovel reaction is a feature of special note. This means that as soon as you initiate a turn, you can steer the ski in a measured, easy manner. In other words, simply think about changing direction – and it happens. This construction also allows means less weight without any loss of stability. Also included in the new Kendo 88 with tip and tail rocker is our renowned multilayer wood core surrounded by a full sidewall and a P-Tex 2100 base.
K2 Mindbender 130 BOA
The Mindbender 130 BOA® gives you the best of both worlds — high performance touring capability coupled with the precision fit of the BOA® Fit System and MultiFit Last. Outfitted with a heat moldable Powerlite Shell, FastFit Instep, integrated tech fittings, Powerlock Spyne boasting 50 degrees range of motion, and a PowerFit Pro Tour BOA® liner the Mindbender 130 BOA® maintains its burly freeride boot identity, with the added benefits of dialed in performance and micro-adjustable precision fit.
Smith Level Mips
Like a good day on the mountain, the Smith Level ski and snowboard helmet is at your service for ranging far and wide. It brings the added energy absorption of zonal Koroyd® to let you focus on ripping high speed arcs in the alpine and chasing untracked lines in the trees. The hybrid shell design adds durability without weighing you down for a helmet that you will actually take with you when the backcountry beckons. And because you love to ski all day, the fit and vents are adjustable on the fly, so you never need to slow down.
Smith I/O Mag
You can only scope your line if you can see where you’re going. Putting on the Smith I/O MAG goggles is like flipping the switch from regular to widescreen. Our ChromaPop™ lens tech boosts color and contrast, so every wind lip, landing, and tree glade is as sharp as possible. It gets our highest level of anti-fog treatment and integrates with our helmets for airflow that keeps them fog-free through all weather conditions. Whether the day dawns clear or stormy, lens swaps are a snap thanks to our quick-swap MAG lens system. Compatible only with lenses from 20/21 production season. Not compatible with lenses 19/20 or earlier.
Helly Hansen Powderface
The Powderface Jacket has our HELLY TECH® Performance membrane to deliver optimal breathability and weather protection, plus PrimaLoft® 80g insulation for lightweight warmth. The jacket has pit zips so you can release heat when you’re skiing hard. We built it with a relaxed fit and fusion modular system to connect your jacket to your ski pants, eliminating ride-up from snow as you dig into fresh powder. Extra ski features include a helmet-compatible hood, snap-away powder skirt, goggle pocket with goggle wipe and a ski pass pocket.
Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants
These best-selling resort ski pants are known for their legendary performance. Our HELLY TECH® Performance construction makes them fully waterproof/breathable, while 2-way stretch fabric gives you total freedom of movement. We combined PrimaLoft® insulation and thigh-vent zippers, so you can retain warmth or release heat based on conditions.
