Start Haus Staff Picks - Skis, Boots & Bindings
Start Haus staffers are amped up for winter, and getting ready with new gear. Below are their picks for skis, boots and bindings this winter - no particular category, just for fun:
James, bootfitter & buyer:
Dynastar Cham 117
Marker Jester
Head Raptor 130
"The Raptor is ultra responsive - it's stiff yet snappy with top-notch snow feel. The Cham 117 is a versatile powder ski that's great in blower, wind buff and heavy snow - it crushes it. And the Jester is a beefy binding that's also light weight - the strength to weight ratio is off the charts."
Jason, bootfitter:
Armada Invictus
Look Pivot 14
K2 Pinnacle 130 LV
"The Pinnacle is just a versatile boot that skis really well and fits my foot perfectly. The Invictus is a strong ski that's light and quick, great for a bigger guy like me. The pivots have great retention and transfer of energy."
Krystal, bootfitter & sales:
Rossignol Savory 7
Rossignol Axial 3
Nordica Dobermann 100
"I really like the air tip and tail in the Savory 7, it's light and easy to maneuver in trees and crud. The Dobermann has a good fit and is really responsive, and the Axial3 is lighter and easier to get in to."
Alexis, sales & bootfitter:
Stockli Stormrider 88
Look Pivot 14
Head B3
"The B3 fits my tiny foot perfectly. The Stormrider is a fun snappy ski I can take anywhere - a great ride, and I really like the release of the bindings."
Jennifer, buyer & sales:
Blizzard Black Pearl
Salomon STH2 13
K2 Spyre 110
"The Black Pearls are easy going - not demanding at all, perfect for a skier like me. They're a good do it all ski. I have a wide foot, so the wider last on the K2 makes for a good fit. and the Salomon is a no-brainer, they're easy in and out."
Stan, sales & tuning:
Stockli Laser SX
Look Pivot 14
Lange RP ZA
"I like the responsiveness of a good race plug boot. The Stockli has incredible edge hold and a fantastic flex for hard snow conditions - it's just super fun. You can't go wrong with the Pivots."
Allison, special orders & warranty:
Head Great Joy
Marker Griffon
Tecnica Cochise W
"The Great Joy is a great all mountain ski for Tahoe; really versatile. And the bindings are a good everyday driver with a great bang for your buck. The Cochise is a powerful yet comfortable boot, that's extra versatile thanks to its walk mode."
Greyson, website & marketing:
Dynastar Cham 97
Dynafit Radical ST
Scarpa Freedom SL
"The Cham's weird shape was meant to make it a more versatile all mountain ski (and it does) - but it's really perfect for the backcountry. When it comes time to head uphill, there's no substitute for Dynafit bindings - the gold standard. And the Freedom SL has an incredibly progressive flex for a touring boot with a great fit - I'm happy skiing them in-bounds too."
Brady, bootfitter:
Line Chronic
Marker Griffon
Lange XT 130
"I like the playfulness of the ski, and the boot goes from frontside to backside with the flip of a switch. The Griffon is lightweight, yet powerful."
Jim, owner:
HEAD iSupershape Speed
HEAD System Binding with ski
K2 Spyne 130
"I love digging trenches at high speeds, and these GS-inspired carvers are great at just that. The K2 Spyne is the highest performance non-race boot I've tested, with great flex, feel and fit."
Phil, sales:
Blizzard Bonafide
Look Pivot 18
Tecnica R9.8 130
"The Bonafide is still the benchmark for the category and one of the most versatile skis on the market - it's my go-to ski. On the binding, I like the single-pivot toe and the all metal construction. The boot has a great fit and the lateral response is one of its best traits."
Jared, sales:
Volkl Mantra
Marker Jester
K2 Spyne 130 HV
"The new Mantra is versatile, fun and really high performance for Tahoe conditions. The K2 Spyne has a great flex and fits my feet perfectly, and the bindings are sturdy and laterally stiff."
Jim, sales, buyer:
Dynastar Powertrac 89
Salomon STH2 13
Lange RS 130
"The Powertrac is the epitome of versatility for its class with the best mix of capabilities among its competitors. The STH is one of many good bindings with great retention at a reasonable price, and the RS 130 is the benchmark 98 mm lasted soft race boot that fits a variety of feet."
Collin, tuning:
Armada Al Dente
Look Pivot 18
Dalbello KR2 Lupo
"I like the flex of the Dalbello for everything from the park to big mountain charging, and the bindings are reliable with no pre-release and all metal construction. The Al Dente is a great Tahoe park and everyday ski that can carve a turn - it's not a charger but it's just the right width."
Doug, bootfitter:
Line Supernatural 100
Marker Griffon
Lange RX130
"I think the Supernatural is the first ski I've found in a long time under 180 cm that doesn't have a speed limit, that I can really be happy with. I like the RX130 because it's a traditional 4-buckle design with a really nice feel to it."