By Tyler Delumyea

Well folks it’s that time of the year when you need to start thinking about what skis you’re going to be ripping next season. We know that all of you are reading up on the hype of next year’s swag. Look no further because here is all you need to know about next year’s Tec/Bliz lineup. Blizzard is making some of the best product out there. Everything from the Gunsmoke and Bodacious, to the Viva 7.6 and Magnum 8.5 are incredible.

Being that I have seen into the future, I can say all of next year’s skis look simply amazing. If the awesome new graphics don’t make you want to snag a pair of exceptional skis then the way they ski should have you wanting every pair. Nearly every ski in the lineup has at least an early rise tip and tail, if not a full rocker profile.

Your next question now might be why should there be rocker in my rocket ship carving ski. Well here is a cool little fact you may have not known. Rocker is not as fancy and new as you might think. Traditionally, race skis (mainly Giant Slalom skis) have a slight early rise in the tip to help initiate the turn. This helps by making the turn shape part of the ski. Boom mind blown. It all makes sense now. Rocker is your best friend for any condition.

Now let’s get back to the details. Blizzard came out with some new product for the 2012-2013 season. For the men we have the all new Gun Smoke and Kabookie. The Gun Smoke is a perfectly designed ski that crushes the inbound powder stashes. It comes with a 140mm shovel, 114mm waist and a 130mm tail. It’s offered in two sizes, 179cm and 186cm. It’s jibby and playful by nature, with an aggressive side cut making this a versatile freeride ski. This is definitely one of our staff picks this year.

Are you one of those people boycotting all the corporations that are moving into Tahoe and need a new backcountry ski to escape the resorts? Well, guess what? Blizzard delivered this year with the all new Kabookie. This is a light weight touring ski that really delivers. Weighing in at 1,800g, adventuring into the backcountry has never been so convenient. Match this gem up with the new Cochisse 130 Pro boot and you will be beating every one to the top of the mountain as well as kicking your buddies’ butts to the bottom.

Enough about all the macho man ski’s, let’s talk about the new lineup for our lady friends. Blizzard has come out with a totally revamped arsenal for their target female skiers. First off we have the Dakota. This piece of beautiful craftsmanship is basically a female version of the Cochise. Ideal for those hard charging chicks that leave the dudes in the dust on the regular, she comes in both a 170cm and a 177cm length with a whopping 108mm waist, 134mm shovel with a 122mm tail. Rockered at the tip and tail while maintaining flat underfoot, she also is included with the Flipcore Family. What really seals the deal though for the ladies is appearance, ie. if she can match her 5 different ski outfits with the top sheet. Well guess what…the Dakota looks fan-flipping-tastic. Its cool blue and black color scheme is easy on the eyes, and if the boys aren’t looking at you, they are probably looking at your skis.

This next ski for the ladies is another deal sealer. The all new Samba is that all mountain ski you ladies have been waiting for. Coming in with a 131mm shovel, 98mm waist, and a 116mm tail this ski can really do it all. With rockered tip and tails and slight camber underfoot, you will have no fear ripping Tower 16 in all conditions. The Samba is available in sizes 159cm, 163cm, and 173cm. If you’re a 40 plus day skier that needs a one ski quiver, the Samba is an excellent choice.

Okay so we have gone over the new skis, but we all know that a great skier has great boots. Tecnica delivered this year no doubt. The ever so popular Cochise from last year was spectacular, so naturally they had to make it better. Introducing the all new Cochise 130 Pro. If you’re a dude looking for a boot that can literally do everything that you would ever want it to do….this is the boot for you. It’s unique 3 buckle look comes with a 45mm Velcro power strap and buckle which enhances the fit of the boot to your lower leg, as well as increasing stiffness. Coming stock with din soles, you have the option to buy tech compatible soles for the tried and true Dynafit system. Don’t get me wrong though, this boot may sound like an AT boot but in reality it’s a boot that can do everything. The Cochise is one of the first of its kind that has a walk mode that prioritizes downhill performance. This bad boy comes in sizes ranging from 25.0 to 31.0. I highly recommend this product for anyone who is out there 60 plus days of the year. Plus, the walk mode is perfect for those long treks to the Chamois.

*please note, these are the opinions of one shop rat and do not represent the opinions of the entire staff.