Black diamonds biggest new product launch in the history of the company is on the way for the 08-09 season. Freeskiers are becoming more well rounded and skiing terrain in and out of bounds, so Black Diamond has decided to launch a new line of boots and skis that will keep up with the demand of today’s skiers. BD went out and bought boots from their main competitors to see what was good and bad about alpine, touring, and tele boots. After intense testing they came up with boots that will erase the line between a touring boot, and an everyday resort boot. Their plan was to make a high performance boot that fits well right out of the box. Their motto is a touring boot that is “All about the down”. Now you can skin or boot up comfortably in walk mode, then click over to ski mode and rip your line with confidence. As Thomas Laakso from BD put it, “The idea is to never have to wish you had your good boots on”.

BD will introduce an AT line, and the "Power Series" will include the Factor, Method and Shiva. An "Efficient Series" is in the works.





The Factor





The Womens Shiva






The anticipated telemark series features the Custom, Push and Stiletto in the "Power Series" and the Seeker, Trance and Axis in the "Efficient Series".





The Custom





The Womens Stiletto







They use BOA technology to combine the idea of a lace up race fit liner, with the convenience of a pull lace from a snowboard boot. Just twist the knob until your liner is tight and “gaper gap” free.







Their skis have also been adapted to the new styles in skiing, with the addition of the Megawatt to next years line up. The 125 underfoot-double rocker ski was made for ripping POW and crud, but still has enough side cut to carve on the groomer. I was pleasantly surprised with how well they handled the crud. However, I wasn’t quite as stoked when I took them out on the real hardpack, but who wants to ski that anyway. Although some of the other testers seemed to really like them on the firm stuff. I caught up with BD athlete Billy Poole who said, “I love them in every condition”. He said, “Since I got them I haven’t skied anything else”.

BD has also continued to improve all their outdoor accessories including the new Avalung backpack. The new packs are the perfect size for your skins shovel and probe, and just might save your life. Speaking of saving lives, one of the testers was saved by his new POC helmet. Sam took his product test to the next level when he took a tree to the dome. It was lucky he decided to wear a helmet that day for the first time in years. Thanks to POC, the guides from Park City Cat Skiing, and the Utah Air Med, Sam will ski another day.
Check out bdel.com, to see more info on BD products.