2014 Rome BOA Inferno Boot

Rome "Boa" Inferno Snowboarding Boot

Being a bit of an "old schooler"....I was very reluctant to give any "Boa" technology a try. I've seen this in every aspect of sports, cycling, running, etc...seems to still be hanging strong. At any rate I was asked to give the 014' Rome Boa Inferno snowboard boot a test ride. Spent a couple of weeks out on the snow riding, working, shoveling, raking etc...here's what I've got for you;

Well with out a doubt the boot was very light weight which was great. This boot is a techies dream come true. There's a pro fit liner that truly fits like a glove out of the box, not only that the fit just gets better and better the more you ride them. Volume wise the Inferno offers up a very binding friendly user profile. I'm a size nine, with a medium binding which worked great. I was digging the minimalist inner lace liner...this was helpful in keeping the heel pocket tight and fitting good. The 3D Molded EVA tongue makes for hours and hours of great fitting comfort. (nice touch). 

Boa, Boa, Boa!!! Nope not talking bout the snake here peoples. This is by far the one feature that has been a surprising game changer for me. I didn't believe I was going to be that impressed with the double Boa dual zone feature. Good news...you don't have to break your ass, and rip the day lights out of your fingers tightening your boots. The two separate Boa's on dialed in the low fit and the other was the upper fit. Again this was such an ease to get your boots fitting good. The nice part...they will never loosen up...to get out real simple release and very easy off to the bar or home tech !!!

Warmth was a concern as well...many cold days and nights of coaching....I'm NOT a fan of cold feet...yes they are warm. All day long the Rome Inferno is a great boot for that all mtn rider..me I generally spend most my time in the park coaching, however when I'm not doing that I really enjoy the pow slashes, trees, and high speed groomer rips. Deff give em a try !!

I would like to thank my crew up at Rome SDS for letting me check these boots out. Haven't checked them out???  Then give em a visit !!! ~Jonah D.

Craig Kelly Tribute

Craig Kelly ~RIP 

We must never forget our roots...Craig Kelly was a true pioneer of snowboarding. He's truly missed RIP.

~Jonah D.

2014 POC Lobes Goggle Review

I've seen these goggles zipping up and down the hill on racers faces...never did I think that a POC brand goggle would be on my face. Truth be know I was offered up these goggle a number of weeks ago to check out. Now mind you I pretty much wear my gear till it dies...so when this opportunity came up I had an open mind. 

First thing I can tell you is the Lobes fit's like a glove for your face !!! Sounds cheesy but it's very true, plenty of comfort to keep you warm and happy. The overall fit is excellent as well, especially was liking the spherical lens...offered up ideal light, and element protection. The blue tint lens on this particular model was perfect for most day time light conditions...not so good for night time use. I did seem to find flat light not an issue either. Never had them fog up....however, on a bitter negative cold temps day when wearing a balaclava had some external lens "icing" near the nose bridge. The goggle strap and simple on the fly adjust ability was really nice.I generically wear my goggles under my helmet, and  whether I was hearing a beanie or not the non-slip grippers made keep them put a charm. Helmet friendly fit was nice...tried on a number of my friends helmets and found across the board mostly compatible. Bottom line, if your looking for a solid all around great fitting and looking goggle...check out the Lobes. Look to budget @ $159.00 bucks unless you find em on sale. I want to thank my friends over at Snow Ski & Sport for letting me check em out.

POC Lobes Goggle

Hestra 

Product Test: Hestra XCR Heli Gloves

As many of you know I love to snowboard!!  But seriously though having a solid pair of gloves is key. Being a seasoned snow sports professional, I can not compromised on my gear. Bring on the Hestra XCR Heli Gloves, these are with out a doubt the best I've ever owned. From coaching to teaching, grooming, and even hot lapping the park these gloves have game. I can tell that from warmth to durability, Hestra has is going on. A lot of folks refuse to spend top dollar on gloves, but again I have had these gloves for over eight seasons and with out a doubt will be buying another pair !! Bottom line you get what you pay for. When the temps dropped to the negative extremes all I did was add a pair of glove liners which made those bitter days a cake walk. Generally speaking these gloves have a slight "articulation" which means thay are not exactly snowboard friendly out of the box. How ever after a few seasons of riding ...worked like a champ. What I really like is the easy to use cuff cinch..makes taking gloves on and off easy. All day long if you want the best when it comes to gloves the choice for me, Hestra. Hope you found value, good luck have and excellent season and feel free to drop me a line if you have and questions comments etc.

Hestra XCR Heli Gloves

Happy Trails !! ~Jonah D.