Black Diamond Megawatts

I first learned to ski before I can remember at the Mount Lassen Ski resort. When I was 11 I decided that skiing was no longer cool and that snowboarding was where it was at. My primary reason for shifting was because my older brother started to snowboard, and therefore that was what I had to do. I have been a true-and-true snowboarder since. I have taught lesson's for a total of six years, and I have coached on my local high school snowboard team the last three years.

This season I decided to start getting into the backcountry scene. I took out a Voile SD Mojo 161 split board the first time I went, and had a lot of fun. However, the second and third time I took it out I had less and less fun. I found myself getting more and more frustrated with the process of taking it apart and putting it back together. These experiences lead me to make the decision of getting back into skiing for a more efficient backcountry setup. First, rode the Black Diamond Havoc. Second, I rode the Black Diamond Verdict, third, I rode the Black Diamond Joule's. I had a lot of fun riding all three of those ski's, but I noticed they were really still. Fourth, I rode the Line Sir Francis Bacon's, and I feel, like a school boy, in love with reverse camber ski's.

All of that information is a catalyst for me to talk about what I really want to talk about which is the Black Diamond Megawatt Ski.

The Megawatt spec's:
Length: 188
Tip: 153
Underfoot: 125
Tale: 130
Weight: 10lbs 6oz (pair)

My initial impression of this ski was, "holy shit that is big!" I was very concerned about being able to steer it. However, with the zero camber and the rocker tip the ski is amazing in every condition I have taken it into. On the groomers and hard-pack the rocker saves my ass because it takes my effective edge from 188 down to 140, so it's as if I am skiing a shorty ski. In the crud, tracked and UN-tracked powder the length float's me over and through everything.



First time climbing with it was the really telling experience. In order for the Megawatt to satisfy my desire's it had to be able to get me out in the backcountry. The first time I took it out in the backcountry (read about the trip) I had a blast! I didn't notice the weight be to excessive or arduous for the climb, and I was more then happy to be riding it on the way down.

It looks big and intimidating, and well it is big, but don't be intimidated by it! With the big wide platform the ski is extremely stable and with the side-cut and rocker it performs great on all snow conditions you might encounter.

The Megawatt is my ski! At least until BD comes out with something bigger and better.

Patagonia MicroPuff Hooded Jacket

I've been in the market for a down jacket. What I thought I wanted was the Down Sweater Pullover Hoody from Patagonia. Actually, I still think I do, but they are sold out and not making it next fall. Therefore, I had to make a purchase of something else. At first I was supper bummed, but not anymore!

What I was looking for in my jacket: warm, comfy, a hood, and pullover. It had to have a hood, and no I don't know why. Not very many companies are currently making a down jacket that has a hood.



What I got: warm, comfy, and a hood. Basically, I am super happy with my purchase. I wear this jacket all the time. It's synthetic instead of down, but I can't tell a difference. So far it is holding it's own against the down jackets I have had/used in the past. It is windproof and has a waterproof outer. I can wear it as a layering piece if needed because it's not bulky.

My only complaint is that the draw string at the bottom doesn't tension the bottom of the zipper so the zipper does a funny weird zipper thing while the rest is tensioned. Personally, I wouldn't ski in it unless it was under a shell.

It's great around the house, around the town, around the summit, and around the campfire!