There is a lot happening over at Black Diamond in Salt Lake these days. From recent acquisitions of POC and Pieps, to a new clothing line and a rumored avalanche airbag pack, they will soon truly encompass an entire offering for any skier.
Featured below are a few selections from Black Diamond’s 13/14 line. Three of 11 new skis in the BD line (note how these new skis are conforming to the seemingly sudden new low mass norm in backcountry ski weights), 2 packs (clamshell freeride and top-loading tech), 2 ski pole updates, 2 gloves from their 25 new in the line, and 2 boots from their touring line.
Expect full details on Black Diamond’s new apparel initiative led by Tim Bantle, former Patagonia outerwear director, in the coming days during Salt Lake City’s Outdoor Retailer Show where the Wildsnow.com team will be live blogging throughout the week.
Black Diamond Current is a new addition for 13/14 dimensions are:-157cm: 115-86-104 5lb 5oz 166cm: 116-86-105 5lb 12oz 175cm: 118-86-106 6lb 184cm: 119-86-107 6lb 10oz
Wildsnow.com verified: 1392 grams for the 175 length.
The Black Diamond Revert is a new addition for 13/14 dimensions are 164: 120-95-107 6lb 172: 121-95-109 6lb 6oz 180: 122-95-109 7lb 188: 123-95-111 7lb 4oz
Wildsnow.com verified: 1580 grams for the 180 length.
The very updated Black Diamond Carbon Megawatt for 13/14 has dimensions: 178cm: 145-120-127 7lb 1oz 188cm: 147-120-127 8lb
There are 11 new skis for Fall 2013! Built in typical Black Diamond form a state-of-the-art, new ski factory and featuring pre-preg construction with ABS sidewalls across the line. Aside from the Zealot & Verdict (titanal skis) --- every ski in the line is lighter (and stronger) as a result.
The Carbon Megawatt will retail for $999, the Revert will be $749, and the Current for $699 respectively.
Alias technical pack features top-loading access, reACTIV™ suspension and SwingArm™ shoulder straps all wrapped in High tenacity 210d Dyneema. Additional features include a A-frame ski carry, a tuck-away rope strap and ice tool PickPockets™. Available in two sizes: S/M, M/L. Weight: 1.69 kg, 3 lb 12 oz.
The Alias will be available in an Avalung version as well. They will retail for $169 and $279 for the Avalung version.
Black Diamond Anthem Freeride pack features: High tenacity 210d Dyneema ripstop side panels, avy tool organizer pocket and hipbelt stash pocket, expandable side ski carry, helmet holder, and clamshell access panel.
The Anthem will retail for $159 and $269 in the AvaLung version.
Gone are the waist belt gizmos of the past. Extremely lightweight swing arm system steps in as reACTIV suspension was designed for packs intended to carry less weight. Swing arm has straps of stainless steel cable that’s relatively friction free. They work really well, allow a lot of freedom of movement. The waist belt on these packs, instead of all the parts, are made to be really flexible. Again, this concept is that they’re comfortable, they move with you rather than trying to stay static while your body is trying to move.
The Black Diamond Carbon Compactor pole looks to be the go-to winter pole employing a folding, 3-section, carbon fiber shaft with BD innovative Z-Pole technology. Comes in five sizes: 110, 115, 120, 125 and 130 cm. Weight: 520 g (1 lb 3 oz)
Includes: grips with fluted interior for weight reduction, strap with lightweight webbing, integrated rubber grip extension, and my favorite feature a 100 mm Compactor Powder Baskets with 2-section pole capture.
The Black Diamond Carbon Compactor pole will retail for $159.
The Whippet this year features a full stainless tool and the Black Diamond FlickLock system.
13/14 there are 25 new styles in BD's glove line. Standouts include the Crew (Natural Colored)=Mid-weight Glove $139 Kaija (Blue)=Freeride Glove $99
13/14 Factor MX130 features a Triax Pro frame that is 100 grams lighter with twice the resistance-free touring range than the previous generation Factor. Offered in a 100 mm V-shaped last, the Factor Mx 130 also offers a 100% thermoformable liner. Available in full Mondo sizes 24.5-30.5.
Wildsnow.com verified: 1896 grams for the 285 size with 327mm BSL.
The 13/14 Women's Shiva
Both the Shiva Mx 110 and Factor Mx 130 will retail for $769.
BD Touring boots feature new liners too, slightly narrower. No BOA you probably noticed. They feel that is better suited for their touring line of boots.
Mx Direct Connect Alpine and AT Sole Blocks (tech binding compatible) included, integrated heel shock absorber, resistance-free walk mode offers 40 degrees of touring freedom, 30% lower profile buckles than previous Factor boots, and a booster strap that could be used double duty as a seat belt. Beefy!
Stay tuned to Wildsnow.com for updates on Black Diamond at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City.
Joseph Risi was raised on pasta and meatballs in the “backwoods” of Long Island before seeking higher education in the mountains of Vermont. Always looking for adventure, building treehouses, working too many odd jobs around the world he now lives in the Aspen area of Colorado.
