by Alicia MacLeay
Black Diamond Factor Mx 130
Black Diamond has been busy revamping and expanding its ski offerings for 2013-14. The ski lineup includes 11 new skis in a range of shapes and layups, for girthy powder hounds to streamlined backcountry technicians. All have pre-preg construction and ABS sidewalls.
Plus, there are two new ski boots, the Factor Mx 130 (men's) and the Shiva Mx 110 (women's). BD says it merged the lateral stiffness found in high-end alpine boots with a walk mode and its own Mx Direct Connect swappable sole block technology to "set a new standard of versatility and performance for backcountry freeride ski boots." Both offer 40 degrees of touring motion ($769).
Last year, Black Diamond acquired Pieps, which will introduce the new DSP Pro avalanche transceiver for fall 2013. The DSP Pro is a three-antenna beacon that can mark up to four victims and has a range of 55-60 meters. It features Pieps’ DSP technology combined with a new case and improved user interface.
Over in ski packs, the Alias and Alias AvaLung have been redesigned, and the all-new Anthem and Anthem AvaLung packs make their debuts. Each pack has streamlined features, lightweight design, and super-durable Dyneema fabric for technical backcountry pursuits.
Alias above left ($169, $279 for AvaLung version); Anthem above right ($159, $269 for AvaLung version).
John DiCuollo showed us Black Diamond's new Alias Avalung pack at Outdoor Retailer this week:
Besides 20 new glove styles, there's even more to come from Black Diamond. Stay tuned for Black Diamond's forthcoming technical apparel line, led by Tim Bantle, former director of technical outerwear and equipment at Patagonia.
