Atomic Vantage 97 Ti Skis – Review

I had the Atomic Vantage 97 Ti skis for a week and used them in varying conditions on piste which was hard packed and icy in the morning with soft spring condition snow in the afternoon. And after a dump of over a metre of snow I used the skis off piste too.

The first thing I noticed was how surprisingly light they were for 180cm ski. However these were the widest skis I had ever skied on so I was a little concerned about how they would react.

I shouldn’t have worried as they were excellent: high speed carving turns were a dream, very stable with great acceleration out of the turns. It was like being on rail tracks.

Shorter turns were also very easy and controllable. Just get in the rhythm and you are bouncing from edge to edge which seemed to take the skiing to another level.

Moguls were great fun, bashing the tops off and sliding down the back. Due to the sidecut I did not try the fall line route.

When on off-piste powder it was exhilarating, just like floating on a cushion of air.

The heavier slushy stuff towards end of the day was never a problem. The skis coped really well.

I really enjoyed skiing on the Atomic Vantage skis. They never let me down but to get the best out of them you have to work them and not be a passenger. By being aggressive with your skiing you will get so much out of them.  They really are a dream for an advanced skier.

Thanks Dave (Ski Instructor)

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On Cloudventure Trail Running Shoes – Review

As an avid Canicross and adventure runner I look for a trainer that not only provides great grip across multiple surfaces but also supports the foot and is comfortable to wear.

I trialed the On Cloudventure trainer for 3 months, during this time I certainly racked up the miles and put it to the test with trail running, Canicross and quick lunch time runs through the local park.

From the first run I felt a complete different experience from my normal trail trainer The foot placing was different because of a slight increase in the heal rise to my normal trainer;  this put my foot in a freer more comfortable position in the shoe and resulted in my running gait being more open and increasing my average pace.  It also reduced leg strain and after running my legs did not feel so tired and tight.

Grace loves to run!

When running Canicross we run across all types of terrain from crossing farmers fields, waterlogged river paths to forest tracks, all of which are quite uneven and slippery. As you can imagine whilst running with a dog pulling you, you do need a good grip on all surfaces.  The Cloudventure sets your foot position down so  you feel that more of your foot is in contact with the ground providing you with a sure safe ‘put down’.  The grip is second to none on all off road surfaces.  Making this in my option and experience a great trail running trainer.

I have used the Cloudventure to run on a harder surface with some road running and whilst it is perfectly OK for a short period, this would not be my go to trainer for road running. But if you are looking for a trainer that can take you across multiple terrains in one outing this is would be the trainer I would pull out of my bag first. 

In fact I loved the Cloudventure so much when the trial came to an end and I was set to send the trainer back I purchased the trainer as I did not want to give it up!

Thanks Ross

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Planks Bro Down Black Snow Mitt – Review

After years of testing and trying numerous different gloves and mittens I am happy to say I’ve finally found my perfect pair, the Planks Bro Down snow mitts! Not only are they a simple design but the glove liner within ensured all my fingers kept snug and warm whilst looking as though I was only wearing mittens. The 10K waterproofing and breathability meant my hands stayed dry all day and didn’t get too hot or sweaty whilst the quilted insulation kept them snug and cosy even when it was sub zero! They were easy to adjust and the glove leashes were great for when we stopped for a drink as I definitely couldn’t lose them.

I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a simple but effectively designed pair of mittens!

Charlotte (Ski Instructor)

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Picture Organic Clothing Women’s Tanya Snow Jacket – Review

Before travelling to Poland for my ski trip I treated myself to a new ski jacket. I have always loved the Picture Organic Clothing designs – I just love the style and aesthetic – and particularly this year’s ‘marble’ range, so I decided to purchase the Tanya Marble snow jacket.

This is the first over-the-head jacket I have tried and the armpit-to-hip zip made it really easy to get on and off. The two-layer ripstop, with a crosshatch pattern, felt extremely durable and resistant to tearing, so I wasn’t worried about it getting damaged if I fell.

This outer fabric protects Picture’s DryPlay waterproof membrane and is covered by a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment, so the jacket is extremely waterproof. Even all the seams are sealed by tape to prevent water getting in!

The stretch snow skirt was brilliant for preventing snow (and cold) getting in, as were the wrist gaiters which were perfect for going over the tops of my gloves and keeping the heat in. The half zipper opening and underarm vents helped me regulate my body temperature when I was too warm however I stayed a perfect heat every day thanks to the breathability of the DryPlay membrane and the Coremax lining which insured I was cosy even when it got below 0 degrees.

I loved the front pouch pocket as it was great for my phone and sunglasses and even a snack for the mountainside, great size, and the magnetic poppers helped for quick and easy access.

I would recommend any of the Picture range as it is all beautifully designed and boasts multiple technical features! I absolutely loved this jacket, not only for its design but also the variety of qualities that made it perfect for my spring skiing holiday!

Charlotte (Ski Instructor)

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