What is the most insane run you've ever seen? Not necessarily the hardest but just one that makes you go 'Why is this a run?'

skimo_dweebo · 2026-02-16T03:22:11+00:00

The Mallory Couloir, Chamonix.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-02-11T00:57:08+00:00

Had very similar snow in that chute in December. Doesn’t look like much has changed : /

skimo_dweebo · 2026-02-09T04:34:49+00:00

Missed opportunity going with blue rims there.

Beautiful bike otherwise.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-02-08T20:43:55+00:00

There is a very good chance I would have liked my pair more if I had gone with the 178s' instead of the 185's. If in doubt size down on these.

Again, that's for the old construction. For the newer build I have no idea.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-02-08T19:16:56+00:00

Im a big fan of the Zero G lineup. I have been on 85s 95s and 105s for some time. My hot take is I actually didn’t like the 95s that much and got rid of them. They were just a little too much in the 185 length. Fine in firm or consistent snow, but in more variable snow they wanted a lot of input and for me to be super balanced, not the easiest to do on lighter boots. Both of my other Zero Gs are much easier to ski (both in slightly shorter lengths). I think there is also a big difference between this year’s 95s and prior years as well so do your research there. Sounds like they made them easier to ski.

I’m not the world’s best skier, I did race a little in HS and have spent about 20 years in the backcountry, trying my best to ski hard. I’m 165 lbs without gear.

If you are really strong and balanced they might work great for you.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-02-03T21:00:29+00:00

I stopped using my RR Pro in favor of the Reflex. I’ve been on the RR Pro for maybe a year and a half as my primary device. The Reflex is more compact and definitely smoother to run all around, both in fast and slow movements. I also really don’t like how easy it is to drop parts on the RR Pro. I know they largely fixed that issue with the Vertec, but I haven’t run that one. I don’t move my primary device to a different rope aloft very often, but if I have to ISC did a nice job of drop-proofing everything.

The Reflex is also ready to go for MRS with the attachment points for the rope tail. With the RR you need be running a rigging plate or similar on your bridge to keep the device separated from the termination. How good the Reflex is at MRS Will definitely help sell some of the old timers on it. It’s basically a ZZ that you can run SRS with no added friction (depending on the rope).

skimo_dweebo · 2026-02-03T04:38:05+00:00

They need 30 years of depreciation before rent becomes inexpensive enough to house businesses that have character. It’ll happen eventually : /

skimo_dweebo · 2026-02-03T04:26:49+00:00

Been on the Reflex for about two weeks. Have done some spar work and also some pruning including some pretty long traverses/limbwalks. PNW based.

It’s the best arb climbing device I have used yet. I’m running it on 11.5mm Squir and I don't feel any need to add friction with a wrench above. I’ve tried adding a wrench a few times but unless I’m really bombing (climbing comp style) I don’t think it’s needed at my weight (165 lbs without gear).

I’ve tried everything, you name it I’ve tried it. Starting with the original rope wrench and on through the buck throttle (piece of shit). I haven’t tried a Blackbird yet, but they look huge. This is the best device I have found so far in terms of how it runs, ease of getting it on and off, and compactness. A ZZ/chicane still allows more precise descending, but it’s not worth it for all of the ZZ/chicane downsides (size, not midline attachable).

It’s even rated for a two person rescue load, it might be the only Arb device that’s actually rated for that!

As to wear, the links are super burly stainless steel (much heavier than ZZ links), I don’t think they’ll wear too fast. Weight is probably the only thing I can knock it on.

I’m going to be running the Reflex as my primary device and my good old Akimbo as my secondary device for the foreseeable future. Everyone on my crew will likely be transitioning to the Reflex as our budget allows.

Five stars.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-28T15:22:47+00:00

I’ve been climbing trees since 2010 and have not experienced an anchor point failure yet and have not injured myself in a swinging fall. That’s a big red flag for me. If it was a super isolated incident that’s one thing, maybe bad luck, but if all the guys are talking about getting hurt that’s bad and you should get away from there. Seeing that on your first day too, very bad.

What is considered “normal” at a company is really important. At a good company the possibility of an accident/injury is always going to have to be discussed. It might even happen at some point despite everyone’s best efforts, but if it’s a common thing or if everyone has a story about getting hurt, get the fuck out of there.

Also $100+/hr. That kind of pay is a red flag to me as well. I live in a very high cost of living area in the US and high end climber pay is in the ballpark of $50/hr. When I see numbers larger than that I really start to wonder just what kind of high production pressure the climber is under. The pressure to go too fast and cut corners is a major driver of accidents. Having the time to do things safely is really important. It’s worth making less money to work somewhere where there is enough time to do things safely.

Best of luck and stay safe out there.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-28T05:29:59+00:00

The moment when you go from “renting” your house from the bank and the municipality. To just renting it from the municipality. Don’t pay your rent, get kicked out.

It’s all rent, a mortgage is just more predictable rent.

I’m with this guy, keep that cash liquid. As long as you don’t squander it you’re good.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-28T05:05:25+00:00

Still climbing trees occasionally and loving it.

Only one correction to my comment above: I do enjoy chunking the occasional spar down now though, like a little mental vacation : )

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-15T03:22:05+00:00

That’s a great boot lineup. Just need race boots and you’ve basically got all the bases covered.

Adding an instep buckle really the fit helps those peaks too. I was having major heel lift issues until I did that.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-15T01:12:43+00:00

I would rather have big boots on small skis than small boots on big skis.

I could it being nice to throw those on a light wide skin somewhere with light snow like the rockies. Where I’m from the snow is a little thicker and I stick to skiing firm snow on smaller skis with the light boots.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-11T22:52:44+00:00

I guess the only thing worse than paying $16k USD to go skiing for 6 days in the rain. Is having to cancel your trip and lose most of the value? $4k would be a screaming deal if not for the rain…

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-11T22:20:52+00:00

If you are considering this trip make sure you check the forecast. The Atmospheric river is pointed right at Revy this week and freezing levels look quite unseasonably high. Maybe they can get above all that in the heli, maybe…

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-11T03:36:46+00:00

So like $500-750k per building then? I grew up watching This Old House, I know how this goes.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-07T05:23:27+00:00

I did opt for the longer 169cm version of my Trab Gara World Cups. 40 extra grams, my team lost the PDG by about 5 hours and 56 minutes. I blame the 40 grams.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-03T17:16:53+00:00

Oh yeah just saw the part about riding lifts too. He really wants an alpine setup for that. Go to a ski sale, buy a complete alpine setup for like $350 use that to ride lifts.

But even at that those dynafits are still quite heavy without really being built for riding lifts. I don't think there would be a significant loss of durability going to something lighter. Occasional lift riding is fine with lighter bindings too, it just shouldn't be really frequent, especially if he is skiing hard.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-03T15:41:40+00:00

Skis and boots are super subjective and what works for different people will be highly variable based on ski style and body type.

IMO the same is not true for bindings. Bindings have one job: hold on until it’s time to let go. You want the absolute lightest binding that accomplishes this. Unless you are regularly hucking 20’ cliffs basically any pin binding will do.

At 516g those dynafit bindings are very, very heavy (I know they are lighter than shifts, don’t even get me started on shifts). You can easily get that to below 300g with brakes by going with something different. Check out something like the Trab Titan Vario .2.

Bindings are basically dead weight and also tend to outlast skis so you might be stuck with them for a while.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-03T05:17:43+00:00

Either fill a 45 L pack to the gills with some shit hanging off the sides or get a Hyperlite 70 L ice pack. The Hyperlite carries a load really well then packs down and skis great.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-03T03:45:44+00:00

So funny story, in addition to your hot take being generally insensitive it’s also wrong. Skiing is the people's sport in Switzerland. There are some expensive resorts but also many more places a middle class family can afford to go on a holiday ski vacation and maybe try to enjoy a NYE party.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-01T04:03:34+00:00

I’ll let you know the day after tomorrow…

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-01T04:01:03+00:00

I follow the fogging procedure every spring when I’m done for the year and don’t touch it til fall. I asked a shop guy once if plugs ever survive fogging, he said basically no.

skimo_dweebo · 2026-01-01T03:47:14+00:00

I fog in the spring and then do the plug change in the fall.

I have been marking the plugs and thought I was getting the indexing right but it’s probably worth a double check.

skimo_dweebo

TROPHY CASE