It must be getting close to the start of the season. I have released the inner gear whore within me to unleash sixteen digit numbers upon very willing online retailers that deal in snow sport gear. Amongst my most recent acquisitions include a replacement pair of Salomon X-Wave 10s which replace my existing pair of the same boots with 200 days on them. And more importantly, a pair of Garmont Radiums (pictured) to replace my sloppy Garmont G-Rides.

The existing G-Rides needed a new liner any ways and I have never been satisfied with their downhill performance. These past two years, I have toured less than I might have due to not enjoying touring in my existing boots. Perhaps more importantly, the Garmont Radiums have “tech binding inserts” (a.k.a. Dynafit compatibility) which suggests that next year’s gear whoring will likely involve a new backcountry powder board and bindings. Oh what a happy day that will be! For this season, the excitement of new better fitting and better performing boots should be enough to see me touring much more frequently than in recent seasons past.