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2014 Oakley Airbrake Goggles Review

October 31, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

The better you can see, the better you can slay, so invest in the 2014 Oakley Airbrake Goggles if you really want to kill it on the mountain this winter. Designed for top riders that demand only the very best, the goggles will suit just about any snowboarder’s needs and suit them like a finely-tailored Prada suit.

Every pair of Oakley Airbrake Goggles comes with a rigid and durable outer frame and flexible inner frame. A three-layered system of fleece foam lines your face offering superior fit and comfort. Oakley threw dual top lens vents and F3 Fog Technology into the mix to prevent condensation from building up inside your goggles during tough hikes or big falls. Finally, the goggle strap is super sticky and won’t slip. It is also completely and easily adjustable.

But an awesome pair of snowboarding goggles isn’t complete without a kick-ass lens. And the Oakley Airbrake Goggles definitely have a kick-ass lens. Easily swappable, you can actually pick and choose between a number of lens options to best suit the day’s riding conditions. Need something to block the sun? No problem. A cloudier day? Oakley has you covered. Nit-picky about in-between conditions? Don’t sweat it. Lens are Oakley’s middle name (though you do have to buy extra pairs separately).

The 2014 Oakley Airbrake Goggles are simply much awesome. It’s hard to find a better pair for a fairer price. They’re so good they’ll last you years.

Filed Under: Gear Reviews

The Best 2014 All-Mountain Snowboards

October 31, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

Each year dozens of new snowboards are released by companies both large and small. In addition, many older boards, that have been around the block once or twice, are newly updated and tweaked.

2013/2014 is no different and the snowboard offerings look better than ever before.

The offering of 2014 all-mountain snowboards are particularly hefty. There are just so many great boards out there that it can be difficult to choose between them. Luckily, most of these boards share many of the same characteristics – directional shape, slightly stiffer flex, a camber or hybrid-camber profile – so its up to you to focus on the special features when selecting a new stick.

We’ve taken some of the guesswork out of the process by ranking our top 5 favorite 2014 all-mountain snowboards. Though they’re all slightly different, and work best for different styles of riders, any of these boards will make the new season on the mountain as fun as it can get. Each and every one of these boards absolutely rips.

Here are the best 2014 all-mountain snowboards in no particular order:

1. 2014 Burton Trick Pony Snowboard

Burton Trick Pony Snowboard

Whenever you’re riding a Burton snowboard, you know that you have one solid and high-performance deck underneath your feet.

The 2014 Burton Trick Pony Snowboard is as playful as all-mountain boards come. And it ain’t no one trick pony. It knows all the tricks. Its twin shape (and twin flex) and flat camber profile make riding it a blast. It has a consistent and intuitive underfoot feel, loads of pop, and solid edge hold. Take it up to the backcountry and its elongated tip will help you float over fresh pow.

It’s available in 154, 158, and 162 and runs for $500.

Find out more about the 2014 Burton Trick Pony Snowboard.

2. 2014 GNU Billy Goat Snowboard

GNU Billy Goat Snowboard

Experienced riders will benefit from the aggressive design of the 2014 GNU Billy Goat Snowboard.

It’s all-mountain construction features a camber dominant profile and a twin shape. The slight rocker between the bindings gives the snowboard more pop, power, precision, and control than you’ll know what to do with. The slightly setback stance allows you to take this board past the tape and really rip.

It’s available in 156, 159, 162, and 165 and runs for $540.

Find out more about the 2014 GNU Billy Goat Snowboard and check out our in-depth preview.

3. 2014 Rome Mod Rocker Snowboard

Rome Mod Rocker Snowboard

An incredibly durable snowboard that feels at home anywhere on the mountain, there is no denying that the 2014 Rome Mod Rocker Snowboard is as good an all-mountain board as any.

The Mod Rocker starts with a twin shape and a regular camber but flattens things out and extends this flat profile past the inserts. Furthermore, the board’s tips are rockered for an aggressive feel. A variable sidecut gives the deck a more forgiving feel no matter the terrain. Finally, a blend of five lightweight woods plus carbon barrels in the tip and tail make the Mod Rocker a badass board for a badass rider.

It’s available in 150, 153, 156, 159 and runs for $550.

Find out more about the 2014 Rome Mod Rocker Snowboard.

4. 2014 K2 Raygun Snowboard

K2 Raygun Snowboard

The 2014 K2 Raygun Snowboard is a very simple and straightforward deck. Yet this simplicity is what makes it shine so brightly.

Nothing fancy gets in the way of the Raygun’s performance. Its slightly directional shape, flat profile between the bindings, and slight rocker in the tip and tail create stability throughout while still giving it a light, playful, and floaty feel. Hyper Progressive sidecut ensures proper edge hold and keeps your riding straight and true. It’s a perfect 2014 all-mountain snowboard for anything from backcountry bombing to park freestyle.

It’s available in 150, 153, 156, 157W, 159, 160W, 161, 164W and runs for about $400.

Find out more about the 2014 K2 Raygun Snowboard.

5. 2014 Capita Defenders of Awesome Snowboard

Capita Defenders of Awesome Snowboard

With our favorite name of any on this list, the 2014 Capita Defenders of Awesome Snowboard gets the all-mountain job done and is more than a sick graphic of a bunch of hotties with guns.

The snowboard features a regular camber profile that cuts out past the inserts where it flattens out slightly and reverses into the tip and tail. Response and snap are prevalent without sacrificing anything in the way of stability or an easy ride. Its directional twin shape makes it perfect for the park, the pow, or anywhere else on the mountain.

It’s available in 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, and 160 and runs for $400.

Find out more about the 2014 Capita Defenders of Awesome Snowboard.

Filed Under: Gear Reviews

2014 Ride Buckwild Wide Snowboard Review

October 30, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

Do you like to get buckwild on the mountain? If so, the 2014 Ride Buckwild Wide Snowboard is for you.

True to its name, the Buckwild is incredibly fun to ride. You’ll have fun and you’ll look so good doing it that everyone else will wish they had your board.

The Buckwild is an all-mountain snowboard designed to tear up just about anything the mountain can throw at you. The park, the pipe, and the backcountry all seem like tame, docile animals aboard the Ride Buckwild Wide Snowboard. Even rails can be lapped up with ease.

Twin rocker, medium flex, and a twin shape make the snowboard incredibly easy to ride. It has a playful and nimble feel that makes tearing around on it a blast. A stable flat area extends well past the rear inserts for more forgiveness and stability when things get sketchy. Cleave Edges wrap the entire board making cutting into ice or chop a cinch. They also improve the board’s overall durability.

The Ride Buckwild Wide Snowboard is a great choice for riders looking for a slightly bigger board than normal. Though it’s not necessarily the best bet for big dudes, it is great for regular-sized dudes that just have big feet. Add the 2014 Buckwild to your quiver and have a wild time on the mountain this winter.

Filed Under: Gear Reviews

Awesome Videos Shot on a GoPro Camera

October 30, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

For years now, GoPro has been producing the cameras that define action footage. Their HD Hero 3 and HD Hero Naked are two of the best of their offerings.

So many people use GoPros to film their daily adventures that it’s no wonder there are so many awesome videos shot on a GoPro camera out there. They are small, nearly indestructible, waterproof, and can be taken almost anywhere and strapped onto nearly any object. Better yet, they produce incredibly high-quality images for their size.

Below are ten awesome videos that we’ve bundled up from around the web. All of them were shot on GoPro cameras. Enjoy.

1. GoPro Stolen By A Seagull

We start things off right with this funny video of a seagull snatching an unsuspecting person’s GoPro.

[youtube id=”RArofHji8CU” width=”450″ height=”260”]

2. Pogo Stick GoPro

When is the last time you took a hop on a pogo stick? If it hasn’t been since you were a kid, this GoPro video might just make you want to hunt one down.

[youtube id=”cxxm87yjzbE” width=”450″ height=”260”]

3. Jeb Corliss “Grinding the Crack”

Wingsuit diving is absolutely insane! This GoPro video featuring professional Jeb Corliss shows you why.

[youtube id=”TWfph3iNC-k” width=”450″ height=”260”]

4. Mountain Biker Taken Out by Buck

Mountain biking is dangerous enough as it is before you throw wild animals into the mix!

[youtube id=”S2oymHHyV1M” width=”450″ height=”260”]

5. GoPro Director’s Cut – Shark Riders

This GoPro video features an awesome look at a group of daring people that actually swim with (or rather ride on) sharks!

[youtube id=”bj5ufMLKYhk” width=”450″ height=”260”]

6. Tour of Grain Elevator Buffalo, NY

Though not quite as fast-paced as the other GoPro videos on this list, the grain elevator of Buffalo, NY sure is interesting.

[youtube id=”II23yFG1YWM” width=”450″ height=”260”]

7. GoPro HD Gymnastics With POV

Every video looks awesome from a GoPro. Footage of gymnastics included.

[youtube id=”SqmizywSs70″ width=”450″ height=”260”]

8. Snowboarding With a GoPro

You know we had to feature at least one snowboarding video on this list! This one is as good as any.

[youtube id=”UGY82g3gTSc” width=”450″ height=”260”]

9. GoPro: Alana Blanchard Surfer Girl

Alana Blanchard absolutely rips. This day-in-the-life style video shows you how hard.

[youtube id=”4lJQz1COEWI” width=”450″ height=”260”]

10. Walmart RC GoPro

As a kid, I always loved to ride bikes through Walmart. I never even imagined driving an RC car through it. This GoPro video helps fulfill my fantasy.

[youtube id=”5zSBXyMUvbE” width=”450″ height=”260”]

What about you guys? What are your favorite GoPro videos?

Filed Under: Video

2014 Lib Tech Ramp Series Surfboard

October 29, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

Who knows why we are reviewing a surfboard in the middle of the winter except for the fact that the 2014 Lib Tech Ramp Series Surfboard is badass. It’s a 100% eco-friendly way to absolutely demolish waves.

Seriously though, the folks over at Lib Technologies are absolute mad geniuses. They’ve incorporated 30 new, environmentally-friendly materials into the construction of their Ramp Series Surfboard.

100% close-cell alloy forms the board’s core, making it waterproof and incapable of absorbing moisture. Wrapped around the core is Lib Tech’s Dang Difficult 2 Ding Honeycomb system providing industry-leading strength and ding resistance. The bottom of the board comprises of a Maximum Intensity Leading Foil Fin System and a Mo Box Micro adjustment system. To top things off the surfboard has an Elastomatrix Perimeter Dampening Web to help absorb chop and rough water.

The 2014 Lib Tech Ramp Series Surfboard is simply a great surfboard in every way. It is light, durable, and nimble. Its low rocker and short, wide shape give it a skateboard-like feel in the water. It’s a fun board that never gets old.

Filed Under: Gear Reviews

Ten Awesome Places You Must Visit Before You Die

October 28, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

The world is huge. There are so many awesome places on it that are worth visiting during your lifetime. While many of these are frequently traveled to, a good deal of them are not. They are less popular, a little farther off the beaten path, but just as amazing as their more well-known counterparts.

We decided to take a look at ten awesome places you must visit before you die but we decided to do so a bit differently than many other top ten lists. We wanted to look at non-cliché destinations, places that you might not have thought about going to before, places not very many tourists even think to visit.

And with that here are ten totally wonderful places that we wish everyone would have the chance to travel to.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland

Iceland is awesome. There is no denying that. It’s a land of breathtaking otherworldly landscapes full of glaciers, lava fields, rivers, waterfalls, and mountain ranges. Start in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, famous for its energetic culture and scrumptious dining (and drinking options). Then venture out in nearly any direction for the most outstanding natural scenes of almost anywhere in the world. If you plan your trip for the right time of year, you might even spot the northern lights.

2. Patagonia

[vimeo id=”21081887″ width=”450″ height=”260”]

Few places in the world are as beautiful as Patagonia. Located on the southern end of South America, sprawling across both Chile and Argentina, the area captures the imagination with its stunning mountains, creeping glaciers, ancient forests, miles and miles of coastline, and diversity of animal and plant life. It’s a great place for those that like to spend most of their travel time exploring the outdoors.

3. Banff National Park

Banff

Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest National Park, is another of the most awesome places you must visit before you die. Though it can be a popular tourist destination in the summer (especially in the town of Banff and around the Lake Louise and Peyto Lake areas), there are still plenty of tucked-away private gems waiting to be uncovered.

4. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes

Not to be confused with the national park of the same name in Hawaii, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is an excellent place to explore the African wilderness and hopefully spot a wild animal or two. Though the entire park is special, the highlight for many people is trekking to the gorilla reservation to see the magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

5. Lake Baikal

??. ?????? ? ?????, ?????? (View of Baikal Lake with Sayan Mountain Range, Siberia)

Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. It is home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals (meaning they live in and only in the lake, nowhere else). It is located in a remote region of Siberia so it’s quite an adventure even getting to the lake itself.

6. Galapagos Islands

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Perhaps the most “cliché” place to visit on our list, there still can be no denying that the Galapagos are a “must visit” destination. And even though many people know of and adore the South American archipelago, not a whole lot of people have been there. Because of the diversity of plant and animal life on the islands (famous for giving Charles Darwin the insight he needed to formulate his theory of evolution), they are both a national park and a biological marine reserve. This means two things for visitors: 1) the plant and animal life is simply incredible 2) small groups are allowed to visit only for limited amounts of time to limit the ecological impact of tourism.

7. Salina, Italy

salina italy

Though Salina is much harder to reach than many of Italy’s other fine cities, its location among the Aeolian Islands makes it one of the most awesome places to visit in the world. Volcanic rocks and green slopes mixed with the startling blue of the surrounding waters and planted olive trees round out the landscape. The villages on the island are fun to poke around in and offer up the best in non-touristy Italian culture.

8. Kvarner Islands, Croatia

Mali Losinj, Croatia

For those looking to relax in one of the most idyllic areas on earth, there are few better options than the Kvarner Islands of Croatia. They’re a little-known and seldom-visited area of the world that you’ll want to have all to yourself (and, for the most part, you will). Sail, swim, walk, dine, drink, take in the fantastic architecture, and chat with the friendly locals until your heart is content.

9. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is both the least visited and largest national park in the United States. It makes its home in the south eastern corner of Alaska and is filled with a landscape like no other on earth: barren mountains, thousands of miles of people-less wilderness, glaciers galore, and free roaming wild animals. Just about any section of the park is worth exploring, although most areas are so remote that you’ll have to charter a private flight to get to them.

10. Yungang Grottoes, China

Yungang

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Yungang Grottoes of China are a masterpiece of early Chinese cave art. The Grottoes are a series of dwellings carved into the sides of gigantic cliffs filled with incredibly detailed and incredibly large Buddhist statues. They are located just outside of Datong, China and are an awesome place that you need to visit if there ever was one.

Filed Under: Awesome Travel Spots

The 10 Most Epic Snowboarding Videos of ALL TIME

October 28, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

At Much Awesome we spend a good deal of our free time watching snowboarding videos. When you’re unable to hit the slopes (especially for an extended period of time like summer), great films are one of the only ways to survive!

That’s why we’ve compiled our personal top 10 most epic snowboarding videos of all time into a single list. Check out the clips below and you’ll be sure to need to catch the full things. Snowboarding movies don’t get any better than these.

1. The Art of Flight

Sponsored by the brilliant folks at Red Bull, The Art of Flight is one of the wildest snowboarding movies ever made. It follows Travis Rice, John Jackson, Mark Landvik, Nicolas Muller, and others as they make their dreams (and ours) come true at a never-ending array of breathtaking locations from around the world.

[youtube id=”eoNsHHnABjo” width=”450″ height=”260”]

2. Resonance 

Produced by snowboarding cinema superstars, Absinthe Films, Resonance is one snowboarding movie that you just have to get your hands on. It’s epic. Nicholas Muller, Gigi Ruf, and Scotty Lago are only a few of the rippers to shred through Resonance.

[youtube id=”wcrn6OkdZbk” width=”450″ height=”260”]

3. Picture This

Picture this: 16 of the world’s best snowboarders, the world-famous Mack Dog Productions crew, and a number of killer snowboarding spots, ranging from mountaintops to the streets. Well, that’s exactly what Picture This is. It’s also one of the coolest snowboarding videos of all time.

[youtube id=”DRJCDjDCohQ” width=”450″ height=”260”]

4. twel2ve

Another classic snowboarding video brought to you by Absinthe Films, twel2ve follows the crew around the world (with an emphasis on the west coast of North America) for some absolutely crazy 2011 shred action.

[youtube id=”M0FfwOupElA” width=”450″ height=”260”]

5. Horgasm – A Love Story

Torstein Horgmo is one of the dopest snowboarders in the world. Horgasm – A Love Story presents a fun-filled peek at the top pro’s life. It provides an almost documentary-style look at Horgmo and juxtaposes scenes of rad riding against the lows of the professional snowboarding life and the highs of the sport in general.

[youtube id=”U6lpBi39N78″ width=”450″ height=”260”]

6. Follow Me Around

Though it was made  in 2006, Follow Me Around, by Mack Dog Productions, is still as awesome a snowboarding video as any that came out this past year. Jeremy Jones, Darrell Mathes, and Eero Ettala are only a few of the big names adding to the total package.

[youtube id=”T4yj_DCLFiw” width=”450″ height=”260”]

7. Burton 13

It’s rare for Burton to let snowboarding fans down when they come out with a new movie. In fact, I don’t think it has happened yet (and it probably never will). 13 features pros like Danny Davis, Mikkel Bang, Jussi Oksanen, and many more.

[youtube id=”4QW63Rppz1g” width=”450″ height=”260”]

8. I Ride Park City

It’s hard not to love everything that I Ride Park City puts out. And their self-titled I Ride Park City full-lengther is no exception. It throws forth a cool mix of local shredders and top pros all having a blast at Park City.

[youtube id=”5p_Fn1NHuX8″ width=”450″ height=”260”]

9. Deeper

If you love snowboarding, then you know that Jeremy Jones absolutely kills it on a board. Deeper is a big-mountain snowboarding video following Jeremy Jones and a cast of other characters that he hand-picked for parts in the Teton Gravity Research-backed flick.

[youtube id=”f4c2nAl0jew” width=”450″ height=”260”]’

10. A Shot in the Dark

Produced by Process Films, A Shot in the Dark is a badass snowboarding video if there ever was one. It follows Norway’s most progressive snowboarders for over two years offering a documentary-style look at their approach to the art of killing it anywhere that snow falls.

[youtube id=”aNn-8CK5cv0″ width=”450″ height=”260”]

 

We love to watch snowboarding videos and are interested in hearing from you guys. Which videos are your favorites? Which did we pass on that you’d add to your top 10 list?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Video, Winter Sports

The 10 Most Epic Snowboarding Pics of ALL TIME

October 28, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

Few things get the diehard snowboarder more excited than: 1) opening day at their local mountain 2) word of fresh powder coinciding with a day off from work 3) a new piece of equipment to shred with.

While nothing equals actually hitting the slopes, looking at awesome snowboarding pictures is a great segue into fantasies of tearing up the park or the backcountry. It can make the wait for your next snowboarding trip that much easier.

Below we have collected what we think are 10 of the most epic snowboarding pictures of all time. Obviously, we had to pick and choose based on our own personal preferences, but we’re sure you guys will think these pics rock too!

1. Nicolas Muller, Red Bull Illume (Credit: Frode Sandbech)

Nicolas Muller

 2. Travis Rice, Red Bull Illume (Credit: Scott Serfas)

Travis Rice

3. Travis Parker, La Parva, Chile (Credit: Laura Austin)

Travis Parker

4. Pat Bridges, Waterville, New Hampshire (Credit: Laura Austin)

Pat Bridges

5. Breitler Andi (Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/phbayer/)

Brietler Andi

6. JP Solberg, Stewart, Canada (Credit: Jeff Curtes)

JP Solberg

7. Johnny Lyall, Mt. Seymour, B.C. (Credit: Scott Serfas)

Johnny Lyall

8. Dan Brisse (Credit: Darcy Bacha)

Dan Brisse

9. Timmy Ronin (Credit: E-Stone)

Timmy Ronin

10. Forrest Shearer (Credit: E-Stone)

Forrest Shearer

There you have it! Our top ten most epic snowboarding pictures of all time. What did you think of our selections? Which photos do you think we left off the list?

 You might also enjoy – 10 Epic Snowboard Videos >>

Filed Under: Aweseom Lifestyle, Winter Sports

2014 Smith Vantage Helmet Review

October 28, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

The 2014 Smith Vantage Helmet offers the ultimate in fit, protection, and airflow. Out of all the ski/snowboard helmets on the market this season, it is one of the very best.

Extremely comfortable without sacrificing anything in the way of protection, the Smith Vantage Helmet is perfect for those snowboarders who always go big. Smith’s innovative Hybrid SL shell, bombshell ABS, and flyweight In-Mold technology make way for as perfect a helmet as any.

Aerocore Technology and four Koroyd inserts increase overall protection by allowing the helmet to absorb more energy upon impact. At the same time, however, AirEvac 2 Ventilation allows plenty of airflow to keep your head cool when you’re bombing sketchy tree lines. If things get too cold, simply close the vents and your noggin will be toasty in no time.

Hopefully you’ll never take a big fall on your head but if you do you’ll definitely want to have the 2014 Smith Vantage Helmet on. If you’re smart, you won’t take any chances. Wear a helmet. Go big. Stay safe.

Filed Under: Gear Reviews

2014 Patagonia R4 Wetsuit Review

October 27, 2013 by Jake Walnut Leave a Comment

Though winter is fast approaching and temperatures are just as quickly dropping, the hardcore surfers among us will stop at nothing to get the wave action that they so crave. And even though water temperatures are far lower than they are in the warmer months, the waves themselves can actually be bigger and better thanks to winter’s wild weather patterns.

But before anyone heads out and tries to surf a winter wave they had better make sure they’re prepared. Apart from a surfboard the single most important piece of equipment that you need for winter surfing is a warm wetsuit designed for cold conditions. And few companies make a better wetsuit than outdoor sports giant Patagonia.

The 2014 Patagonia R4 Wetsuit is the king of the company’s wetsuit line. Though it’s a bit pricey at over $600, it’s worth every penny.

Patagonia set out to make the 2014 R4 the first plant-based wetsuit ever. It uses all natural materials in its construction, including natural rubbers. To take things one step farther, the manufacturing process behind the wetsuit is almost entirely natural as well, using only naturally-growing plants that produce natural pesticides as biofuels.

In addition to its super rad eco appeal, the Patagonia R4 Wetsuit does a stellar job at protecting surfers from the elements. No surfer would look at you with the slightest hint of doubt if you said this baby is the warmest wetsuit on earth. The facts are in and it is. It features a heavyweight merino wool lining throughout, a full hood, and a water-tight chest zip. 100% external seam sealing eliminates any leakage. All of the materials are designed in such a way to provide the maximum in comfort, mobility, and durability.

If you’re planning on jumping in the ocean at all this fall or winter, then you need a wetsuit to accomplish the job. Buy the 2014 Patagonia R4 Wetsuit if you want the best of the best. You won’t be disappointed.

Filed Under: Gear Reviews

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