If you haven’t heard the story of GoPro’s humble beginnings over 10 years ago (2002), this video from Forbes is a pretty cool look at the company that has changed action sports more than any other (even more than Red Bull) over the past 10 years. At this point, GoPro Founder/CEO Nicholas Woodman is worth over a billion dollars. Not bad for a surfer/entrepreneur, eh? This might be the only time we embed a video from Forbes on Earlyups, but trust us: this is interesting stuff!
The Story of GoPro | Founder Nicholas Woodman is RICH!
Gear | Dynafit Radical FT 12 Review
Considering tech bindings but concerned how they actually ski? Jeff Brines is back with some in depth ski nerdery on the Dynafit Radicial FT12…
Featured Product | CAST’s SI&I Binding Systems
Lars Chickering Ayers and brother Silas are no stranger to rowdy lines. Both formidable competitors on the FWT, they have developed a binding system designed around the way they ski. Fast. Hard. And full-throttle full-time. If you currently ski a framed AT binding in alpine boots or are looking for a one-binding-to-rule-them-all solution (and ski hard) this deserves your look.
AT Boot Showdown | Dynafit Mercury vs Scarpa Maestrale RS
Ready for a bout to the death of two of the most talked about touring boots of the season? If you are interested in new touring boots that can drive wide skis at speed with little compromise on the ascent, check this out…
Gear | DPS Lotus 120 Spoon – Initial Test
DPS shook things up at SIA with the introduction of 3D base technology (or “spooning”) in three different ski models for the 2013/2014 season. We’ve had the opportunity to ski the new spooned Lotus 120 model in everything from bottomless to wind crust to hardpack both in and out of bounds for the better part of February. Here are our initial thoughts.
Gear | 2013 Black Diamond Factor MX Boot
Black Diamond recently caught our attention when they disclosed that Collinsons and Calum were skiing exclusively on an AT boot this season. From comps to AK spines to everything in between, BD’s new Factor MX was billed as a no compromises solution for the skier that wants the ability to do everything on one boot. We caught up with BD at SIA and checked in on the new shoe. Tune in for pictures, audio from the company and specs.
Company Feature | The Powderhorn Apparel Story
Powderhorn Apparel may not be the first company you think about when the idea of skiing outerwear comes to mind. Our guess is that most twenty and thirty something year olds may have never even heard of the brand. But ask anyone who was in the Rocky Mountain region in the 70′s and early 80′s and chances are the Powderhorn name will ring a bell. So what is the story of this lesser known company? Check this out to learn about one of the more interesting companies making a comeback and take a look at their upcoming line.
Company Feature | DPS – Spooning, ‘Merica and Carbon Fiber
DPS is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of ski technology. This past week at SIA we sat down and talked to the guys out of Utah about spooning, a new manufacturing facility in Ogden and the company’s new “Pure 3″ carbon layup. In our eyes, the upcoming season is the most exciting year for DPS since the company’s birth in 2005. Take a look for pictures, audio from Marshal Olson and our take on the product…
A Random Walk at SIA 2013
If you wander aimlessly around SIA you’re sure to find a whole range of ski gear, from gimmicky to groundbreaking, fun to funny, useless to useful, etc. Before we unload a whole bunch of gear features on you, take a look at what we saw on our first hour of wandering the floor. Some of this is awesome, and some of it is not…
Gear | DPS adds spooning to the Lotus line
DPS has long been on the forefront of pushing the envelope of ski shaping and construction. From the first (and only) to produce a prepreg carbon ski to their multitude of original shapes, its always fun to see what the Wasatch based company has up their sleeve. For 2013/2014 DPS has trickled down their convex base technology into the Lotus 138 and Lotus 120 skis. Take a look for all the info and a few more goodies from one of the most interesting companies out there…
2013 SIA Preview | Five pieces of gear we are stoked on
Take a look at 5 products we can’t wait to check out for the 2013/2014 season. Two boots, two bindings and one ski. With SIA and OR coming up, expect us to get our grubby little hands on these shortly…
Gear | Dynafit Beast 16 DIN Binding
Dynafit has been making waves in the freeride touring market first with the Vulcan line of boots for the 2012/2013 season and now with the recently announced 16 DIN binding named the Beast. Check this out for the full PR.
Gear | Dynafit Mercury Review
Jeff Brines has spent over 40 days on the new Dynafit Mercury boot. Although not perfect for him out of the box, he’s now come up with something that skis nearly as well as his alpine boot with top notch ascending ability. Take a look for the full review…Editor’s Note: Updated 17-Jan
