2015 Ski Gear Tested (In South America)

The new webseries “The Garrett Russell Experience: Another Time, Another Place” follows pro freeskier Garrett Russell’s exploits all over the globe. Russell’s artistic virtue and funky style are captured in San Carlos de Bariloche, Japan, and will conclude with an exploration of the American slopes.

After watching Episode 1, with mouth agape, the audience is left with two main thoughts amidst a sea of swirling inquiries: “Wow…” and “What the hell does that dude use?!”

Marker Jester Pro and Duke Bindings

When Garrett “GFunk” Russell slashes and butters on-piste and in the terrain park he clicks into the solid and lightweight Marker Jester Pro. Confident hold and direct power transfer, the Jester Pro bindings give Garrett big mountain capability as well as performance in the pipe and park.

When it’s time to leave the inbounds terrain and head for adventure out back, Garrett chooses the Marker Duke. The Duke is beefy but trim and allows for the best of both worlds when one is looking for a touring binding. Quite simply, it’s an alpine binding that tours. It’s a solid off-piste binding with alpine performance.

The LINE Blend and Mr. Pollard’s Opus Skis

Garrett has been “stoked on Line for the last ten years.” The planks he picks for The GRE are the Blend and Mr. Pollard’s Opus.

When in the park and exploring within the resort boundaries, GFunk grabs the very playful and light Blend Skis. A 100mm waist gives confidence and versatility in all conditions while the low swing weight and liveliness of tip and tail best suit Garrett’s innovative style. He uses the 178cm length in the park and the 184cm length for on-piste adventures.

As the snow arrives in feet per hour and it’s time to float, the Mr. Pollard’s Opus delivers the best in deep snow performance. With a perfect rocker profile blended into a versatile sidecut the Opus skis shorter than its length on the groomers and allows the best float and powder carving in the deep white. It’s a big plank that can rail turns and get tricky.

Full Tilt Ski Boots

Full Tilt Classic Ski Boots have a 3 piece design with updated tech. The Independent Tongue’s ribbed design springs Garrett into the next turn or trick while the active boot board absorbs shock and drives power. The entire system comfortably wraps around the lower leg and foot while it works perfectly with the ergonomics of the ankle. The versatility and performance of Full Tilt’s boots is exemplified in the powerful and smeary fall line turns Garrett showcases all over the mountain.

Under Armour Avery Shell

For The GRE, Garrett had the opportunity to test out UA outerwear, including the Men’s UA ColdGear Infrared Avery Shell. Featuring magnetic zippers for ease of use with gloved hands and aerospace technology to keep cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s dumping, Under Armour’s outerwear is next level.

See all these pieces and additional gear in The Garrett Russell Experience