It’s the end of 2018, and as is my annual tradition, a time to look back at the best gear tested this year. Of the dozens of products I reviewed, these items stood out as some of the best.<\/p>\n
DPS Phantom Glide<\/p>\n
Don’t call it ski wax. But the “permanent base treatment” that is Phantom Glide works to the same end \u2014 allowing skis to slide across snow. A major differentiator is that you need to apply Phantom only once \u2014 ever. The treatment is touted to penetrate ski bases and provide a permanent gliding surface for the life of a ski.<\/p>\n
Rylo Action Camera<\/p>\n
A new breed of action cam, the Rylo makes recording fleeting moments hassle-free. Dual 208-degree lenses capture 5.8K video in a seamless 360-degree view. And an advanced editing app gives the ability to virtually aim the lens during the editing phase and select footage from a 360-degree area to include in the final cut.<\/p>\n
Salomon Shift Binding<\/p>\n
This is a ski binding unlike any other. A bit of a transformer, it works like a pin-tech binding on the uphills, granting a pivot and a free heel for motion. But when you’re ready to transition to downhill, flip the levers and step back into a conventional, solid alpine binding setup. It’s the first binding to offer this combination of versatility, for both uphill and going down.<\/p>\n
Fox Live Valve<\/p>\n
The thought of electronically-controlled suspension is admittedly a little terrifying. But Fox has made it a reality \u2014 and it works. Ultrafast sensors let the Live Valve consistently adjusts the fork and rear suspension independently as the trail changes. Adjustments happen in real time at 100 times faster than the blink of an eye.<\/p>\n
Merrell Thermo Rogue Boots<\/p>\n
A hybrid winter hiking boot, the Thermo Rogue packs serious technology like mesh and thermoplastic urethane uppers. It fits well and is svelte and fast on snow. And the Vibram Arctic Grip Dura outsoles give grip via a special kind of rubber when put on glaze ice.<\/p>\n
Stephen Regenold writes about outdoors gear at http:\/\/www.gearjunkie.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n