There's some truth and some error to this so let me clarify.
If a brand wants to be in the pay-to-play (in the back of the magazine. This is the part that looks like a catalog), yes, brands pay money for these pages. This is an advertising section and the brands are free to do with their page as they please. (Check out 4FRNTs. It's hilarious.)
Buying into that section gets the brand a spot at our annual ski experience (we don't call it a test because how does one actually "test" skis other than skiing on what you like. I'm not big on the whole "this ski is phenominal edge to edge" review. I'd rather compare my ski to a Hollywood Actor picking up a hooker.) in Jackson Hole. This week was the best week of my life and it's called Powder Week. Every single brand in attendance knows that being there doesn't guarantee a pick from one the 15 drafters. That's the name of the game and sometimes, brands don't get picked. Other times, they get picked a bunch. It's actually quite democratic and levels the playing field for some of the smaller brands.
In regards to the editorial component, you couldn't be further off. Any ski is on the table regardless of whether they buy into the advertising section or not. Having the brand at Powder Week does give those brands an advantage because it's a designated time to try out those skis. In the case of Surface, who you guys already pointed out wasn't at Powder Week, I skied the Double Time most of the season in the park and the only reason it wasn't chosen by me is because I snuck out during a lunch at Powder Week, tried the Klint Pure, and fell in love with it. Seriously, that ski is the t-i-t-s, tits. I couldn't be more stoked that Liam Downey just signed with them too. Good new brand. Great skier. It's a good fit but let's get back on track.
Check my choice in the magazine for more. As for why the other skiers made the choices they did, well read their reviews.
For the record, and I say this whole heartedly and sincerely, not once was I ever or have I ever been told to pick a product based on how much a company advertises with the magazine. Nor has anyone else at Powder or any of our drafters. The skis I picked are the skis I love to ski on. And trust me, no friendship or bro-down industry relationship would be ever entice me to endorse a shitty product. No one likes shitty skis. Well, maybe the Jaded Local but that's his deal.
In the end, there my never be a perfect solution to testing skis. We try to cover all the bases but if you think we can do better, email me. I'd love to hear your ideas. mike@powder.com.
Thanks for picking up the magazine, NS. You guys rule and I hope you see a bunch you in Montreal at IF3.
