Tools of the Trade: Gear Review Part 2
Competitive freeriding has few rivals in the mountains as it pushes athletes to the limits riding extreme slopes on unrelenting steeps and rowdy cliffs. In a competitive fever, athletes truly need the right board and bindings to be set up for success. But without the right boots to match, and as Jeremy Jones once quipped, ‘you might as well be riding with frozen laces that won’t tie.’
Over the last four years Tavo worked hard on his setup and dialed in his boots of choice. Following in the footsteps of Arthur Longo, Tavo rides the Van’s Infuse Snowboarding Boot with their removable tongues for added stiffness. Tavo says it gives him maximal control for riding big mountain terrain.
Tavo Sadeg with his gear and Vans Infuse Snowboard Boots (pictured in red). pc @martin.gomez
According to Vans,
“Infuse employs the most sophisticated and versatile features of the Vans snowboard boot line with a new Hybrid Plus technology which revolutionizes closure accuracy and flex variability through a complete all-in-one system.”
Vans Infuse Snowboard Boots. pc screenshot vans
Safety & Protection
Tavo likes the Smith Maze helmet with MIPS for safety and styles around with the Smith Squad Mag goggles for comfort and UV protection, swapping out lenses based on visibility.
Tavo Sadeg sporting his Squad Mag goggles over his Smith Optics Maze helmet. pc @tavo.sadeg
Smith Optics describes the Maze as,
“The Smith Maze ski and snowboard helmet make sure you have the latest safety innovations… it features our lightest-weight design and audio-compatible ear pads…and our proven AirEvac™ tech keeps the air flowing and your goggles fog-free.”
Smith Maze helmet with MIPS technology. pc screenshot smithoptics
“The Smith Squad MAG™ interchangeable system with six magnetic contact points and two locking mechanisms allow a quick lens swap anytime, anywhere. Two interchangeable ChromaPop™ lenses provide in bright light and low light with unmatched clarity and detail….”
Tough, Breathable & Athletic
Clothing that keeps you dry and warm is a must on the hill. Tavo also believes having an athletic range of motion is a must if he is to endure long days on the mountain. This is why he chooses Jones Outerwear Mountain Surf Anorak and Bibs (frosty blue). He doesn’t even think twice about it anymore.
Tavo Sadeg lining up his gear and showing off his Jones Outerwear (left) and extra jacket and backpack (right). pc @martin.gomez
Description from Jones Outerwear,
“The anorak features a relaxed cut and a body-mapped fabric layout… with rugged, abrasion resistant two-layer 20K waterproof / 20K breathable ripstop fabric... zippered pockets offer spots to stash a phone or gloves, zippered pit vents for dumping heat, and a side zip that makes it easy to get in and out.”
Jones Outerwear Mountain Surf Anorak (left) and Mountain Surf Bibs (right) in frosty blue. pc screenshot jonessnowboarding
Just the Essentials
Finally, Tavo likes something reliable to carry all his essentials for the hill. And for that need, he chooses the Jones DSCNT 25L backpack.
Tavo Sadeg looking after his daily pack, The Jones DSCNT 25L. pc @martin.gomez
According to Jones, “The Jones DSCNT 25L is a mid-size touring pack designed to hold everything you need for a basic backcountry mission.”
Jones DSCNT 25 L backpack. pc screenshot jonessnowboarding
Final Surprise
With all the smiling and laundry list of items (receiver, probe, shovel, first aid, repair, mitts, sunglasses, sunscreen, squashed oranges, and who knows what else…) I couldn’t tell if he was just joking with me or if he was serious. So I asked him if I could see for myself. You wouldn’t believe what I found!!
Tavo’s Sadeg’s 2022 Freeride Junior World Championship trophy from Kappl, Austria. pc @tavo.sadeg
Thanks so much for following along! We’ll see you back on Monday with a closer look at how Tavo lines up and drops cliffs! Have a great weekend!
Thanks again to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!
We would also like to give a special thanks to Danika Lewis, Manager at Tahoe Dave’s Ski & Boards for her incredible support in helping to coordinate Tavo’s sponsorships and generally just being a really nice person. Thank you, Danika!