Tools of the Trade: Gear Review Part 1
Tavo Sadeg putting together his ‘gear puzzle.’ pc @martin.gomez
As we’ve previously talked about in this freeride series, whether it is Looking at Big Mountain Turning, Understanding the Physics of an Arc, or simply Learning the Pivot Turn, these athletes go far beyond the basics of ordinary snowboarding. This unique riding style of dropping cliffs, throttling high-speed run-outs, and carving tight pivot turns through the unfriendliness of obstacles is undoubtedly exciting. It also requires a set of highly-specialized gear. Gear that can withstand the demands of shredding extreme faces.
But If there’s one thing competitive freeriders know something about it’s dialing in the correct gear. Optimization is key. Free from any restriction that might limit their best performance.
Last year’s junior freeride world champion Tavo Sadeg knows a thing or two about dialing in freeride gear. And fortunately, he’s agreed to give us a peek at the items and specific models he uses on the mountain.
Tavo Sadeg absolutely cutting loose at Alpine Meadows Resort, California, December 2022. pc @tavo.sadeg
Single Plank, Double Edges
Being sponsored by Jones Snowboards sure helps when it comes to choosing the right freeride snowboard. (Thank you, Jones Snowboards!) They’ve been an unquestioned leader and true innovator in snowboards since coming on the scene in 2010. Tavo’s been confidently riding with them for the past four or five years.
To my own surprise (thinking he would have a massive quiver of boards) Tavo reports using just one board day in and day out, as well as in competition, and that’s the Jones Ultra Mountain Twin at 157cm.
Tavo explains, “The Ultra Mountain Twin just does it all for me.” He loves the super stiff flex profile which helps him ride steep, gnarly terrain. He also likes the twin rocker profile which keeps him up on top and out of the fray. “This board just charges through choppy snow,” Tavo says passionately. And for Tavo, passion makes all the difference in his riding.
Tavo Sadeg hanging with his Jones Ultra Mountain Twin Snowboard (red). pc @martin.gomez
Official Ultra Mountain Twin description,
It’s designed for the expert freerider who likes to throw big tricks outside the terrain park. The Ultra Twin’s shape features blunt tips for reduced swing weight, Traction Tech edges to keep you locked in on firm snow and a 3D Contour Base that makes every turn more effortless. Balanced rocker in the tip and tail deliver serious float in pow, while camber underfoot gives the Ultra Mountain Twin snap and hold on hard pack. The Sintered 9900 base provides the speed boost you need to go big off any feature and the Flax/Basalt Power Stringers plus Ash Veneer topsheet provide the stability to stomp.
Jones Snowboarding Ultra Mountain Twin Snowboard, pc jonessnowboards
Then on occasion when it gets really deep, Tavo breaks out his other board, the Jones Ultra Flagship. With a full 10/10 stiffness and a massive board, it’s what keeps him floating all day long. Official Flagship description,
Built with Fusion Carbon construction, the Ultra Flagship features a 3D Contour Base 3.0, an Ash wood veneer topsheet plus multiple layers of carbon stringers that offer supreme stability at speed and eliminate chatter in rough snow. The Ultra Flagship’s tapered shape sinks the tail in pow for better float and quicker turns and the Traction Tech 3.0 edges deliver exceptional edge control. For supreme torsional response the Ultra Flagship’s Ultra Core has bamboo stringers along the edges, and for unmatched speed it’s built with our fastest Ultra Base that comes factory waxed with multiple wax types for better glide in variable snow temperatures.
Jones Snowboards Ultra Flagship Snowboard, pc jonessnowboards
Ferrari Steering
Jones may be his engine of choice, but thanks to performing with a Ferrari’s precision, NOW Drive Snowboard Bindings are what steer it. Using revolutionary and industry-standard Skatetech technology that transfers maximum power across a central kingpin Tavo has total confidence in how it delivers energy to his edges. (Tavo has also used Jones Mercury Snowboard Bindings in the past, but prefers the extra stiffness of the NOW Drives for those times when he likes to charge hard.)
Tavo Sadeg sharing a view of his NOW Drive snowboard bindings (red). pc @martin.gomez
NOW Drive snowboard bindings, pc now-snowboarding
Tavo’s been pairing his NOW Drive’s with a Jones Ultra Mountain Twin for four or five years and “couldn’t be happier.” Set with ff +15 and rf -12, he loves the confidence it gives him on the mountain. He gets to ride the way he wants to. The ultimate expression of freedom without limitations from his gear.
His board and bindings aren’t the only tools Tavo brings to the mountain. Tomorrow we’ll be back with a look at his boots of choice and see how he dresses for success on his “stomp days!” Be sure to check it out!
We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!