What brand of snowblades, skiis or snowboards is better to buy?

What brand of snowblades, skiis, or snowboards should I buy?

• I'm looking to get some gear so that I can do some winter sports, but don't know the best brands that are out there. What brands do you think are the best?

• Answer:

  Most people are fanboys of a particular brand. For me, it Volkl. Since everyone has their own opinions, I usually give a different recommendation. Consider the properties of the ski. How flexible it is, the width, the design, the use. These properties will change the feel of the ski. Second, the best skis are made in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, and Spain. If you buy skis manufactured in one of those countries you should be good as far as brands. Note that the many popular manufactures also sell low end skis made in mass plants in countries like China. Those are the skis to avoid.