Author: Anastasia Michael

A case for arrows; a bow mounted quiver may be a shoulder slung pouch or a complicated contraption with brackets and mechanical gizmos.

The hunting industry leans pretty heavily on gear that promises easy success. Some of these gadgets are necessary and can definitely help you fill your tags, but some of them simply won’t.

All-mountain skis are the jack of all trades, designed for skiers who enjoy practicing their carving skills in the morning before exploring the ungroomed realm in the afternoon. As such, they prioritize versatility with bigger sidecuts and more rocker than other skis on this list to make them easier to maneuver. These skis also often have a traditional profile with camber underfoot, but with rocker in the tip and tail to enhance floatation in powder snow and ease turn initiation on groomers.

Designed for intermediate to advanced skiers, these all-mountain skis are the most versatile in our test and ideal for skiing anywhere on the mountain. With a 92-millimeter waist width, the Experience naturally favors energized linked turns on machine-groomed snow and provides enough float for smears through chopped powder. But don’t let its playful, surfy nature fool you—this ski can hold its own on steep groomers and handles bumps like a champ. The stiff flex feels powerful underfoot for quick-turning carvers, while carbon tips and full vertical sidewalls add strength and edge grip when needed.

The only thing that can keep this ski from being the ultimate one-ski quiver is that it’s a bit too narrow to excel in deep, fresh powder. But that’s not a deal-breaker—it still floats in the pow and has plenty of speed to burn on the hardpack when conditions permit. Plus, a traditional camber profile and rocker in the tip and tail offer plenty of lift for smears through chop.

If you’re a more advanced skier who wants a solid all-mountain ski, consider the Salomon QST. This ski is slightly narrower than the Experience but boasts a similarly impressive profile that’s optimized for the most common ski terrain in North America and beyond. The 88-millimeter waist width makes it easier to maneuver in tight spots but still floats well in powder and offers more stability at high speeds on groomers than other skis with a wider waist.

Another option for expert skiers is the Volkl EVO 98 TI. This lightweight, full-wood core ski is a favorite among testers for its lively feel and versatile performance on any terrain. The 88-millimeter waist is a bit narrower than most other skis in our test, which makes it better suited for lighter, more maneuverable pilots. The camber underfoot and rocker in the tip and tail offer enough floatation for powder, while carbon tips lighten the swing weight for easy turning and full vertical sidewalls boost edge grip on hardpack.

All-Mountain Ski Boots

One of the most important pieces of gear you’ll ever own, ski boots are a vital link between your feet and your skis. With the right boots, you can ski anywhere on any conditions and perform at your best. Whether you’re going to huck off cliffs in Alaska or simply cruise on your favorite blue runs, there are all-mountain boots for you.

All-mountain ski boots are designed for most standard foot shapes and range in stiffness. For better skiers, experts recommend a stiffer boot with more resistance and responsiveness that can handle the stresses of aggressive skiing. For most recreational skiers, a medium-flex or soft boot is appropriate for any type of skiing on any terrain.

Most all-mountain boots come with a basic Intuition liner, which offers good support and comfort for most people. For additional customization and added warmth, consider a heat-moldable liner that’s shaped to fit your feet precisely. Heated insoles are also a great option to keep your feet toasty and warm from top to bottom.

If you’re planning on touring, an all-mountain boot with a ‘walk mode’ switch will allow you to flip a lever on the back of the cuff that releases a magnesium hinge point and allows for more ankle articulation while hiking uphill. This feature, which started out as a staple on alpine touring boots, is now showing up on more and more all-mountain models.

For those who want a more ‘on-piste’ boot, check out options that have a’ski mode’ switch instead of a walk mode. Tecnica’s 4-Quattro XT, for example, is a light and powerful all-mountain boot that weighs just under four pounds per pair. Testers loved its downhill performance and praised the boot’s ability to ski anything from resort lifts to backcountry randonnee tours. Its’ski mode’ isn’t as flexible, however, so this boot isn’t for the most aggressive skiers.

If you’re new to touring, look for a boot with a medium-flex or stiffer, which will allow you to make more dynamic turns than soft boots and give you the confidence to ski steeps. Intermediate skiers should aim for a flex in the 110 to 130 range, which will provide a good balance of response and resistance. Advanced and expert skiers should opt for a higher flex in the 120 to 130 range, which will offer more power transfer and responsiveness.

All-Mountain Ski Poles

The vast majority of ski poles are built with straps that wrap around your wrist, making them easy to hold and a vital safety feature. While most of these straps are simple bits of adjustable nylon webbing, some brands incorporate added features like a super-secure fit or the ability to detach from the pole in the event of a fall. These extra features may not be essential for everyone, but they’re nice to have if you ski aggressively or are concerned about falling and breaking your poles.

The shaft diameter on ski poles is another factor that can impact both weight and durability. Poles with a smaller diameter can be lighter, but also less durable as they’re more prone to bending. The size of your hands and preferences will ultimately determine which poles are best for you.

All-mountain ski poles are typically made of either aluminum or carbon fiber with an aluminum/carbon hybrid design being a popular choice for backcountry use as it strikes a good balance between weight and durability. While carbon is incredibly lightweight, it is a bit more prone to bending or even snapping than aluminum. This can be an issue for those who ski off-piste or often encounter obstacles like rocks and trees.

Aside from the material of a pole, other important factors to consider are grips, baskets, and adjustment range. Grip materials range from plastic to rubber, with some models featuring dual-density foam inside for hand comfort. The length of a grip is also something to consider, with longer designs being best for those who enjoy sidehilling or traversing difficult terrain.

Baskets can make a significant difference in how well a ski pole performs. Larger, deeper baskets are ideal for powder and can help you navigate tricky terrain like mogul fields while more compact, narrower baskets work great in groomed conditions. Some models of ski poles also feature adjustable baskets for changing the direction of the basket as you’re skiing, which can be helpful if you frequently switch between terrain types.

Adjustment range is also important, with a short adjustment spectrum being better for casual resort skiers while an extended adjustability range is better for those who ski off-piste and/or in the backcountry. Most of the models on our list include a decent amount of adjustability, with the exception of Black Crows Meta, which has a fixed-length design and only allows for adjustments from 110-135 centimeters.

All-Mountain Ski Bindings

When it comes to ski bindings, most people agree that you can’t go wrong with a quality pair. They must be secure, transfer power well and hold up to a lot of abuse. But there are so many options that it can be difficult to choose the right ones.

The most important feature of a ski binding is its ability to release properly in the event of a forward fall. When you take a hard spill, the heel piece, which attaches your boots to the rest of the binding, should open and allow the boot to slide out vertically rather than horizontally, which can damage or dislocate your knees.

In order to accomplish this, a heel piece has to be able to twist and rotate with the small shifts in boot position that occur when you ski. It also needs to be able to release the boot with enough force when a skier falls from high or is thrown forward from a fall or ragdolls. This is why it’s a good idea to have a DIN setting, which is a measurement of the amount of force needed to open and release the heel piece.

A great all-mountain binding, like the Marker Griffon 13 ID or the Salomon STH2, is designed to handle both frontside and backside skiing on groomers, powder, trees, bumps and steeps. These bindings offer a DIN range of 4-13, solid feel and power transfer, good durability and a wide variety of colorways.

For those looking for a little more versatility, we recommend checking out Look’s Pivot 15-DIN or the new Cast Freetour Pivot, which combines an alpine binding with a touring toe. This allows you to swap out the alpine binding at the top of the run for the touring toe on the descent, giving you the best of both worlds.

If you’re a powder hound who loves to ski all over the mountain on a day-to-day basis and isn’t afraid of some light backcountry travel, we would suggest adding a touring setup with a telemark or cable telemark toe, which is a less expensive and much less efficient option than a tech toe. This will give you the ability to tour on your favorite alpine skis while keeping up with your buddies on the groomers and in the park.

Unveiling the Trade: Inside the World of Plumbing

April 15, 2024

Anastasia Michael

Plumbing No Comments

Plumbers are tradespeople who specialize in installing and maintaining systems that provide potable water, hot-water production, sewage, and drainage. They also work to ensure that these systems meet building codes and regulations. Contact Plumber Woodland Hills for professional expertise.

If you encounter a sewage backup, take immediate action to prevent contamination and protect your health. Here are some important things you should know about sewage backups:

Plumbing inspections are typically performed on a residential basis but can be done on commercial properties as well. They usually involve a thorough examination of all accessible pipes, fixtures and appliances in order to determine their condition and identify any issues that need repair or replacement. This type of assessment is very useful before purchasing a property as it can reveal potential problems that may not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye. It also helps homeowners budget for future repairs and can provide peace of mind that their homes are safe and sound.

During an inspection, plumbers look for water leaks, signs of corrosion, rust in the water and more. Leaks and other problems can lead to flooding, rotting in the basement or foundation, water damage to furnishings and walls and foul odors. If these issues are not addressed promptly, they can result in costly repairs and replacements later on. Regular plumbing inspections can help to reduce these costs by identifying issues before they become severe.

The plumber will check the water supply lines, both the main ones and the branch ones that lead to individual fixtures. They will look for signs of leaking, corroding or broken pipes, as well as ensure that the water pressure is within the recommended range. In addition, the plumber will evaluate all drain pipes, p-traps and overflow drains for clogs, adequacy of pipe slope and proper venting. The plumber will also check all sinks, faucets, showerheads, toilets and other fixtures for leaks, damage and fitting conditions. They will also assess the hot water heater to see its age, performance and safety features.

The plumber will note the location of all shut-off valves and assess whether they are working properly. He or she will also inspect outdoor hose bibs and the condition of the sewer line. If any part of the plumbing system is not functioning as it should, the plumber will make recommendations based on the inspection findings. This could include recommending repair or replacement options, providing estimates for the work and preparing an inspection report for the customer.

Root Cutting

Root intrusion is one of the biggest challenges in sewer line maintenance. If unchecked, it can destroy the entire system, costing homeowners thousands of dollars to repair or replace. To minimize this danger, plumbers use a variety of methods to cut away the roots. These methods include drain snakes with cutting heads, nozzles, and cable machines, as well as hydro jetting.

Regardless of the method, it is important to expose the root and then cut it so that it can no longer support the tree. It is also important to remove the damaged part of the pipe. Leaving the root in the pipe can lead to further damage and clogs. Once the root is removed, it can be replaced with a new piece of pipe.

A professional can help identify the cause of the problem by using a sewer camera inspection. This allows the plumber to find the location of the root and determine how severe the damage is. It is also possible to use chemical treatments to kill the roots. This may be sufficient for minor problems, but in many cases the roots will grow back and block the pipes again.

For serious blockages, it is often best to use mechanical cutting tools such as cutters and nozzles. These tools have a head that adjusts to fit the inside diameter of the pipe and cuts out the roots. They can be used to clear out even the most stubborn blockages, although they are less effective against a root that is growing deep into the pipe.

Another option for removing roots is to use a chemical solution such as RootX. This is a product that is inserted into the pipe and is a much quicker option than mechanical root cutting. However, it is important to note that the roots will grow back unless the pipe is properly repaired.

The best way to prevent root invasions is to perform routine maintenance and inspections of the pipes. It is also helpful to plant trees that are less aggressive in their growth and to install root barriers around the base of any trees on your property. These barriers will direct the roots to other areas where they can thrive and will prevent them from damaging your pipes.

Descaling

Limescale is a hard deposit that builds up within your pipes, gradually reducing their diameter and restricting water flow. It can also cause other problems, from poor shower experiences to longer dishwasher or water heater run times. Regular descaling by plumbing professionals prevents these issues and extends the lifespan of your pipes.

To perform a proper descaling, plumbers start by conducting a detailed assessment of your plumbing system. This helps them understand the severity of the build-up, and enables them to select the most suitable method for your case. This process typically involves using specialized chemicals or tools. In addition, the plumber will take safety precautions and use a thorough rinsing and cleaning procedure to ensure the best results.

The most common methods of pipe descaling are hydro jetting and chemical descaling. In the former, a plumber blasts a jet of highly-pressurized water through your pipes, which breaks up and washes away the build-up. If necessary, a plumber may attach a special descaling nozzle to the hydro-jet. This nozzle has a chain attached to it, which rotates when pressurized water flows through it. The force of the water scrubbing the chain removes accumulated mineral deposits, restoring the integrity of your pipes and enabling free-flowing water.

In the latter case, a plumber uses a specialized acidic solution to break up and wash away the accumulated minerals. This method is ideally suited for situations where the scale build-up is not as severe, or where there is a risk of damage to your pipes from hydro jetting. It also works well in cases where the piping is not used for potable water.

Keeping your sewer lines clear of accumulated limescale is vital for ensuring quality water, preventing costly emergency repairs, and prolonging the lifespan of your plumbing system. Regular descaling by qualified plumbing experts is a cost-effective and non-invasive way to achieve these benefits.

Snaking

Plumbers use a variety of tools and devices to dislodge and chop up stubborn clogs. They also use these tools to clean drains and pipes. Plumbers may also perform this work in commercial and industrial settings. Some examples of these settings include offices, schools, hospitals, factories, and power plants. Plumbers in these environments typically work with a team of other construction professionals to ensure that plumbing systems are effectively integrated into the overall building design.

In addition to their mechanical skills, plumbers must have strong customer service skills in order to understand and address customers’ concerns. This requires active listening and the ability to provide advice and recommendations on plumbing solutions. It also involves explaining the nature of the job and its related costs to customers.

Because plumbing is often performed in tight spaces, it requires physical strength and stamina as well as manual dexterity to maneuver small parts and tools. Plumbers must also be able to lift heavy equipment and spend long periods of time on their feet. This type of work can be stressful, especially when dealing with emergency situations.

While some plumbers work independently, most learn the trade through an apprenticeship program. These programs last between four and five years and combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. In addition to learning about local codes and regulations, apprentices must also pass an exam to become licensed plumbers.

How an Electrician Can Help in Your Home

November 21, 2023

Anastasia Michael

Electrician No Comments

Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Their work helps make our lives and jobs easier, safer, and more comfortable.

To be a successful electrician, it’s essential to understand how your brain works best and what kind of learning style you have. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you focus when studying for your journeyman electrician license exam. Contact Ampi Electric Inc. for professional help.

Many homes have electrical systems that are outdated and not up to modern standards. Today’s homes require more power for electronic devices, at-home entertainment, and appliances. If you’re experiencing flickering lights, tripped switches or discolored outlets, it may be time for an upgrade. An electrician can help you find the right electrical upgrades to improve safety, energy efficiency, and overall home comfort.

The most important part of your home’s electrical system is the panel. It’s where the fuses or circuit breakers are located and distributes the electricity throughout the house. A residential electrical panel upgrade (also known as a “heavy up”) allows your home to have more breaker space and capacity, ensuring that it can handle the demands of your appliances.

An electrical panel upgrade can also replace older fuses or breakers that are antiquated, damaged or dangerous. This can help protect your home from a potentially deadly fire caused by overheating. Having an updated electrical panel can also be a selling point if you decide to sell your home in the future.

Many older homes have faulty wiring that can cause overheating and even fires. This can be a serious problem, especially if you have children or pets that live in the home. An electrician can inspect your home and install new copper connectors at receptacles to prevent tripping or overheating.

Switches

Switches are manually operated electromechanical devices with one or more sets of electrical contacts, which connect external circuits. They can be either “closed” (the contact points touch and electricity flows between them) or “open” (the contacts separate and the switch is nonconducting). Switches are available in many shapes and sizes, including stand-alone units intended to sit on a desktop or in a wiring closet; rack-mounted switches for use in a cabinet, rack or enclosure; and panel mounted switches for mounting into a floor box or cable duct.

Most switches are designed to control 120-volt household circuits, and are commonly referred to as single-pole, single-throw (SPST), because they have only two terminals that can be connected to or disconnected from each other. They are usually made of a metal such as silver or copper for electrical conductivity, hardness and resistance to corrosion. The contact surfaces are plated with noble metals to resist the formation of insulating oxide layers. To ensure the integrity of the contact surface, they may be wiped by a wiper blade or coated with an insulating plastic.

Some switches can also be used to control high-powered circuits such as AC motors. These are usually rated at higher horsepower (HP) ratings and have additional safety features such as a reduced wetting current to prevent overheating of the contact material.

The type of switch you need will depend on how it will be used, and the wiring that is already in place. Light switches, for example, can be either power-through switches or end-line switches. Power comes into the switch box from the service panel through a neutral white line and is fed into the fixture through a hot black wire. Power-through switches are the simplest to wire. End-line switches are usually more complicated, and work in pairs to control a light or appliance from two different wall locations.

Outlets

It’s important for you to know about the different types of electrical outlets in your home so you can make sure they’re all up to code and serving their purpose. Outlets can be used for more than just plugging electronics into; they can also serve as a safety measure in the event of an accident.

Two-prong outlets, while still commonly found in older houses, are almost non-existent in new homes because they lack the safety feature of a grounding wire. This can lead to a higher risk of electric shock, especially for children, which can be very dangerous. It’s highly recommended that you replace any existing 2-prong outlets with 3-prong ones, and have an electrician handle the wiring for newer, safer outlets.

GFCI outlets are designed for areas where you’ll be using appliances near water, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, basements, and outdoor areas. They’re usually required for locations within 6 horizontal feet of a sink basin. AFCI outlets are designed to help prevent fires by identifying unsafe electrical conditions (like wires that are touching, overheating, or exposed) and turning off the power before they cause an accident.

Before you start any work on your outlets, make sure the power is completely OFF by shutting off your circuit breaker or flipping the switch in your service panel. Next, use a multimeter set to ohms to test the voltage on one of your outlets. If it reads anywhere between zero and 120 volts, the outlet is safe. If the volts are significantly higher than 120, it’s time to call an electrician to replace the outlet. You should also check that the breaker box isn’t currently on, either by turning it off with a switch or by removing the cover and using a stud finder to confirm no live power exists inside.

Light Fixtures

Whether you’re looking to change a light fixture for an upgrade or just because you like the new look, an electrician can help. While changing a light fixture is a project that many DIYers can tackle, wiring work is involved and should only be done by a qualified electrician.

First, locate your home’s circuit panel and switch off power for the circuit where the old light fixture is located. You can also use a voltage tester to verify that the electricity is no longer flowing to the light fixture.

Next, you’ll need to remove the existing fixture. This is typically as simple as unscrewing the canopy (rounded piece) from your ceiling. This will reveal the wires that connect to your ceiling. The black and white wires will be connected together with a red wire connector cap, which you’ll want to remove. Using a wire stripper, remove the plastic from each end of each fixture wire to expose the copper core. Then, you can connect the bare copper wires to their corresponding wires in your ceiling by wrapping them around each other and then twisting together. The grounding wire, which is green, will either connect to a screw on the ceiling’s grounding bar or you can install a dedicated copper wire coming from your junction box in the ceiling.

Most light fixtures come with instructions that will guide you through the process. Follow these instructions, paying attention to any special requirements for your specific light fixture. It’s best to have another person on hand, especially if the fixture is heavy or difficult to move. Once the new light fixture is mounted, it’s time to connect the wires.

Wiring

A lot of knowledge goes into being a professional electrician. For the homeowner looking to take on a DIY project, understanding electrical wiring is an essential part of the process. This includes understanding the different types of wire, common coding and sizing, and creating an electrical wiring diagram before starting any projects.

Wires are pieces of metal that transport electricity. They are a key component to every electronic device, from the circuit board inside your computer to the electrical transmission lines that carry electricity hundreds of kilometers. While there are many different kinds of wires, the most important thing to remember is that they must always be protected from abrasion, water, and other damage. This is why all wires are insulated.

Most electrical wiring in homes is non-metallic conduit (NM). NM cable consists of an outer sheathing or jacket that houses inner copper wires. The sheathing is usually green, black, red or white to make it easy to identify the purpose of each wire. For example, black wires (also referred to as hot wires) carry live electric current from the service panel to outlets and light switches throughout the home. Red and blue wires are used for ground connections.

There are also some types of surface conduit wiring. This type of wiring has holes drilled in the wall or ceiling, and then pipes or steel conduit is run through these holes. This system is more difficult to work with than NM cable, and it isn’t as safe as a properly installed GFCI.

The other thing to consider when choosing the right wire for your needs is the gauge. Larger wires have thicker insulation than smaller ones. Additionally, the material the wire is made from is an important consideration. For example, copper conducts electricity well, but it can be expensive. That’s why some people use aluminum or copper-clad aluminum wire instead.

The Best Bow Mounted Quiver