One of our partners, Black Diamond has just released information on their fall collection of ‘Efficient’ Skis and Boots.  While BD’s initial jump into the boot and ski market was focused primarily on force rather than finesse (hence the by-line ‘It’s all about the down’), they are reaching out not only to the European market, but the large population of US skiers that understand that sometimes ‘less is more’, particularly when it comes to weight on your feet for long tours.   While a couple of these skis are thinner skis from their previous line up (Guru and Stigma), I’m curious to see the reviews for their fatter early rise skis like the Drift or the women’s Starlet.  And of course, any company that makes a concerted effort to design women’s skis (especially backcountry skis) gets a thumbs up.  So we’ll see what the critics say about the new line up. . . maybe we’ll get a chance to ski them.