As every year, we are reporting on the new products from our PG partners at Ispo 2014. In the first part, we looked at detailed ski mountaineering pants, light and heavy down clothing, various PinTech bindings and backpacks and ski clothing for ski touring. In the second part, we present a selection of next year's new products from Dynafit, Flylow, Icebreaker, Salomon, Salewa and Uvex. Enjoy reading and looking forward to next winter...!
Denali Ski | Dynafit
It is no less than 30 years since the Austrian Fritz Barthel filed a patent application for the first frameless binding system. Dynafit was the first to recognize its importance for skiing and included the system in its product range optimized for climbing. In the meantime, however, Aschheim has also focused a lot of attention on downhill skiing. The Denali ski perfectly represents the compromise between the two. It is intended to play a pioneering role for a lightweight, stable and wide touring ski in its weight class. The ski was developed in collaboration with the International Mountain Guides Association and tested by 13 mountain guides on an expedition to Denali. The combination of weight, construction and material composition makes the ski the perfect companion for long ascents and descents. Its micro sidewall construction and the use of carbon struts in the strapping of the ski provide stiffness and ensure a smooth ride. The proven 3D carbon construction in the shovel is designed to optimize the ski's handling characteristics at a comparably low weight. In addition, the model is equipped with a rocker construction on the tip and tail, so that it is characterized by less self-steering behavior and high turning ability, especially in difficult terrain. The 184 cm long version weighs just 1390 g and has a sidecut of 132-99-117 mm. Here you can find more information about the Dynafit Denali ski from fall 2014...
Higgins jacket and Magnum pants | Flylow
The name was certainly chosen in reference to the legendary television series 'Magnum' from the 1980s. In contrast to the aristocratic Brit Jonathan Higgins and the always casually dressed Thomas Magnum, who often quarrelled 'like an old married couple', the two pieces of clothing are perfectly coordinated. Flylow is now also known to many Europeans for its loose freeride cuts and high functionality at affordable prices. With the Higgins jacket and Magnum trousers, they are now expanding their range with models optimized for ski touring. Weight optimization with the same functional performance - that was the premise behind the development. The result is a three-layer softshell combo that impresses with its weight (approx. 1.5 kg), full performance (20k water column) and low price (300 euros each). The combo scores further points thanks to its stretch fibers and its usual well thought-out functionality. There are again plenty of options for ventilation (underarm and inner and outer leg zippers) and stowing items (six pockets on the jacket, extra large pocket for a map on the thigh). Here's more information on the Higgins/Magnum combo from Flylow from fall 2014...
MerinoLOFT jackets | Icebreaker
Icebreaker from New Zealand no longer has to prove its sustainability and innovation in the production of the most natural garments possible. Nevertheless, the merino pioneer is once again setting new standards in terms of sustainable clothing and is now launching insulating jackets made from merino wool and recycled fabrics. The highlight: leftovers of the precious natural fiber from the production of other merino garments are used as filling material for the MerinoLOFT jackets. The water-repellent outer layer of the jackets is made from recycled polyester. The advantage over down: the merino wool fibers are still warm even when they are wet. This does not even apply to synthetic insulation material alternatives (Primaloft, Coreloft, etc.) and they do not need to hide from the two alternatives in terms of thermal performance. As with down, the loose, puffy composition of the wool in the chambers achieves a high thermal performance. Warmer than any merino wool item from Icebreaker has ever been. And with significantly less weight. In this way, mankind may yet manage to produce high-quality, functional garments made entirely from recycled and sustainable materials. We are excited to see what else comes from the New Zealanders. Here you will soon find more information about the Icebreaker MerinoLOFT jackets...
Motion Fit ski clothing | Salomon
The Motion Fit clothing was presented to the public for the first time at ISPO 2013 - previously limited to the ski sector. For the 2014/2015 season, the company is expanding the concept to a total of 55 models in all outdoor disciplines. The idea behind it is simple: every sport requires different body movements and clothing must be adapted accordingly. The experts have analyzed every activity of the arms, legs, shoulders, upper and lower body and determined the different movement patterns. More fabric is used in the key areas so that movement is not disturbed by the clothing. The Salomon Quest jacket and pants combo is currently being tested by PowderGuide and will be published soon. For the ski sector, there will be 22 different models with the Motion Fit concept from next fall. One of these is the Soulquest BC Gore-Tex® 3L jacket. The Motion Fit cut concept is mainly hidden in the back shoulder area. The developers have created more volume there without making the jacket look too big. The sleeves are ergonomically pre-shaped. Thanks to these features, the jacket fits perfectly - even when bending down and raising your arms. The hood, which can be pulled over the helmet, always moves with you and never restricts your view. Here you will find more information on Motion Fit clothing from Salomon from fall 2014...
Quick Screw | Salewa
In addition to new clothing (Alpine Life collection), innovatively lined sleeping bags and backpack revisions, this year Salewa presented a newly developed ice screw that combines screw, quickdraw, carabiner, tip protection and carrying device in one product. This also earned the ISPO Gold Award. Designed primarily for ice climbers and alpinists, of course, but sometimes also useful as a safety reserve for mountaineering or crevasse rescue. The Quick Screw is designed to make handling much easier - from removing it from the carrying device to screwing it in with the fold-out crank, everything can be done easily with a thick glove. The compact screw head also ensures that it can be ideally positioned. The most important thing, however, is the time saved with this solution. And as we all know, this can be crucial when climbing - or when rescuing from a crevasse. Here you will find more information on the Quick Screw ice screw from Salewa from fall 2014...
Snowstrike Variotronic | Uvex
Uvex also scooped an ISPO 2014 Gold Award for the new Snowstrike Variotronic ski goggles. These intelligent ski goggles will make changing light conditions while skiing a pleasure in the future. Where you used to have to slow down, you can continue to press the accelerator in the best visibility conditions. Perhaps Felix Neureuther is only so fast at the moment because he already uses this innovative technology in his ski goggles! The principle is simple: when the light gets dim, e.g. when you ski into the shade, the LCD lenses automatically switch from dark to light. Of course, it works the other way round too. The built-in photo sensor recognizes the changed light conditions immediately and the screen switches within a tenth of a second. The whole thing is supposed to work completely independently of temperature and speed. Those who prefer to decide for themselves can switch to manual mode, which can be changed at the touch of a button. The basic color can also be freely selected and changed between orange, blue, red or grey. We are looking forward to a practical test. Hopefully the Variotronic technology will also work in Sochi! Here you will find more information on Variotronic ski goggles from Uvex from fall 2014...