Partner News | Uvex, Blizzard, Tecnica Preview on Snow 2017

UVEX

UVEX is now also getting involved in the visor helmet market and presents the UVEX helmet 500 visor. The helmet shape and the mirrored visor look stylish and sporty at first glance. The foamed edge is designed to provide a seal and prevent draughts. The advantages of a visor helmet are obvious: they are extremely practical and the field of vision is huge. The disadvantages become apparent when you put them to the test: despite their stylish appearance, draughts and snow accumulation are a hindrance when powder skiing. For the average consumer on the slopes, however, a very recommendable and stylish piece.

Another innovation from UVEX is the variotronic goggle: a pair of goggles that automatically changes the lens tint at the touch of a button. Four viewing conditions can be adjusted in a tenth of a second. A 3-layer LCD system makes this possible. In combination with a wide field of vision, the goggle is not only a 4-in-1 goggle but also offers a true panoramic window. However, the battery life of 30 hours must be taken into account. The goggles can be charged via USB.

The fit of the UVEX helmets is also worth mentioning, especially for models with "octo technology", such as the two classics: JAKK and JIMM. The octo-system has 10 individual slats that automatically adapt to any head shape. We tested the JAKK+ helmet at Preview on Snow and were impressed by the fit, the beautiful design and the low weight.

Blizzard

The Austrian cult brand Blizzard has been part of the Tecnica Group for 10 years. Tecnica has now blossomed into an extended family and can also count Nordica, for example, among its daughters. The advantage of such a marriage is that sets can be offered - i.e. skis, bindings and boots from a single source - as veteran Thom Rakusha tells us. In general, the guys from Blizzard and Tecnica are very confident in their products and you can feel the passion behind the production.

Special feature of the Tecnica boots: Not only the W2 models but all models (e.g. MACH 1, men's model, 130 Flex) are available in 2 widths (100 mm and 98 mm) and can be individually adjusted thanks to the CAS system in the inner boot and in the shell. A boot fitting workshop was used to demonstrate how quickly the shoes can be adapted for a wider calf, a high instep or narrow ankles. The inner shoe and shell can be adjusted by heating (8 minutes at 80 degrees Celsius).

Since the shell has a flexible "crumple zone" at the back of the upper, it can be adjusted to the calf. Otherwise, the boots can be individually adjusted using a milling cutter or glue-in pads. Tecnica sales staff should be familiar with this service and are trained in this area.

The Cochise series, which is optimized for downhill performance, and the freetouring models from the Zero G series are also available to match the skis. Both Cochise and Zero G have an ascent function and inserts, but the Zero G models are significantly lighter. Here's our review of the Zero G Guide Pro for the 16/17 season