In addition to the innovations in bindings, skis and snowboards and the new avalanche transceivers & Co (Part I), there are of course also a lot of other new products for the 2010/2010 season that should not be swept under the carpet here. New innovative safety standards for helmets, crazy color designs for freeride textiles and new glove concepts.
POC - MIPS: new helmet technology
The Swedish helmet and protector manufacturer POC is launching a promising new innovation in terms of safety standards for ski helmets for the coming winter season: the so-called MIPS technology, which was developed in the 'POC Labs' and in cooperation with the Karolinska Institute of Sweden, is designed to prevent serious brain damage after falls with a side impact to the head. An additional thin Teflon layer, which is incorporated between the two helmet shells, causes them to shift against each other in the event of a side impact and absorbs some of the forces. The MIPS technology will appear in many well-known manufacturers of sports helmets in the coming years, but next winter only in the POC helmets Cortex DH and Receptor Backcountry.
Arc'teryx - ISPO Outdoor Award for the Alpha SV Glove
The Canadians from North Vancouver, who have always been known for high-quality textiles, have won the ISPO Outdoor Award with a new innovation. The Arc'teryx Alpha SV Glove offers an unprecedentedly good anatomical fit and an outstanding, ingenious layering system. Gore-Tex® Pro Shell three-layer laminate and Lezanova leather form the outer skin, which is completed by a removable inner glove made of Polartec fleece. The fingertips remain seam-free thanks to the patented Tri-DEX cut system and ensure increased dexterity. The glove is currently being produced in a rather unconventional way: a skilled worker in Canada needs a whole working day just to make the outer glove - which is probably reflected in the price (230 euros). In addition to the glove, the quality and color extensions of the Arc'teryx White Line are certainly worth following with interest.
Norrøna - extension of the Narvik freeride series
Due to their extremely unique color concept, clothing from Norrøna has long been known and they have not only made a name for themselves in the freeride sector. Colorful overalls and high quality have become the Skandis trademark. The Norrøna freeride line Narvik will be expanded with new products for the coming season. The now longer cut Narvik down 750 Jacket is particularly noteworthy. The outer fabric is very hard-wearing and the driTM2 membrane combines the warming properties of down with a water and wind-repellent function. From the high-end Lofoten line, the new Naabi jumpsuit in the limited edition impresses with its experimental color design. The piece is made from a total of 45 individual Gore-Tex® Pro Shell parts bonded from the inside, which means that the buyer not only acquires an absolute in-product, but should also stay warm, dry and satisfied.
Scott - Reversible Jackets Revenge and Zuri
At the forefront when it comes to protection and goggles, Scott presents itself with interesting new and further developments. The new Roam helmet, for example, has a new ventilation system that is designed to prevent fogging and condensation in ski goggles (G-Vent System) and also to ensure more efficient air exchange on the head (Active-S Vent System) . Now there will also be a complete series of soft protectors and the technology of last year's ISPO Award winner, the Back Protector CRX, has been further refined so that it is now also available for women. For the stylers among freeriders, Scott has developed the Reversible Jackets Zuri (women) and Revenge (men). Equipped with the company's own DermizaxTM membrane, they can be quickly turned inside out after the tour and leave a good impression in the bar. But only if you haven't exhausted yourself too much on the ascent in the afternoon...
Salewa - New line: alpineXtrem Free Ski Mountaineering
The Salewa brand has long been a household name for mountain and outdoor enthusiasts. While the focus has so far been on classic mountain disciplines (climbing, mountaineering, hiking, ski touring), the Italians-by-choice are now also focusing on downhill-oriented ski tourers - or as they call it Free Ski Mountaineering. The Free Ski alpineXtrem team has been greatly expanded and renowned names such as Eva Walkner and Glen Plake have recently started riding for the emblem with the eagle. The two flagships of the new line are certainly the Albonaska 3-layer Powertex® Jacket and the Skeena 3-layer Powertex® Trousers for him and her. Sophisticated design with maximum functionality will be developed in close cooperation with the athletes in the future. The newly developed products are impressive in terms of both color and functionality, even if there is definitely still room for improvement. In addition to the backpack, telescopic pole and glove, the Vertical Powder hip belt stands out among the other products. The leg loops can be opened completely, making it very quick and easy to put on and take off over ski pants. It also impresses with its particularly small pack size and weight as well as a flexible rope attachment point, which should make handling the rope in walking terrain much easier. Recommended for all free ski mountaineers.
