Ski Press World Inc. - Index

Ski Press World Inc. - SIA Day 4 - Index

top trends/snowboard
THE WAR OVER WEIGHT, COMFORT AND STYLE CONTINUES
Snowboard bindings may be the most diffi cult pieces of
equipment for manufacturers to improve. The standard
binding design hasn’t changed signifi cantly over the last
15 years. Bindings usually are made up of highbacks,
baseplates, ratchets and straps, and the molds to produce
each of these parts cost thousands of dollars to develop,
requiring prototypes and design time, as well as extensive
testing before the parts are production ready.
That being said, snowboard companies have again invested
millions of dollars into making more convenient, lightweight,
comfortable and attractive bindings for the market.
While some of the improvements seem minor, the process
of improvement is major.
MORE CUSHION FOR THE PUSHIN’
In snowboarding, all the torque from turning a snowboard
is transferred from the boots, through the bindings, to the
board. Bindings are one of the most common causes of
pain for snowboarders, and binding brands have continually
sought ways to increase the comfort levels, without
sacrifi cing performance.
The big story with Burton’s bindings is the expansion of the
EST line — which replaces the traditional baseplate beneath
boots with an interchangeable cushioning system. Burton
will now offer four EST models as well as four separate
interchangeable cushioning systems so riders can dial in
their ride. Burton will also trickle down the under baseplate
dampening pads throughout the rest of its line.
The new SuperBED cushioning system featured on the
CO2 EST offers riders the ultimate combination of highperformance
response with full-foot cushioning for when
you throw down the landing gear.
Salomon is one of many companies that evolved their
straps for increased comfort. Just check out the new Chief
and Absolute Premium bindings. Salomon’s Relay bindings
offer a new MOB heel loop and 3D straps to reach
the highest level of comfort and performance available.
And, swing by the Bent Metal booth to prove its claims
that it has made its straps as cushy as ever in the pursuit of
increasing comfort levels.
CONVENIENCE
When the word “convenience” is mentioned in snowboarding,
the first brand that pops up is Flow, with its
unique rear-entry design. Flow calls this category the “speed
entry system.” With the launch of the M and Flite series
last season, as well as the NXT series the year before, the
company has completely redeveloped its line over the last
two seasons. With improvements like its I-Flex Powerstraps,
Locking MiniRACHET strap adjustment system, Magnesium
and forged aluminum baseplates, and water-dipped treated
graphics, the company now claims to be the number-two
binding brand sold worldwide.
Flow’s not alone in the speed-entry category as brands
like K2 and APO got into the game last year and will be
back this year with more offerings. There are others getting
into the rear-entry game this year, including Gnu for the
24 SNOWPRESS DAY 4 skipressworld.com/snowpress
fi rst time. They’ve been testing the design and say they’ve
developed a super-easy binding to get in and out of, but
it still performs and looks like a traditional binding. Stop
by for the super-secret details.
Rear-entry bindings are not the only ones being developed
to increase convenience. Ride has developed the
new ContraBand, an ultra-lightweight binding featuring
a revolutionary and minimalist strap design that eliminates
more than 20 percent of the weight of traditional bindings
by removing material from the toe strap.
By combining the new ContraBand technology featuring
the easy “one-touch” single ratchet system, with Ride’s
already lightweight FlexLite Highback, Ultra-Light Quick-
Draw Ratchets, LandLite Footbed and Forged Aluminum
Shift Disc, the ContraBand binding sets a new standard
for light and easy freestyle bindings.
WEIGHT LOSS
Someone once said, “Gravity sucks.” In snow boarding,
catching air and fi ghting gravity are as important as ever,
and binding brands are doing everything they can to cut
weight.
Burton will introduce the Ultra Capstrap, which can be
credited to the creative cobbling of Danny Davis. This
new and improved ultra-minimized Capstrap is both
lightweight and more versatile. Salomon’s new Transfer
Baseplate in the Authentic line is lighter, more streamlined
and anatomically correct.
COLOR ME ANYTHING
If you’ve already hit the slopes this season, you’ll see snowboarders
are rocking many different styles. This new-found
fashion craze isn’t lost in the binding market, with brands
taking colors, looks and shelf appeal to all-new levels.
Burton is coming out with a super Limited Edition (individually
numbered) Custom Yo! binding that features Mirror
Chrome and Mirror Gold. Also look for a glow-in-the-dark
paint on the new un…inc EST.
And who would have thought Playboy
images would fi t on a snowboarding
binding? Well leave it to Burton to
feature four classic images licensed
from Playboy, digitally printed on the
straps of its new Lo-back binding.
— JOHN STOUFFER
Ride Contraband
Burton CO2 EST
Flow NXT beauty
VOLVO — OFFICIAL CAR OF