MAKE IT A GREAT YEAR ON YOUR GEAR: THE 2015-2016 PSIA-AASI SKI AND SNOWBOARD GUIDE
By Peter Kray
his is the golden age of ski and snowboard design – for every level of skier and rider. Lighter materials, including carbon, aspen, and channeled cores, as well as an increasingly fi ne-tuned use of rocker or early rise continue
T
to result in boards that are more versatile and maneuverable than ever before. T is new era of innovation benefi ts beginners, who are rewarded with products that make learning snowsports more intuitive and experiential, as well as top-level instructors looking to up their own game on the hill. By learning about the new tools of the trade you can off er more informed recommendations to guests seeking your equipment guidance and take the guesswork out of choosing your own rides for a successful season on snow.
PLAYFUL SKIS AND SURFY BOARDS “In the past, driving a hard-charging ski generally meant that the ski took more force to steer and was less nimble in order
to power through choppy snow and uneven terrain,” said K2 Inc. Global Marketing Director Mike Gutt. Gutt said the brand’s new “Konic
Technology” is based on redistributing higher-density, more stable materials to the perimeter of the ski for more control, while
placing lighter, more forgiving
materials near the center of the ski for ease of use. “For 2015-16 we’re using new technology to create hard-charging skis that are still playful, quick, and easy to turn,” he said. T at same sentiment is true in
snowboard design, where there is also a focus on building boards that are more “fun.” “T e top trend I see is in the infl ux
of ‘surfy’ or niche powder boards,” said Dale Rehberg, Flow Sports Inc. marketing director. “I think this is great as it opens peoples’ eyes to the fact that riding a more surfy shape is actually fun and, at times, easier. T e other trend I see is in the variety of diff erent nose and tail shapes being built, along with many diff erent types of board profi les.” In what has become an annual feature in the fall issue of 32 Degrees, the editorial staff asked PSIA-AASI’s equipment sponsors which products they would recommend to you and your fellow snow pros, both for teaching and when you’re enjoying your own time on the snow. Here are some of their top picks, as well as insight on the unique technology each company uses.
Blizzard Zero G
Blizzard Bodacious
BLIZZARD 58 | 32 DEGREES • FALL 2015
Blizzard Cochise
BLIZZARD Blizzard off ers new technologies that reduce the weight of the ski without sacrifi cing downhill performance. T e company’s 2015- 16 line features Carbon Flipcore with 90-degree directional carbon fi bers integrated into the
VIEW VIDEO
tiny.cc/bqf12x
Find out why PSIA-AASI’s Offi cial Suppliers love working with you and your fellow snow pros.
tip and tail in several all-mountain freeride models, and the new Zero G Collection with Carbon Drive, a unidirectional carbon frame construction. Key skis include the Zero G 95 (with tip/waist/tail dimensions of 128/95/11, in lengths of 164, 171, 178, and 185 centimeters), for all-mountain skiing and freeride Carbon Flipcore skis such as the Bodacious (138/118/127 in lengths of 177, 185, and 193 centimeters), and the Cochise (136/108/122 in lengths of 171,178, 185, and 192 centimeters). Also new this year, Blizzard is off ering pre-cut climbing skins for some skis, including the Zero G 85 and 95.
What this means for you: Flipcore is one of the hottest applications of “rocker” technology on the market. It makes skis easier to turn in any conditions without sacrifi cing control and stability.
What this means for your students: Easier turns with less eff ort.
BURTON Snowboard star Danny Davis tees off Burton’s new boards for the season with his Easy Livin’ line, off ering three diff erent shapes all built with a twin fl ex, trademarked “Flying V” bend, and a graphic from the Family Dog, one of Danny’s favorite bands. Also in boards, the Custom celebrates its 20th
anniversary this
year, with a twin fl ex, directional shape for all-mountain freeriding, and a camber bend. For women who like it extra fl exy, Burton
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124