Note: Since this post when live, we’ve published two other gear recaps from SIA. You can find them by clicking
here and
here.
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to an inside look at the biggest snowsports tradeshow on Earth: the SIA Snow Show (SIA) in Denver, Colorado.
It’s here that just about every ski and snowboard brand gathers year after year to show off their latest and greatest products. And as the leading experts in ski gear, it’s our duty to browse each and every booth to find what you, the hard-working customer, will enjoy the most.
Below, browse a ton of photos and reviews of our favorite gear from day 1 at the show, all of which hits shelves this fall, in time for the 2017-18 season. Then, tune back in tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day… because this gear train is just getting started and you don’t want to miss a thing.
Hestra’s new Ergo Grip Incline Glove, targeted at folks who spend tons of time in the backcountry looking for something that’s both breathable and durable.
One of the many new stylish neckwarmers from Vermont-based Skida, as shown by the brand’s owner Corrine Prevot.
Rocky Mountain Underground’s new Core Pack, equipped with a ton of useful features, including a ski-carry system, helmet sling and stays made of unused ski core materials.
The Merino 250 Sport Pattern Hoody is brand-spankin’ new from Smartwool for ’17-18. The hood, shoulder and pockets are made of 56-percent merino wool and 44-percent DWR-treated polyester to achieve warmth, waterproofing and breathability. The inner layer is comprised of 100-percent merino wool for warmth, thermo-regulation and odor-resistance with a protective polyester overlay. Finally, perhaps best of all: it weights in at just under a pound, meaning it’s a great product for backcountry skiers or, simply those that don’t want to drag a ton of weight around.
Building on the success of the Line Miner—a new goggle from Oakley for the 2016-17 season—is the Fall Line. Introduced for ’17-18, this model rocks a similar style to the Line Miner, but boasts a larger field of view, much thanks to a rimless design and a big cylindrical lens. It utilizes Oakley’s highly-acclaimed Prizm lens, which increases color and contrast incredibly well, resulting in a more enjoyable skiing experience, no matter what the conditions are like. It’s sure to be a hit among consumers this fall.
Oakley unveiled its line of helmets last season and will build on the momentum they’ve gained over the past year, bringing back the Mod 5 as its premium offering. The Mod 5 comes in both a smaller and large brim option, allowing users to find the optimal fit with their particular goggle. The Mod 5 utilizes a hybrid construction that combines in-mold and ABS hard shell construction for a top-notch fusion of protection and weight savings, and it’s available with MIPS to further combat rotational blows. Those who are loyalists of the iconic Oakley brand and in the market for a premium helmet will chomp at the bit for the Mod 5.
A FREESKIER Editors’ Pick in 2016-17, the Dragon NFX2 has returned better than ever. This particular style—Chris Benchetler’s pro model—sports an epic design on its strap, created by the California-based pro skier himself; it’s sure to resonate with skiers far and wide who appreciate Benchetler’s smooth sking style and artistic sensibilities. Beyond the look, Dragon’s LUMALENS ensures optimal visual clarity through increased color and contrast, as well as reduced eye fatigue. Dragon’s anti-fog coating is also a whopping 200-percent stronger year-over-year, taking this already award-winning goggle to a whole ‘nother level.
SPIN is the big story from POC this coming season. Twelve silicone-injected pads inside the helmet protect against rotational impacts by shearing, or sliding, with the head during an impact situation. The Auric Backcountry SPIN, specifically (shown here), features an ABS shell, fortified by a multi-impact-resistant, expanded polypropylene liner as well as adjustable ventilation.
The Elsman boasts a tailored, long fit; 10K/5K waterproofing and breathability; 40g PrimaLoft BLACK ECO (crafted of 60 percent recycled post consumer polyester insulation) in the body and sleeves, and so much more. That’s a lot of bang for your buck when the MSRP is listed at just $200. Additional features include a Tafetta lining; two-way front zipper; media compatible chest pocket; mesh-lined pit zips; powder skirt; critically taped seams; stretch-mesh goggle pocket; inner storage pocket with headphone port, etc. For those who spend the majority of their days ripping around the frontside, the Elsman gets a Heisman.
A look inside of the aforementioned Elsman Jacket.
Seirus’ Heat Touch Hellfire Glove and Mitt are like products from the future. Via rechargeable batteries, they heat up with the press of a button, and can stay powered on for up to 12 hours at a time. Think ovens for your hands.
Consumers are always looking for more environmentally friendly products, and Phunkshun’s Aviator piece—the brand’s very first baselayer—goes above and beyond in that category. Touting REPREVE fabric made of recycled water bottles and handmade in Denver, this product (available for men and women) is also moisture-wicking, sports UPF 50-plus protection and odor control tech. It’s built to handle serious exertion but also keep you warm. It’s quite stylish, too, easy to sport off-hill without hesitation.
Armada’s new Tracer collection, comprised of four new freeride models that are sure to please the most avid of skiers.
K2’s innovations have always been driven by big-name, fan-favorite athletes—from Olympic racers like Spider Sabich and Phil and Steve Mahre to big-mountain pioneers like Shane McConkey, Doug Coombs and Seth Morrison. The technology and thinking behind the all-new Catamaran ski is no different. Living legends Pep Fujas and Sean Pettit worked hand-in-hand with K2’s engineers to produce this asymmetrical, 120-mm-waisted powder-snow-crushing machine. A longer effective inside edge yields increased stability and optimal float while a shorter effective edge on the outside aids in the maneuverability department. A double barrel fir-aspen core with a carbon braid keeps ‘em light yet strong and torsionally rigid, with plenty of pop and energy to boot. With wild minds like those of Fujas’ and Pettit’s behind the Catamaran, skiers will be sailing to high heaven once they click in, no doubt.
Faction’s new Candide line is looking seriously good.
Pret is introducing a sister helmet to the celebrated Cirque X, released last season, with the women’s-specific Corona X. The helmet is built with Pret’s VTT4 venting system, which utilizes six vents up top, four in the front and back and a switch that opens them or completely closes them, depending on conditions. The helmet features MIPS and is also built with polycarbonate sheets of differing sizes, placed in strategic locations, for incredible protection.
Ortovox’s new Ascent 30 Avabag is wildly impressive. You can test it out at home, opposed to other airbags that have a one-time pull setup, and it utilizes less than half of the parts as its older version. This means it weighs less, you can know it inside and out before an accident happens, and you’ll be as safe as possible in the backcountry.
Brand new for 2017-18 is the Ella goggle, a women’s-specific offering from Giro. The Ella is sleek and frameless. Its cylindrical ZEISS lens utilizes Vivid technology—Giro’s tech solution for providing enhanced contrast and definition. Premium venting at the top of the goggle further boosts the goal of clear vision, and an easy-to-use, magnetic quick-change lens system comes in handy when it’s time to swap lenses. Not to be overlooked, the style and feel of this product is super attractive and sure to please.
Scott has poured eight years worth of energy into its Punisher line and all of that experience in the field—along with feedback from retailers and consumers—has led to a brand new, insanely versatile offering in the line-up: Join us in welcoming the SCOTT Punisher 105. With a slimmed down waist (compared to the 110-mm-waisted iteration of years past) this ski is highly adept all across the frontside, through the crud and in the backcountry, too. Its full-length Elliptic wood core, unidirectional and triaxial carbon stringers and SCOTT’s 3Dimension sidecut combine for an ultra-stable, easy-to-turn ski sans bulk. In the words of Scott athlete and big-mountain aficionado Dane Tudor, it’s “the quiver killer.”
Scott is breaking the mold with its new touring boot line, featuring a hike mode mechanism on the front of the boot rather than the rear. The Power Bridge Tongue has a hook mechanism that releases it and offers a 60-degree range-of-motion when touring. Additionally, its carbon structure makes it lightweight yet stiffer for the downhill, and the minimalist three-buckle design also helps to trim excess fat. Tech inserts and interchangeable soles add to this touring boot’s versatility, too. It’ll certainly appeal to backcountry and hike-to enthusiasts that like to think outside of the box in regards to their gear.
Back by popular demand, this midlayer from Aspen-based Strafe has become a favorite among backcountry rippers and resort skiers alike. Eighty grams of Polartec Alpha insulation stands up to the coldest of days, supplemented by a tough, nylon micro rip-stop face fabric. Big pockets, a fleece-lined chin guard and a hem drawcord adjustment act as nice-to-have bonuses—attracting consumers who seek high-quality products to bring into the mountains.
There was no shortage of four-legged friends at the event.
No shortage at all.
Note: Like what you see? We have two more gear recaps from SIA that you can find by clicking
here and
here.
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