Touted as the ‘World’s Largest Sports Trade Show,’ ISPO descended on Munich, Germany, last month. Here’s a peek at the next chapter in gear tech.
Europe’s largest stage for the latest in outdoor gear, ISPO, concluded last week. It showcases the latest items in outdoor, fitness, ski, and snowboarding. The show is a barometer of what we can expect to see in gear soon.
Here is a look at the gear that won the prestigious ISPO Product of the Year.
Korua Shapes: Tugboat
Like its namesake, the Tugboat snowboard boasts a broad nose, providing stability and float in deep powder. It carves groomers with aplomb, too; see below.
The deck sports an aggressive taper with a matching radius for greater stability and edging on groomers.
“I love this snowboard as a pure tool, the design is simple and superb,” said one juror.
Price: $475
More information: www.koruashapes.com
Tierra Products: Deterra Hood Anorak![Tierra Products: Deterra Hood Anorak ISPO product of the year](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 700 394"></svg>)
Tierra Products’ quilted hoody is the first insulated garment constructed entirely from bio-based materials, including castor beans.
Tencel, wool, corn, cotton, and corozo nuts are used in the jacket’s design. The company will use the Deterra as a launching point for future innovations in sustainable garments.
Price: $320
More information: www.tierra.com
NZero: 100% Eco Sustainable Waxes For Snow Sports
An alternative to the traditional petroleum based waxes, NZero brings a complete range of organic waxes to the market for snow sports. The 100-percent vegetable-based waxes suit a wide range of temperatures, from 0˚ to -30˚ F. NZero makes both liquid and solid waxes.
Price: $17
More information: www.nzerowax.com
Fimbulvetr: Tankr Snowshoe
Length, traction, versatility: It’s the holy trinity for snowshoes, made possible by Fimbulvetr’s hinge and rocker design. In addition to sporting clean Scandinavian lines, the Tankr provides exceptional float and agility. Plus it’s made from recycled thermoplastics.
Price: $320
More information: www.fimbulvetr.no
Bowflex: SelectTech 560 Dumbbells
Touted as the world’s first “smart” dumbbells, the Bowflex system syncs integrated sensors with smart devices to guide users through exercises.
It tracks reps, sets, calories burned, and other biometrics. The app comes with 70 step-by-step videos to create an integrated workout. Perhaps this is the evolution of the smartbell?
Price: $500
More information: www.bowflex.com
Scarpa: Rebel Tech OD
If the Fimbulvetr has the Holy Trinity, Scarpa must have the Holy Grail: A mountaineering boot that you can comfortably wear from the trail to the summit. Scarpa’s Rebel Tech OD provides the durability and support of a boot in a package that weighs near that of a trail shoe.
Price: $400
More information: www.scarpa.net
On: Cloudflash
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can dissipate. Small Pebax cushions adhere directly to the Cloudflash’s midsole, moving energy from strike to toe-off, propelling the runner forward. A hybrid sock liner supports the foot. A heel-cap cradles it for a secure fit. The lightest shoe in the On lineup, the Cloudflash is built for speed.
Price: $200
More information: www.on-running.com
Bootdoc: BD 3D Scanner Vandra
Skiers with hard-to-fit feet rejoice. Boot-doc partnered with Volumental to bring a volumetric foot scanner to market. Four scanners capture a 3D model of the foot in seconds. Arch, volume, and length data uploads to the cloud and is used by sales teams to find the best fit in seconds. Developers can also use the data to design a better-fitting boot.
More information: www.boot-doc.com
