This annual award highlights the most innovative products from the
boardriding industry, with a special focus on the winter
segment.
The Winners of the ispo Boardsports Awards 2011
Every
year, the ispo Boardsports Award honors the most innovative products
from the board riding segment with a special focus on winter sports. A
ten-person jury selected the most innovative products in the three
categories Hardgoods, Softgoods and Accessories to be honored with the
ispo Boardsports Award.
Category Hardgoods
Company: K2 Snowboarding
Product: Ufo Snowboardboot
Hall/Booth: A1.402/501
The Endo
Technology by K2 represents a completely new aspect of flex and boot
construction. The basic frame is an endoskeleton made of Urethane, responsible
for the boot’s flex characteristics. This eliminates additional outer materials
as flex components and their machining. The use of a one-piece cast Urethane
skeleton opens up completely new options in customizing the boot’s degree of
hardness. “One of the major problems
with snowboard boots was that over time the boot softened, resulting in a loss
of performance. The Ufo Boot by K2 Snowboarding promises to eliminate this
problem thanks to its so-called “Endo Technology”. The special construction
utilizes a Urethane shaft which makes it possible to accurately adjust boot
flex and increase the usable lifespan of the snowboard boot,” commented the
jury.
Category Softgoods
Company: Sole Technology Europe BV
Product: Thirtytwo Reppin Hoody including STI REPEL technology
Hall/Booth: A2.212
Sti Repel Technology
promises protection against liquids and dirt. The specially treated and coated
surface of the individual fibers repels liquids and dirt without compromising
the product’s comfort and breathability. Since Repel products do not need to be
washed as often they are also very eco-friendly. “Thirtytwo introduces the
first completely liquid- and dirt-repelling hoodies and jeans to the snowboard
market. The Sti Repel Technology offers this apparel segment a never before
seen technical function, yet remains true to the typical skate look preferred
by the Urban Snowboarding scene,” praised the jury.
Category Accessories
Company: TSG International AG
Product: Arctic Kraken Helmet
Hall/Booth: A1.400
TSG fine-tuned the technology of its Arctic Kraken helmet and launches a
ski and snowboard helmet for the winter season 2011/2012, distinguishing itself
thanks to high wear comfort and very good protection characteristics. The inner
shell was divided into pie shapes, creating eight individual sections cradling
the head yet providing enough play to adjust to individual head shapes. The
sections are no longer connected by elaborate spacers but with the help of an
injection-molded flexible synthetic strap. This provides the helmet with
additional flexibility and reduces weight. The jury listed the benefits
of this helmet as follows: “The TSG Arctic Kraken Helmet’s fully flexible inner
shell makes it possible to adjust the helmet to a variety of head shapes, which
is not possible with inflexible helmets. In addition to increased wear comfort
this system also increases the helmet’s degree of protection, as the energy of
an impact is distributed more evenly.”
The Winners of the ispo Boardsports Awards 2010
The snowboard industry has a lot of new products to offer for next season. Following in-depth evaluation the international jury selected those products which showed the highest degree of sustainable, user-friendly, and technical details.
As
flexible yet durable as bamboo in a wind storm – that is the idea
behind the
new construction concept of the K2 “Fastplant”
board. The multi-layer bonded bamboo core was inspired by skateboard
construction and is encased with fiberglass. This guarantees the
highest level
of stability – tested on hydraulic test rigs – and features
a five-year
warranty. Thanks to using this material mix as well as a rocker profile
K2 promises riders agile performance in park and terrain.
In addition, the new construction concept reduces its impact on the
environment: bamboo is a fast-growing resource which can be grown
without use
of pesticides and artificial irrigation.
When
you ride hard you’ll sweat – even your feet. In snowboard boots wet feet can
quickly become cold feet. DC Shoes decided to tackle this problem, and
integrated its “Aerotech Ventilation System” in the model “Status” for the
upcoming season. Ventilation channels are integrated into the lining and shell,
allowing condensation to be transported to the outside, yet moisture from the
outside cannot enter. DC Shoes guarantees dry and warm feet – even after the
hardest ride.
Sweet
Protection has completely redesigned its “Crusader” jacket to make it even
better for the adventures of snowboarders and Freeriders. 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro
Shell ensures the body stays warm and dry, as does the back ventilation system.
According to the manufacturer, the longer and wider cut not only makes riders
look cool, but provides effective protection against the cold for sensitive
areas of the lower back.
In
cooperation with Reco Instruments Zeal Optics developed a snow goggle with
integrated “Head Mounted Display” system. With the push of a button the rider
can call up data right in front of his/her eyes and like a jet pilot display
information such as speed, altitude, temperature, time, GPS location, and stop
watch. The jury considers the “Transcend Goggle” an excellent example of
applied “Wearable Technology” and selected it as the winner in the category
Accessories.
Gone
are the days when kids wore snow wear hand-me-downs. These days, parents look
for function and design in the winter apparel for their little ones. The “Blockkids”
jacket and pants from the “Die Stars von morgen” collection by Zimtstern is an
outfit which is not in any way second-rate to an adult ski suit. Designed for
8- to 14-year-olds, the collection wants to attract young boarders and skiers
with bright colors and large-scale prints, such as a star design. Technical
details such as powder cuff, water columns up to 10,000 mm, helmet compatible
hood, simple operation of zippers, and an MP3-player pocket will ensure that
kids are comfortable and have fun. Like all of Zimtstern’s products the
“Blockkids” combination is bluesign-certified. The jury believes that this
product satisfies all requirements of young snow sports fans.
The winners of the ispo Boardsports Awards 2009
This is the third time the most innovative board sports products were honored with a special award. An international jury of media representatives, retailers and independent industry experts examined the best products for winter 09/10 in five categories. The winners will be presented to the public at the board_ispo Shop Summit. More than 50 innovations from Europe as well as America and Asia were entered in the categories Hardware, Outerwear/ Technical Apparel, Safety Gear, Kid´s Products and Travel. Following in-depth evaluation the jury selected the following products:
Smart
innovations combined with function and high quality was the focus in the Hardware category. The winner is the
snowboard binding “Contraband Nitrane” by Ride Snowboards, which impressed the
jury the most. The binding offers a new single V-strap entry system with
increased comfort and optimal fit for snowboard boots. In addition, so-called “Wedgies”,
mounted on the bindings as a type of foot bed, provide additional support for
ankles and knees by balancing the position on the board, resulting in better
ride control and ideal energy transmission. This innovative product came to be
thanks to simple concepts, and also impresses with a stylish design.
In
the category technical apparel and outerwear the jury insisted on
functionality, quality and design. The coveted ispo Boardsports Award in the
category Outerwear went to Sessions. The Ignition Jacket Fatty Stripe not only distinguishes itself due to
elaborate design, but also thanks to its innovative features. The creators
integrated gloves made of water-resistant softshell material into the arms. The Breakaway Pants are water-resistant
snowboard pants with integrated first-layer pants. Since the first-layer pants
can be removed quickly by unzipping them, it is not necessary to find a
changing room when the weather becomes too warm – “Grip and Rip”! These great
ideas simplify life on and off-board.
The Travel Sleeper Hoodie by Burton
lets you forget travel stress. Neck pain is a thing of the past, thanks to an
inflatable neck pillow integrated into the hoodie. Bright light and noisy
environment? No problem, the hoodie also features a visor and earplugs hidden
in the hood. Of course, there are also clever pockets for passports and
tickets. Due to the combination of so many cool ideas this hoodie is by far the
most useful and travel-ready on the market.
The Safety segment has increased in
importance during the last few years. Steep, fast runs, huge jumps
and rides, yet also skiing or riding on ‘normal’ slopes increasingly requires
safety gear. The Prime Helmet by R.E.D. Helm combines protection,
comfort, user-friendliness, and a typical Burton
design in one. The variety of head sizes and shapes in particular require
creative solutions. Thanks to the Air Band Fit System, a pump mechanism, the
helmet can be adjusted to any head shape; a feature the jury considered an
especially valuable element.
The
jury most enjoyed reviewing the products entered in the category
Kid´s Products. All products proved
that the companies genuinely worked on concepts to entice children to
become
passionate snowboarders. Many of the entries were products with
innovative
advancements. In the end the jury decided on the K2 Grom Pack – a
kid-friendly snowboard set, offered ready to use
with binding and boots in a very stylish box. Now it is very easy to
find the
right gear for the little ones. The three components, board, binding
and boots
harmonize perfectly – the length of the board is dependent on the
shoe size and
simplifies the selection and helps parents decide on the right
equipments. The
board’s flex is dependent on the anatomy and skill level of the
child; the
one-strap binding system simplifies getting onto and off the board, and
three
adjustable insoles in the boot provide the perfect fit without
constantly
having to purchase new boots. Thanks to Boa Technology even the
youngest can
tie their boots themselves. The high level of quality and the practical
package
make it easy for retailers to promote this product to their customers.
“Kids
are our future” – this sentiment also applies for the board
sports industry. K2 transposed this message creatively and innovatively
–
and thus received the ispo Boardsports Award.
