Featuring New Products for Winter- Descente, Seirus Innovation, Scott, Obermeyer, Sunice, KILLY, Eider, RAMP, Coal
West 31St. NYC
words/images Judith Ecochard
Most of the exhibitors at the recent media preview, the Big Apple version---from the snowsports industries...hail from Boulder, Aspen, Park City and San Diego...all places with a lot cooler than the 100 degrees steam cooker weather goin' on-on the outside.
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| From the World Cup collection the SWISS WC- Swiss team model worn by the Swiss Alpine Team-w/ four way stretch, Dermizax, Heat Riavi, Thinsulate, Critical taped seams, and D-Laser construction-with a comfortable face mask, Spine guard, double trunk pocket, breath ventilation,s leave cuff, D-laser wrist adjuster, side mirror window, coin/internal smartphone pocket, powder cuff, ear circulation, zipper poly deck. Look like a pro!!!! |
So we appreciated their sacrifice-venturing forth to the hot city---and since we never have enough time at the trade shows to see all brands we would like to...always count on some follow-up a few months later in the lower altitudes.
One label,
DESCENTE we always though was a Euro-chic brand-but actually was founded in 1935 by Osaka, Japan living Takeo Ishimoto- who conjured up the revolutionary stretch ski pants concept as outerwear for the mountain.
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| CANADA SKI CROSS- |
w/ four way stretch, Dermizax, Heat Riavi, 40 Heathflex insulation, Critical taped seams, and D-Laser construction-with a breath ventilation, quick wrist adjuster, side mirror window, coin/internal smartphone pocket, powder cuff
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| motocross ribbed details |
High tec functionality with fashion style still dominates the company MO...and we were really impressed with the number of exclusive Descente embedded features/fabrics...(Heat Navi® retains heat using solar energy, D-Laser -laser welding technology) ---as well as the company's use of other top-of-the-line textiles and construction techniques (Thinsulate insulation, Polartec,
Dermizax® -20,000mm waterproof/10,000mm breathability,
3d Sox™ Cooma Co.'s patent pending high performance sox, seam free
WholeGarment® knitwear, Muscle Support, Buhs in jacket hood storage system, critical or fully sealed and waterproof seams, Heatflex's 100/40--- 100% polyester synthetic that traps air-reflects body heat ---or Down high loft insulation) etc---in all of their winter outwear lines...whether for competition, everyday wear, or performance wear for highly athletic endeavors.
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| Platinum collection -Prism jacket a honeycomb print jacket with transparent zipper x-ray concept -made of Drnimax, matt 4way stretch, Heat Navi, Thinsulate insulation, sealed seams, Buhs, D-Laser and Super Sonic welded seams-comfortable face mask, goggle wiper, breath ventilation, sleeve cuff, quick wrist adjuster, powder cuff, coin pocket, internal pocket... |
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| close up-of cuff |
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| cozy warm interior neck collar-detachale too |
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Isabel-glam fashion meets function jacket-with built-in hood- Glamour Twill outer fabric, Dermizax performance, Down insulation, nice zipper details, pit zips, powder cuff, sleeve cuff, inner/outer pockets. Mid length fit-for on and off the slopes.
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FOR MORE DESCENTE looks...check out the runway show from our
prior review from Snow Magazine's media event.
www.descente.com
Jean-Claude Killy is France's legendary skier---who defined the fluidity of Olympic downhill skiing for us--- when we were barely able to walk.
His luxury ski apparel company has been refreshed and boasts the style and technical features (four way stretch, waterproof, taped seams, inner pockets)---worthy of any spot on the podium.
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| SPARTICUS JACKET |
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| waterproof/breathable Dermizax, Primaloft insulation, taped seams, |
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| Metallic zippers close shut-flap front with hidden magnets |
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| removable snow skirt with non-slip band |
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| Odyssée Jacket-gorgous, warmth without the bulk, high collar-chin guard, outer pockets with snazzy zipper details |
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| belt is removable---and without the belt loops so it looks finished |
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| love the gathered cuffs |
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| Ourea in white |
Inner layers are constructed with human motions in mind...with different fabrics used depending-more insulation, more stretch, more moisture wicking---areas...
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| jackets turned inside out...showing off different materials used .... |
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| Ourea Jacket---core warmth via Down-stretchy sides...pretty color |
Lafuma also brought the French company
EIDER...and showed a few snowsports apparel pieces.
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| LOVE-the Nunavut Down Skirt |
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| technically tough----nice zip details...in snowboard friendly jacket mde with GoreTex®...with zip pits, adjustable wrists, high collar/storm flap, powder skirt--- |
Street style for guys-this jacket is made of a very cool waterproof/breathable fabric, with hand cuffs, snap high collar, inner pockets etc...military details---make this ideal for city streets. Really well done.
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| Our top pick for spring ski season/hiking-weatherproof wool core in great plaid patterns-with stretchy side panels -moisture management par excellence. The red tags on the zippers are great color pops...attached hood with toggle closure. |
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other colors.
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Seirus Innovation is a company we can't believe we haven't run into at the Outdoor Retailer or SIA trade shows.
The lightbulb moment came when we read the bios of the two company founders---Joe Edwards and Mike Carey ---both guys independently inventing the Original Masque...a face mask out of neoprene...and Cat Tracks...the original thing-y patented slip-on- that we slipped on our ski boots for those walks across the parking lot...
respectively.
(FYI: Joe Edwards also owns Belter Cutting Technology and Mike Carey is an NFL official since 1988---wow!!!).
At this event they showed a smidgin of what the company sells (over 300 products)--- including the new for winter- Seirus "HeatTouch"-"the world's lightest weight, 100% waterproof, rechargeable, heated gloves and mittens," that warms the whole hand delivering 6 hours of 90 degree warmth (adjustable)...activated via a push button. Cool.
Other highlights...chemical free sun protective gear---as UV damage reflects off the snow, liners of all types-including many different styles of gloves, Dynamax-super warm, and headliners with flat seam construction, skull liners, and socks...AND winter headbands, Neck ups, hats, Quick Clavas (patented -change it up for face/neck/head only cover)---sewn in pull down warmth, Quick Draws-pull down face mask, Quick Danas-with sewn in SunDanas-keep the ears warm too, SnowDanas, ETC.
AND KIDS---masks and gloves...so FUN...!!!!!
We were fascinated by the number of patents Seirus Innovation has---including 12 active and 2 pending. The lawyers must be busy.
BIG for the technically plugged in are the massive collection of Seirus "SoundTouch" gloves---including the 100% waterproof touchscreen glove for kids---and various materials and levels of warmth with touchscreen capabilities- for larger humans. And
yes, the SoundTouch touchscreen pads are patent pending.
Solid and printed pattens---in addition to the usual black---make match match possibilities a reality...with prices starting at $10.99---and up---not a whole lot to keep one warm.
WHAT ELSE: Boot Dryers, Knee Braces, and a Super Padded Shorts-for shredders like us who are always wiping out. Ouch.
www.seirus.com
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| KYRA Insulated Stretch Jacket-WXTech™ DWR finish--nice piping details on sleeves |
When we told the
SUNICE® reps we had a SUNICE® jacket from the 80's...STILL---he commented that he gets that a lot...which is impressive in a way---for an affordable brand of outerwear, based out of Canada, founded in 1976...and still privately owned.
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| stretch print lining...Primaloft insulation 120g core, 100g sleeve |
We saw a bunch of items---technical performance pieces-in fun colors and prints..including the hot pink Ski de Luxe jacket-sophisticated in style but impressively performance tough-10,000mm/10,000mvt, 4 way stretch with Aquaguard™ laminate, Primaloft insulation, detachable and adjustable collar, internal waist drawcord, hand warmer and internal pockets, and cozy brushed tricot-lined collar and cuffs...
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| kids ...equally as protective performance |
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| Dahlia Insulated Jacket-fully seam sealed 20,000mm/20,mvt breathable Flexvent™ with 2100% stretch polyester, Primaloft™ insulation...adjustable powder skirt, adjustable hem drawcord, lycra cuffs with thumbholes, inside goggle cleaner w/MP3pocket, detachable and adjustable hood...DWR protection...nice color options too. |
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| Top of the line-the Vector Technical system with Gore-Tex®-waterproof/breathable, fully seam sealed, exposed waterproof zippers, underarm ventilation, detachable and adjustable hood, lycra cuff with thumbhole, adjustable hem drawcord, Primaloft insulation, laser construction...pictured above SUPRIMA Insulated jacket-gold metallic waterproof zips, adjustable pocket skirt with Sunice elastic gripper tape...and gold lycra cuff---NICE. |
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| KAYLEY PROTEK 3L Softshell Jacket, 5,000 mm/5,000mvt with DWR finish, printed fleece bonded backside, Sunice patented V collar, invisible hand pockets...w/wind water protection-perfect for Spring skiing and hiking...slick enough for the streets. |
With over 500 skis available-we wondered how the
COAL headwear reps decided which styles to display...
Originally from Portland, Oregon...Coal headwear woolen knit beanies have grown into a complete line of winter/summer hats in all styles...including the still popular knits beanies ---with pom poms. ear flaps, and brims...
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| This beeswax coated canvas---is water resistant---modern 5 paneled cap works in wet climes |
http://www.coalheadwear.com
We don't do board reviews till January---but
RAMP SNOWSPORTS (aka Riders Artists Musicians Projects) are made in Park City, Utah...a rarity in this biz...actually, a rarity in most businesses.
Sold directly to consumers...shipped in padded usable bags...the boards boast cool graphics...and the skis as well as the boards are made using vertically laminated wood cores -hand made using the best available laminates, bases, sidewalls and top materials.... from scratch
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And new=bamboo wood skis...a sustainable source of material.
http://www.rampsports.com/store/
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| Vintage inspired-Eskimo Kisses Sweater$9.50 |
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| Ske Jacket $300-great hardware belt, zippers, plenty of pockets on the vertical, but with outdoor needs in mind-the lycra cuffs, mix of materials that give the piece edge but function to keep the wearer warm and dry. NICE. |
OBERMEYER showed a selection of jackets mostly---and all were very stylish...and impressively tech savvy---made of the stretchy, waterproof/breathable materials mountain types need... with the design details that just makes a day out on the slopes...easier.
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| adjustable hem cord |
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| This will sell well-a paratrooper style-Mirabella Jacket $298-w/lycra cuffs, exposed zips, inner/outer pockets, removable faux fur trim on hood, fun snake print lining...in a weather tough apparel. |
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| Leighton Jacket-$298...buckle pocket detail, insulated with quilting detail on sides for ease of movement |
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| Genevieve Jacket $398-a techy piece-super warm -arm pocket for ski pass and other outer pockets with two fabric definitions, full motion articulated sleeves for movement |
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| powder skirt...mesh stash pockets, waist drawcord-keeps the snow out |
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| top of the line LoganCocona Jacket $498...waterproof/breathable, sealed seams, storm flap |
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| core warmth, powder skirt, inner pockets...cutting edge materials---in a fun color...also available in several other shades, including black. |
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| podium ready smile,..women's X GAMES CHAMPION Roz-G holding her and SCOTT designed signature goggle---pretty and hypoallergenic 3 layer ultra soft face foam, helmet compatible, No Fog™ anti-fog lens treatment, Air Control System for active lens venting, Spherical Scott OptiView Double Lens |
SCOTT Sports has a lot of products for summer and snow---and at this event the Roz-G Signature Off-Grid Goggle ($130) was front and center.
Featuring SCOTT's patented pending
FIT system...the Gizmodo key/cam device allows the user to adjust how the goggle fits around the nose and cheek area...a huge plus!!!!
ADDED PLUS: Proceeds of frame's sales are donated to
Right To Play...a non-profit "whose mission is to improve the lives of children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world by using the power of sport and play for development, health, and peace."
www.scott-sports.com
