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Buyers Guide 09
08/09 Buyers Guide
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| A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I,J,K,L,M,N,O,P,Q,R,S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z |
| Board Charts | Binding Charts | Boot Charts
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5150
5150 rolls out a full range of product for all skill levels at price points that will give you more money to spend on lift tickets and gear. An expanded women’s line complements the brand for ’09.
Biggest news? 5150’s big news is the expansion of its adult twin-tip board choices from one model to five. Twin offerings include three adult boards, one wide board and one women’s board.
Highlights? This year, 5150 announces the addition of Boa lacing to its popular Legion model boot and also to the Dynasty women’s boot.
Female-specific product? 5150 has got the ladies covered with the Empress series, plus the Velour, Amethyst and Dynasty. Our women’s boards feature softer flex and narrowed sidecut, and our boots are built on a women-specific last for ultimate comfort and performance. Stylish board, boot and binding colours match up, so you’ll look as great as you ride.
APO
With a wide range of boards and bindings along with an impressive team of Canadian shredders, APO is ready to shake things up for 2009. The Expresso binding continues to make getting in and out of your board a quick, hassle-free experience.
Biggest news? Our new board line, Yeah, is designed to shred the park and not the wallet. Its smooth flex will delight butter and jib lovers and is available in 153, 155 mid-wide and 159 cm.
New Technology?We’ve been developing a new wood core thickness called Extended Flex. The core has a bigger dip in thickness between the inserts to make the board more manoeuvrable while maintaining its stability at high speed. We’ve also been developing two new carbon systems, the I-Pop and the D-Pop. Both of these processes provide more power, snap and response to the board because of the two carbon crosses between tip or tail and the
inserts. The Team and BCK bindings offer the technology of conventional and rear-entry bindings. Both have two independent straps with ratchets and are as comfortable, customizable and precise as a normal binding. As a rear-entry binding, the toe strap blocks your boot in the right place. Once you set up the binding, you have unparalleled speed in one simple movement. You only need to lift up the lever behind the highback. No need to tighten it again—it’s self-tightening.
ARBOR
While the green-friendly trend across the snowboard industry is hot right now, Arbor has been committed to environmental conservation and restoration for years. Its 2008-09 line is no different, Arbor producing high-quality boards that contain environmentally sustainable wood like bamboo.
Highlights? The Wasteland has five inlaid woods creating the skull graphic. The Westmark is a great collaboration series with Rogue Status. Both boards have unique, advanced cores including bamboo, diamond wood and cork—unlike anyone else in the industry.
New Technology? We use environmentally friendly, natural materials to improve the performance of all our boards (our ECO Technologies). We use materials in our cores unlike anyone in the industry. Instead of carbon fibre in some boards, we have substituted bamboo for a
livelier ride and a longer life (Westmark and Coda). In the Crossbow we use diamond wood (the hardest wood on Earth) on the core edge, inside the sidewall to improve stability in all terrain and at high speeds. To offset chatter, we use cork stringers tip-to-tail. Our paulownia-aspen blended wood cores allow us to use a strong but light wood (paulownia has a strength like aspen and is light like balsa). Our natural-material topsheets (wood and bamboo veneer) give unmatched strength and longevity. The natural, porous fibres of wood and bamboo help to lock in the resin and create an incredible bond to the wood core unlike traditional plastic tops.
ARTEC
The 2008-09 season sees Artec emerging from Elan as a core high-tech line of product. Artec represents the fusion of art and technology with the intent to create the most advanced snowboards ever builty.
Biggest news? The launch of Artec as a self-standing brand on the snowboard market.
Highlights?The Figment is the most advanced freestyle snowboard in the world. Featuring an asymmetrical Omega sidecut, a blunt tip and tail, and built using the market’s most advanced components, the Figment was created to take freestyle snowboarding to new dimensions.
New Technology? Artec features the award-winning patented Omega sidecut on our Figment and Phenom models. This super-advanced snowboard design removes the wide areas of the tip and tail that can cause catches and hang-ups between turns and while riding flat base. The result is added control, stability and confidence for freestyle riders. Artec also features the most advanced materials and components available for board building, such as multi-density composite sidewalls, carbon fibre reinforcements, ultra-high-density base materials and the finest wood cores. All Artec boards are built in Austria, in the most state-of-the-art production facility in the world.
ATOMIC
Going into its seventh year, Atomic continues to impress with new technology throughout its line. A limited release of product called The Others will be available in selected retailers.
Biggest news? Thanks to a relentless R and D process and the progressive imagination of riders around the world, combined with the reality of trading desk-jockey days for pow days.
Highlights? This year we’re offering a newly designed binding range built from the ground up. Here’s the shortlist: Anatomic Nano Frame highbacks, Magnesium heelcups, custom Elite Boa toe straps, custom Elite ultra-light ankle and toe straps. Just like our bindings, boot design has been an ongoing R and D commitment. New lasts and liners are just the beginning, while the tech found on the Tremor Boa Delta will revolutionize the perception of Boa technology and fit. Our boards have won
so many awards because they ride well, period.
New Technology? The brand-new El Presidente binding comes with our custom Elite Boa toe strap. The Boa offers convenience but also uncompromised fit since the independent Boa cable cradles the toe. Our new Tremor Boa Delta (for men) and Glamor Boa Delta (for ladies) is a refreshing revolution. The Boa reel has been repositioned at the ankle to provide incredible ankle and heel fit while minimizing re-tensioning throughout the day.
BATALEON
You know how they say there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow guarded by a leprechaun? Well, Bataleon feels like that leprechaun, and its Triple Base Technology (TBT) is the pot of gold.
Biggest news?All of our boards are not flat. We came up with a technology that we thought would be better for snowboarding. So we put it on all our boards: each model, each length and each price category. That’s showing commitment to a new technology.
Highlights?The most exiting thing about our product was, is and will always be the Triple Base Technology. It is on all our boards because it makes you stick more jumps and make snowboarding more fun.
New Technology? We don’t need any new technology. With TBT built into every board, a rider will notice he or she is riding with more confidence because the board almost instinctively follows the riders cue. So you will stick more jumps, you will ride pipe better, your turns will be smooth, your edge-to-edge transitions will be faster than you thought possible, buttering was never so easy, and you will catch your edge less. TBT is so good, it’s hard to believe. All we can say is, just try it.
BURTON
Burton rolls out its most diverse and tech line in its 30-year history. Due to popular demand, the EST/ICS binding-to-board interface is expanded even deeper into the line for the new year.
Biggest news? Last year, Burton offered two EST binding models and six snowboards with the Infinite Channel System. This tech is so revolutionary and riders are so impressed with it that for 2009 Burton expands EST and ICS technology to 27 board models and seven EST binding models. Burton completely revamps its youth line by introducing the Minishred collection. Gone are the days of little kids having two options: start on skis or stick to sledding. Rethinking its entire youth board, boot and binding line, Burton set out to develop entirely new constructions and features to revolutionize the way kids learn to ride.
Highlights? The Fix rides like you just popped the park’s ultimate performance-enhancing pill. In women’s boards, the Blender perfectly mixes the latest park tech into a soft-flexing, true twin shape that makes learning and mastering tricks fast and fun. Combining ghost weight with cushioning and control, the CO2 EST men’s binding is the ultimate magic carpet ride. Stomp new ground on any jump, jib, bonk or tranny with the Escapade EST’s revolutionary blend of cushioning, board feel and comfort. The new Jeremy Jones boot is built to his exact specs and will slay all aspects of freestyle riding. The Axel women’s boot is your best bet for full-throttle freestyle.
CAPITA
Capita continues to march to the beat of its own drum and build boards for those who are looking for the best in quality and design. With a tight team of amazing riders and loads of artistic vision, its 2008-09 line offers plenty of unique product.
Team-Designed Product? The Midlife lost series is designed by T.J. Schneider. It’s a great mid-wide twin-tip with a unique shape and deep sidecut.
New Technology?We have a new HTP extruded base we’re using as an upgraded material that is still easy to care for. On our performance boards we have a new wax-infused sintered base. The base wicks wax to the surface as the old wax expires to keep the Capita kids riding faster, longer.
Female-Specific Product? We’ve expanded our women-specific collection this year with nine sizes in two key price points. We have the Saturnia, which is basically a Stairmaster for women, and the Capita Qween, which is a great multi-use directional board.
CELSIUS
Celsius offers a wide range of boots for all levels of riders. And 2009 sees the introduction of its first women’s line and the use of organic and environmentally friendly hemp in one model, the Climate, to respond to the issue of global warming.
Highlights? We are hyped about the entire line. We put more into 2008-09 than we have into any other line with many features and upgrades—new liners, speed lacing, and more. Plus, there is plenty of POP in new line which will stand out and fit right. Our top model, CLS-8, is the most inclusive of these features.
New Technology? The O Zone Liner is designed to improve air circulation to help keep your feet warm and dry without using any chemicals. The O Zone Stoke Strap runs through the boot as one fluid piece and holds your heel down in the right place for maximum support and heel hold.
CLYDE
Clyde continues to maintain its strong Canadian heritage, marking its eighth year of building boards from start to finish right here in Canada. Boasting several new process capabilities in its Calgary factory, Clyde’s board line for 2008-09 has shed a considerable amount of weight.
Biggest news? Biggest news? Our brand-new Calgary production facility and factory store has made room for all of our dream toys, including in-house graphic sublimation and our new CNC capability. This means more control over the production process, which translates to a higher-end and more customizable product for our customers.
Highlights?Our newly redesigned twin shapes have shed 20 per cent of their weight from last season due to a new lighter glass and core design. Combined with our new digitally sublimated base graphics and designs by the best roster of international artists to date, we .
couldn’t be more excited for this line
New Technology? In order to reduce board breakage around the bindings, which we all know too well, we’ve developed a Kevlar impact plate that’s strategically placed to reinforce the binding areas of the board. We have also perfected a vibration-dampening system that has resulted in our smoothest-riding boards to date.
DC
After years in the footwear and outerwear business, 2009 will see DC launch its first full snowboard line. Backed by a stacked team and a commitment to quality product, look for DC’s boards to gain momentum in a short amount of time.
Biggest news? Snowboards, of course. Ten years after releasing our first line of snowboard boots and several years after our first offering of technical outerwear, we’ve expanded the snow program with the launch of our first-ever line of DC snowboards for 2009.
Highlights? It is difficult to nail down one specific thing we are most excited about in our 2009 snow offering. We developed and designed each piece in our line to meet the range of needs for every snowboarder in the market. Everything was developed with direction and purpose, so we’re excited about every element.
New Technology? Technologies and features continue to expand, enhancing comfort and function. DC will introduce the Rapid Lace System, which tightens both the lower and the upper of the boot with a single lace for ultimate fit.
DINOSAURS WILL DIE
We’re not sure why the folks at Dinosaurs Will Die hate this extinct reptilian species so much, but it’s continuing with its theme of “Kill Dinosaurs” for 2008-09. It’s nice to see a company take such a light-hearted approach to something as deadly serious as snowboarding.
Biggest news? We were going to do something really cool, but it seemed like a lot of work, so we bagged it. Maybe next season, but probably not. Actually, we are working on a 14-year video project… but that could also be a lie.
Highlights?On the Keenan board, our marketing geniuses almost had a heart attack when they saw that we “screwed up” and put the base on the top and top on the base. Pencils and staplers were flying everywhere. That was a pretty exciting day.
Team-Designed Product? Both the Genovese and Keenan are pro models, and they’re both Canadian. Now you too will be able to ride as out of control and sketchy as them.
New Technology?What is really needed in snowboarding is a snowboard that will work with you, not for you, so we’d like to introduce you to the technology called Friendship. Our snowboards will be your friend. For all you lonely people out there sitting at home thinking about the next time it will snow and don’t have any real friends… now you have us.
DRAKE
After 10 years of making quality bindings, Drake expands, offering a full line of snowboards for 2009. Drake also continues to bring new technology and innovation throughout its entire line of bindings.
Biggest news? The biggest news is that we are starting off Year 1 with a new line of boards. Our Drake board line is constructed in Austria with StrucTurn technology and has all-new engineering and graphics. We’re excited to launch these boards under our Drake name to provide the same performance advantage our bindings have been offering riders for years.
Highlighs? Our biggest highlight is the new EVA pad we are implementing under every baseplate. The new EVA pad ensures maximum energy transfer and provides extra dampening for the perfect ride.
New Technology?All our boards are constructed with all new radial sidecuts to ensure that you get the right amount of flex for easy carving and awesome power transmission, tip to tail.
ELAN
The 2008-09 collection from Elan introduces the Eco wood core: wood that is only supplied from regions with strict wood-harvesting policy, resulting in forestal habitation growth, thus reducing carbon-dioxide accumulation threat.
Biggest news? The lightest snowboard in the world, the Inverse, has gotten lighter with further weight reductions. The women-specific line, Elan Chicas, got bigger and has been totally refreshed.
Highlights?The Inverse—the lightest board in the world; the Trinity—the lightest women’s board in the world; El Grande—the widest board in the world; the Vertigo—the strongest board in the world; the Element Ltd—real leather snowboard boot with quick-fit lacing system.
New Technology? The patented DG Top technology is used with the lightest board in the world, improving the rider control. The patented Omega sidecut makes the widest board in the world ride as any narrow one.
ENDEAVOR
Endeavor’s sixth range of snowboards is the company’s best yet; attention to detail and design precision is evident throughout the entire line.
Biggest news? New shapes for the Live and B.O.D. models designed by production design guru Jason Broz at Logic. New design processes in printing, sublimation and diecutting to increase the aesthetic appeal of the boards. (They already have the best designs in the world, now they’ll be manufactured even better.)
Highlights? The Guerrilla series will change snowboarding. With a graphic based on our campaign (geek chic with elements from a geometry kit), the Guerrilla sits on the shelf at $399). It has the largest range of sizes, starting with a kids’ deck at 125 cm, women’s sizes from 140 - 148 cm, and men’s up to 166 cm. Lyall will be rocking this deck throughout the season,
showing that you can still perform on an Endeavor even if it’s not one of the most expensive boards.
Team-Designed Product?We’ve taken input from our riders over the past seasons and redesigned the line with the help of Broz at Logic. All of our team riders endorse their favourite boards. Lyall likes the graphic and shape of the Guerrilla series and rides it in all conditions. Short likes the High Five because of the flat kicks and flex. Stephens likes the aggressiveness of the B.O.D.
FIREFLY
Firefly’s range of products continues to be one of the best price points in the industry in terms of value. The complete line for 2009 has been redesigned, both technically and aesthetically,
Biggest news? We’ve completely updated our line in terms of performance and aesthetics. We’re excited to introduce our new fit system, EZ Lace, to our boot lineup, and our board line boasts new sidecuts for our men’s freestyle boards as well as lady-specific designs and sidecuts. Cosmetically, we utilize design elements from around the world, with designers here in North America and Europe.
Highlights?Our appropriately named Ultimate freestyle board offers a higher-performance twin-tip shape with superior balance and a unique sidecut for all-mountain performance. To complement the new performance level of our boards, we’ve added two new men’s and
ladies’ bindings to our line. The bindings are fully customizable with adjustable gas pedals, aluminum heel cups, buckles and highbacks. The new bindings deliver a superior performance never before offered at this price point.
New Technology?EZ Lace is our new one-pull speed lacing system. It was designed with ease-of-use in mind and offers a new level of performance with its superior foothold. The EZ Lace system is offered in three different boot models for men, women and juniors.
FLOW
Along with producing a solid line for 2009, Flow joins forces with two nonprofit organizations, donating a portion of the profits from the Quantum, to the Action Sports Environmental Coalition, and a portion of the profits from the women’s Myriad board will go to B4BC .
Highlights? Are you sick of flaccid twins that wash out every time you step on the throttle? Step up to the Quantum, Scotty Lago’s signature board designed to lay waste to any jib or jump with steeze to please. A true twin that is soft enough to mold to the tightest transitions, yet maintains total control at high speeds needed to shrink the largest gap.
New Technology? Flow introduces a new board construction to the line, the Double Malt, which complements the Whiskey X and Whiskey Royale. Also, the new 3-D Structurn base finish improves speed in any condition. Flow continues to produce some of the lightest
boots on the market with super-featherweight construction. We’ve added the all-new, skate-inspired Rift boot for serious park stomping, and the women’s Luxe boot with BOA closure system. Flow’s binding line offers its original reclining highback, the 3-D Powerstrap and the PowerTriangle to deliver true performance, convenience and comfort. The M7 is a new model based on the lightweight and glass-reinforced M-base design. To round off, we added improved MINI ratchets to more of our models.
FLUX
Entering its 16th year, Flux continues to provide high-quality bindings for all levels of riding. Be sure to check out the graphics on the entire line; it’s the strongest offering yet.
Biggest news? Flux has been awarded the patent for the TMS or Toe Mask Strap, which is commonly referred to by other manufacturers as the toe cap.
Highlights?The new Distortion and Feedback replace the Stream series. The Distortion will utilize a urethane highback that provides maximum lateral flex. The smooth baseplate is utilized on the Titan and Super Titan. The NEW Titan RK utilizes the urethane Highback.
New Technology? The strength and stiffness of the composite baseplate is modified with the use of glass-filled nylon. The new highback material provides the ideal flex for jibs and rails. The adjustable side-roll flex allows for versatility when freeriding and hitting big jumps, or jibbing and bone-outs.
FORUM
Forum is an institution in snowboarding; while others branch out into new ventures, Forum remains dedicated to progressing the level of its equipment and the experience of snowboarding.
Highlights? For boards, it’s the overall fit and finish of the product. The boards’ interior and construction are dialed for the rider’s level and preferred terrain, but the aesthetics and finish of the product are the best it has ever been. Great attention to detail—really makes you feel good about dropping in on something that costs money. For boots, the vulcanized sole we introduced last year has been expanded up and down throughout the line, including an InSlick (to help you slide into the boot with ease) and F Gel, a little shock-absorbent-hybrid-micro-structure-dampening-compound type of thing. The bindings have been fine-tuned, having a great finish and shelf appeal, while withstanding more and more
days on the hill. Genuine quality, they are versatile and easy to use.
New Technology? For boards, it’s new laminate techniques in the upper-end wood cores, including SLW, sustainable lightweight wood. SLW grows four times faster than most commercially harvested woods among other environmental benefits. Its mechanical properties are stronger than balsa wood and about the same weight, so it makes perfect sense to use it in our best cores.
GNU
Gnu celebrates its 25th year anniversary of designing and building quality snowboards “near Canada.” Every Gnu board is hand-built in the U.S. by snowboarders.
Biggest news? Gnu has licenced Banana technology from Lib Tech. We are offering many Gnu Banana options, including Danny Kass and Barrett Christy’s pro model and the Riders Choice series.
Highlights?The Danny Kass Banana-modified Magne Traction is exciting. he rides it on ice and powder.
New Technology?Banana technology, like Magne-Traction before it, begins with the premise that a snowboard is not a ski. Banana technology replaces camber with rocker “banana” between your feet. When you stand on your board, pressure is applied inward to
the edge area at and between your feet as your weight presses out the rocker. The Banana flex pattern is slightly stiffened at the tip and tail to increase pop and stability on big landings. Magne-Traction is incorporated into the Banana technology to improve edge hold and put more control underfoot at your balance point. The result is a board that is loose and catch-free, presses boxes, rails and jibs well with the preset rocker, maintains pop with a stiffened tip and tail, and turns easily on hardpack when the built-in rocker is put on edge. The built-in rocker curve makes the board float naturally in powder. The future is bananas.
HARLOT
Harlot is set to jump right into its inaugural season in the snowboard world. Don’t be fooled by its youth, as this new brand has a tenured industry professional designing its boards. And if that’s not enough to convince you, the designer has the prestigious Good Wood award under his belt.
Highlights? Our first line of boards, the Fresh Biddy, is set to become the industry’s next big thing. Think wicked artwork and cutting-edge technology meets sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll. Simply put, it’s the freshest twin you’ll ever play with. Period.
New Technology? We utilize multiple layers of vibration dampening that absorbs shock and eliminates board chatter, combined with a Carbon I-Beam that increases pop without adding weight. Finally, 30-degree triax glass laminates and a full-length aspen core give this stacked board just the right amount of flex.
HEAD
Head snowboards is committed to bringing you the best value for money. We continue to use our Intellifibres throughout the snowboard line, which allows our board to react to different riding conditions in five thousands of a second.
Biggest news? Head has partnered with CoolEarth.org to make a difference on global climate change. HEAD is the first sporting goods company to “supercharge” its carbon responsibility by committing to saving over 7,000 acres/28 km2 (per year) of mature rainforest from destruction -- which equals the size of more than 100,000 tennis courts or 7,000 American football fields. They have taken a very proactive stance to ensure that our winters stay white. Their stance is that praying for snow never hurt, but offsetting 10X your carbon emissions gives us the scientific edge we like.
New Technology? Head’s newest boot Technology focuses on the sole. They have created our new Stylite sole which uses EVA in some areas to reduce weight and add cushioning, while using rubber on other parts to improve vibration dampening and durability.They have brought the edge defender technology to our women’s snowboard line in our new Fountain I boards, and created a completely new high end freeride board with our Tiara I.
K2
K2 believes it’s important for everyone to do their part so winter will live on, so they've introduced the Earth Conscious Construction and takes the first step in a journey toward sustainability.
Biggest news? Harshmellow: the first comprehensive vibration absorbtion system ever. This uniquely formulated synthetic compound is tailored specifically for the needs of K2 boards, boots and bindings. K2’s Rocker technology revolutionized the way snowboards ride last year on the Gyrator board. Replacing camber with rocker helps the board rise to the surface of the snow while the rider maintains a centred balance for maximum control, forward or switch. This season, K2 has developed three levels of rocker, introducing the Powder Rocker on the Gyrator, the new Turbo Dream with All-Terrain Rocker and the Special Edition World Wide Weapon (WWW) and VaVaVoom with Jib Rocker.
Team-Designed Products? The Duchess, designed by Leanne Pelosi, combines the ultimate powder riding experience with all-terrain freestyle perfection. We got her on this board last season, and she wouldn’t get off. The slightly longer tip and tail for effortless float in the deep stuff is combined with a twin-styled shape and hyper-progressive sidecut for seamless response. Harshmellow technology kills chatter, vibrations and shock from flat landings and high speeds, leaving you relaxed and confident through any terrain.
LIB TECH
With every board handcrafted, Lib Tech stays strong entering its seventh year in business.
Biggest news? The award-winning Banana Technology. The final step in snowboard design evolution.
Highlights? The Skate Banana will be the best board you have ever ridden: rails, park, halfpipe, powder, hardpack, moguls, steeps, chutes, and even ice.
Team-Designed Product? Travis Rice and Jamie Lynn have pro models. We’re currently hoping to rekindle our relationship with standout veteran Canadian pro Rudy Rasman.
New Technology? Banana technology makes snowboarding easier from jibbing, hardpack, ice, park, pipe and powder. Banana technology is the best beginners’ geometry of all time. Tip and tail are less catch, and the board is pre-bent into an arc so turning is more intuitive. Tip and turn.
MORROW
Morrow has been building quality snowboard products for 18 years, and 2008-09 is no different. Its boards, boots and bindings provide performance, durability and style at a great price.
Biggest news? The expansion of our adult twin-tip board choices from one model to five. The continued popularity of the Tray inspired us, and new Twin offerings for ’08 include three adult, one wide and one women’s. In bindings, we’ve developed the new Flipside multi-position toe strap, which will be featured on all our bindings.
Highlights? We’re excited to announce the addition of BOA lacing to our popular Kick boot and also to the Lotus women’s boot.
Women-specific product? Morrow has got the ladies covered with the award-winning Wildflower series, plus the Mantra, Dream and Lotus. Our women’s boards feature softer flex and narrowed sidecut, and our boots are built to last, providing ultimate comfort and performance. Stylish board, boot and binding colours complement each other nicely, so you’ll look as great as you ride.
NIKE
After years of research and development, Nike is set to reenter the snowboard market following an extended sabbatical. The hype is growing in anticipation of its first boot release for 2008-09, and everyone’s curious to see if an evolution of the sneaker-head culture will take place. Maybe a new crop of “boot heads” will appear, who knows? What we do know is, Nike is confident that the Zoom Force 1 speaks for itself, hence the silence when it comes to this short listing.
Highlights? Zoom Force 1.
Team-Designed Products? We worked closely with Annie Boulanger on the colour-ways for the women’s Zoom Force 1.
NITRO
Nitro has been putting out solid product for years. This season’s lineup is no different, especially with the launch of the new Raiden binding line. Along with quality product, Nitro boasts a deep and talented team, including veteran French-Canadian shredder Etienne Gilbert.
Biggest news? Once again we are coming up with the highest-quality materials to build our boards. We have beefed up our edges to make sure they resist any use and abuse. We have refined our TLS lacing system, making it the most reliable and functional system out there. This year, for our Team Art Attack board lineup, we’ve teamed up with Dennis McNett.
Highlights? We are excited about several products in our line up: the new graphics on Andreas Wiig’s pro model board, Eero Ettala’s slick new signature boots our One Off Pro Model (customized decks for Bryan Fox, Jeff Mills, Austin Smith , Jon Kooley, Markus Keller
and Cheryl Maas. To provide a better response and power transmission to the heel edge Raiden bindings introduce “The Machine” with asymmetrical highbacks.and the new Raiden Machine bindings with asymmetrical highbacks.
New Technology? We’re offering the chance for riders to wax less and keep their boards gliding day after day with our FX 4.0 and 3.1 smart bases.
NORTHWAVE
Focusing on fit, style and performance, Northwave introduces another impressive product line for 2009. Going into its 17th year, Northwave boots appeal to all riding styles and abilities.
Biggest news? We signed Seth Huot to a two-year contract. Seth has rejoined the team and will be riding on Northwave boots and Drake bindings.
Highlights?Our Northwave freestyle boots now come with a new skate sole that’s flat for a great fit and awesome power transmission. They also come with an all-new midsole that has two interchangeable heel pads of different cushioning to customize dampening.
New Technology? Our high-end SL (Super Lace) boots are constructed to have jointed uppers that flex separate from the bottom of the boot. This way you can get maximum support but still get the right amount of flex you need to make the perfect turn.
O-MATIC
O-Matic makes boards versatile enough to handle anything a mountain can throw at you. If a freak storm comes in, just ride it. Need a jump fix after a pow day? Just roll on up and throw down. These are the boards O-Matic is crafting. Whether you’re Todd Richards, Louie Vito Hampus Mossesson or the next Tara Dakides, riding an O-Matic will get you to that next level no matter what the conditions.
Biggest news? New designs, shapes and material for a superior ride. We’ve been able to incorporate bamboo cores and high-tech Kevlar into the construction process, making them damn near bulletproof. Also, we have a lead on where it will actually snow this year, so we are going there.
Highlights? Todd Richards put more into his board than ever before. The Awesome by Todd Richards truly is Todd’s board. The Awesome isn’t just a snowboard; it’s a way of life. With DualBeam carbon and Smartwood core technology, the Awesome was made to
handle everything from park and pipe to Todd’s favourite East Coast boilerplate.
New Technology? All of our snowboards are built from the core up. Since the core determines the strength flexibility, edge hold and responsiveness of the ride, it’s vital that O-Matic cores are the best in the business. We’re also incorporating the use of Kevlar and exotic woods into our boards to make sure they last longer, ride better and never quit.
OPTION
For the past 16 years Option's designed snowboards for riders of all abilities around the world. With both designs and graphics that are uniquely Canadian, Option brings another solid line to the game.
Biggest news? Our new board line, Yeah, is designed to shred the park and not the wallet. Its smooth flex will delight butter and jib lovers and is available in 153, 155 mid-wide and 159 cm.
Highlights?Our commitment to designing awesome snowboards continues in our partnerships with some of the hottest street graphic artists. By allowing artists to freely create board graphics individual to their own styles, we are stoked to present another season of kick-ass graphics rooted in authentic street culture: hte work of Kenta Goto and Josh Pong of Brknhome, appear on our Redline and Signature boards. Rob Wiggington of
Humongous Clothing created the Fortune graphics, directly referencing the idea of fortune itself as well as aligning with the Humongous Clothing aesthetic. The list goes on, and by taking a look at our 2008-09 line, we are confident rippers around the world will see the expression of Option’s new approach to design, performance and community.
Research & Development? The Franchise has been designed, tested and redesigned here in British Columbia for over nine seasons. Riding in Whistler backcountry, the mountains of the Pacific Northwest and all over the rest of the snow-covered world, Option designs have a proven record of success. The Signature shares in the experiences of the Franchise by being pushed to the limits, accommodating any and all conditions.
PRIOR
After almost 20 years, Prior’s name has become synonymous with high-end snowboard manufacturing. Based out of Whistler, BC, all of its boards are handmade. Since Prior is a full-time manufacturing facility, retailers have access to all of the snowboard styles the company offers year-round.
Highlights? The All Mountain Freestyle (AMF) has undergone a complete rework for 2009. The new directional twin shape has flex and performance properties that allow riders to maximize their riding potential everywhere—in either direction. Sizes include 153, 156, 159, 162 and 162 cm.
Team-Designed Product? All Prior boards are designed with direct input from various Canadian pro riders, past and present. Our location in Whistler is a melting pot of talent and inspiration, providing us with one of the best testing grounds (and group of testers) on the planet.
New Technology? For 2009 Prior has ‘tuned the wheel’ on all its styles. These refinements mean that the 2009 Prior boards are their longest lasting, best performing yet
RIDE
Instead of basking in success as one of snowboarding’s top brands, Ride continues to plow ahead. New technology and slick designs throughout its line prove that Ride is as hungry as ever.
Biggest news? Ride has stepped it up with new tech but also upped the style factor through remarkable collabs with Simone Legno’s Tokidoki graphics and San Fran’s famed shoe artisan, JBClassics. The Tokidoki's seen in the women’s line on the Canvas board, Sash Boa Coiler boot, Zeta MVMNT binding, and Tokidoki jacket and pants. The JBClassics collaboration is seen on the men’s Society board, FUL boot and Alpha MVMNT binding.
New Technology? Constructed of carbon fibre, new Pop Rods and Pop Stixs are inserted at specific locations in a board’s nose and tail—areas flexed when a rider is loading the board for a jump or trick. The tubular 3-D Pop Rods and flat 2-D Pop Stixs flex and load as the rider leans into the move, and then snap
back into position, providing extra pop. The ContraBand, an ultra-lightweight binding featuring a revolutionary and minimalist new V-strap design, eliminates more than 20 per cent of the weight of traditional bindings by removing material from what Ride engineers determined to be the binding’s least important feature—the toe strap. In boots, the new Closer Lace Guide is located over the forefoot and acts as a pulley, augmenting the Lock Down or Boa speed-lace system it’s paired with.
ROME
Focused on being a “snowboarding” company and not just a “snowboard” company, Rome's launching a full outerwear lineup and its second full-length movie, No Correct Way is out this fall.
Highlights? For boards, the most exciting product is the Mod. It’s a park and backcountry freestyle board that we’ve loaded with all our innovative technology—PowerAmp bamboo stringers for pop, nearly 100 per cent carbon in the laminate for lightness and response, and our carbon-infused sintered base. When we launched it last year, it was a fresh approach to take such a tech direction on a freestyle board. The Targa continues to be the most customizable binding in snowboarding. With its ConFormist toe straps and strap placement, its flex-adjustable ankle strap offers three different flex settings.
Team-Designed Product? 5150 has got the ladies covered with the Empress series, plus the Velour, Amethyst and Dynasty. Our women’s boards feature softer flex and narrowed sidecut, and our boots are built on a women-specific last for ultimate comfort and performance. Stylish board, boot and binding colours match up, so you’ll look as great as you ride.
ROSSIGNOL
From seasoned pro to rank beginner, big-mountain lines to urban handrails, weekend warrior to 100-plus-day rider, Rossignol offers well-built, performance-oriented gear for everyone.
Team-Designed Product? Nearly every board in the line is team-designed and team-inspired. The Jones and Storm are both a part of the Jeremy Jones Experience Collection. Jeremy designs all the boards and uses nearly every model at one point of the season and Mathieu Crepel is responsible for the Decoy. The North American team, in conjunction with our team manager and our creative director, is responsible for the graphics. Jonas Emery is responsible for the One. The Retox is the result of a collaboration of the entire team with the goal of creating the ultimate jib board. The Amber KJ is the board of choice for Kjersti Buaas.
Female-Specific Product?We continue to offer a complete women’s collection with a boot and binding designed to perfectly complement each board from a graphic and performance standpoint. About 35 per cent of our retail sales is women-specific product.
New Technology? Without question, Magne Traction is the first real revolution in snowboard design and construction. By adding five pronounced points of contact on the board’s edge rather than a smooth edge, the board is able to grip the surface regardless of how hard the snow or how sharp the edge.
ROXY
Roxy continues to make quality women’s product across its lineup. Borrowing Banana Magne-Traction tech from Mervin Mfg. ensures its boards will perform for any skill level and not just look pretty.
Highlights? Torah Bright’s new pro model, the Eminence. The Eminence is a
true twin offered in Banana-Traction (BTX) and Magne-Traction (MTX) both designed for aggressive park-and-pipe riders. Technically, it has our FG-3 core, an aspen and palonia blend with vectran fibre, and a liquid crystal polymer for lightweight liveliness. This is the most fun you can strap to your feet!
New Technology? Banana-Traction (BTX) is our latest and greatest technology! It is a combination of Banana (rocker) and Magne-Traction (wavy edges), both multiple award winners in all magazine tests, and technologies that are taking the snowboard industry by storm! Banana puts rocker/reverse camber between your feet and the wavy edges conditions.
of Magne-Traction give you more control and edge hold. Much like using a serrated knife to cut a loaf of bread, the edge of magnatraction is it gives you amazing control and precision you’ve never had before. BTX makes riders of all levels better anywhere on the mountain they prefer to ride! Powder, park, pipe, groomers and of course in icy
Biggest News? Labor of Love—our all-women snow team video.
SALOMON
With more than 10 years in the industry under its belt, Salomon continues to raise the bar for ’09. This year sees improvements in its board, boot and binding lines. The highlights is its new environmentally conscious board design.
Highlights? We have a new green construction on the Answer and Sick Stick. It is by far the most aggressive and legit effort in our industry toward reducing the carbon footprint of snowboard manufacturing. Not just a bamboo graphic hiding beneath a clear topsheet. This is only step one of a company-wide initiative called G.I.F.T. (Green Initiative For Tomorrow) that will see changes to all aspects of our operation.
Team-Designed Product?All of our riders have serious input toward everything they ride. Annie Boulanger is particular about her gear and communicates all season with our product mangers in France. You can see it with the performance of the Ivy board in particular.
New Technology? The sustainable construction found on the Sick Stick and the Answer. These boards are at the heart of the G.I.F.T. project, a new construction process patented by Salomon, with ground-breaking technology designed for a better ride and a better planet. Minimum impact on the environment, maximum impact on your riding.
SANTA CRUZ
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Santa Cruz is still keeping things real and fun. SC’s 2009 product line has something for all skill levels and abilities. With a three-year warranty on all boards, you know Santa Cruz stands behind its product.
Highlights? The Platinum series is the new high-end quiver, offering three different models. It consists of a Fish, a True Twin-tip (TT) and a Duo, which is a directional freeride board. The Platinum series will cover all your shredding needs.
New Technologies? We’ve expanded the Comply sandwich sidewall, offering three different levels of construction for function and specific riding needs: CTI, Comply and C1.
Female-specific product? The Muse is a high-end, intermediate-to-advanced, women-specific board and also a three-time TWS Good Wood winner. The Suave is a beginner-to-intermediate board designed to be forgiving and fun to ride. Both are narrow with a dialed-in flex for the respective rider.
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