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What Futuristic Features Can We Expect in New Snowboarding Gear?
Snowboarding is an exciting and challenging sport that requires both skill and gear. While the basic design of snowboards, boots, and bindings has evolved over the years to accommodate different styles and preferences, there are still plenty of opportunities for innovation and improvement. In this blog post, we will explore some of the futuristic features that we can expect in new snowboarding gear, from materials to sensors, from customization to sustainability.
## Materials
The first aspect of snowboarding gear that can benefit from futuristic features is materials. While snowboards are usually made of wood, composite materials, or a combination of both, there are other options that can offer better performance, durability, and environmental impact. Some of these materials include:
### Graphene
Graphene is a thin layer of carbon atoms that has extraordinary properties, such as high strength, flexibility, and conductivity. In snowboarding, graphene can be used to enhance the stiffness and responsiveness of the board, as well as to reduce its weight and vibrations. Companies like Nidecker and Head have already introduced graphene-enhanced snowboards, such as the Nidecker Platinum and the Head Titan, which claim to provide better edge control, stability, and carving ability.
### Basalt
Basalt is a natural volcanic rock that can be turned into fibers and woven into fabrics. Basalt fibers have high tensile strength, resistance to heat, and a low ecological footprint. In snowboarding, basalt can be used as a reinforcement layer between the core and the top sheet of the board, as well as in the construction of bindings and boots. Companies like Lib Tech and Arbor have experimented with basalt reinforcement, claiming that it improves the strength, pop, and dampening of the board.
### Algae
Algae is a renewable and biodegradable source of plastic that can replace petrochemicals. Algae plastics have similar properties to regular plastics, but with lower carbon emissions, energy use, and waste. In snowboarding, algae plastics can be used in the production of bindings, boots, and accessories, such as goggles and helmets. Companies like Bollé and Salomon have already started to incorporate algae-based materials into their products, such as the Phantom+ helmet and the Faction binding, claiming that they offer better performance and sustainability.
## Sensors
The second aspect of snowboarding gear that can benefit from futuristic features is sensors. Sensors are electronic devices that can measure and transmit data about various aspects of the snowboarder, the environment, and the equipment. Some of the sensors that can be useful in snowboarding include:
### Pressure sensors
Pressure sensors can be embedded in the footbeds of the boots, the base of the board, or the bindings, to monitor the pressure distribution and balance of the rider. Pressure sensors can provide feedback on the stance width, the binding angles, and the posture of the rider, as well as help diagnose and prevent injuries. Companies like K2 and Burton have already introduced pressure sensors in their boots and bindings, such as the K2 Smartboot and the Burton Step On, claiming that they enhance the comfort, performance, and convenience of the gear.
### Temperature sensors
Temperature sensors can be integrated into the clothing or accessories of the rider, such as the jacket, the gloves, or the goggles, to measure the temperature and humidity of the environment, as well as the body temperature and sweat rate of the rider. Temperature sensors can help optimize the insulation, ventilation, and moisture control of the gear, as well as prevent hypothermia or dehydration. Companies like Oakley and POC have already incorporated temperature sensors in their goggles and helmets, such as the Oakley Mod3 MIPS and the POC Fornix, claiming that they provide better visibility, safety, and comfort.
### GPS sensors
GPS sensors can be connected to the phone or the watch of the rider, to track the location, speed, and altitude of the rider, as well as provide navigation, weather, and other information about the mountain. GPS sensors can also help locate the rider in case of emergencies, such as avalanches or accidents. Companies like Rossignol and Smith have already integrated GPS sensors in their helmets and goggles, such as the Rossignol Hubble and the Smith I/O Recon, claiming that they offer better awareness, communication, and peace of mind.
## Customization
The third aspect of snowboarding gear that can benefit from futuristic features is customization. Customization refers to the ability to personalize the gear according to the preferences and needs of the rider. Some of the ways that customization can be achieved in snowboarding include:
### 3D printing
3D printing is a process that can create custom-shaped and -sized products by layering materials based on a digital design. In snowboarding, 3D printing can be used to produce custom-fit boots, bindings, and other accessories, as well as to optimize the shape and flex of the board. Companies like Adidas and NOW have already experimented with 3D printing, such as the Adidas Futurecraft 4D snowboard boots and the NOW 3D-flex Hanger, claiming that they offer better comfort, performance, and sustainability.
### Modular design
Modular design refers to the ability to assemble and disassemble different parts or components of the gear, to create different configurations that suit different conditions or styles. In snowboarding, modular design can be applied to bindings, boots, and even boards, by allowing for a variety of stance options, adjustability, and compatibility. Companies like Rome and Burton have already introduced modular bindings, such as the Rome Katana and the Burton Genesis X, claiming that they offer better versatility, control, and customization.
### Mobile apps
Mobile apps are software programs that can be installed on the phone or the watch of the rider, to interact with the gear and provide personalized services. In snowboarding, mobile apps can be used to adjust the settings of the bindings or the boots, to track the progress and the goals of the rider, to connect with other riders or coaches, and to access exclusive content or discounts. Some companies already have apps, such as the Burton app, the Vans app, and the DC app, but they can be further improved and integrated with other sensors and features.
## Sustainability
The fourth aspect of snowboarding gear that can benefit from futuristic features is sustainability. Sustainability refers to the ability to reduce or eliminate the negative impact that the gear has on the environment, the society, and the economy. Some of the ways that sustainability can be achieved in snowboarding include:
### Recyclable or biodegradable materials
Recyclable or biodegradable materials refer to the materials that can be disassembled, reused, or decomposed after their lifespan, without causing harm. In snowboarding, recyclable or biodegradable materials can be used in the production of boards, boots, bindings, and other accessories, to minimize the waste, the pollution, and the depletion of resources. Some companies already offer recyclable or biodegradable products, such as the Arbor Foundation snowboard, the Salomon Dialogue boot, and the K2 Hue binding, but they can be expanded and improved.
### Energy-efficient production
Energy-efficient production refers to the process that uses renewable energy, high efficiency, and closed-loop systems to reduce the carbon footprint and the energy use of the gear. In snowboarding, energy-efficient production can be applied to the factories, the transportation, and the packaging of the gear, to avoid unnecessary emissions and waste. Some companies already have energy-efficient production methods, such as the Jones Snowboards, which use 100% renewable energy and have recyclable packaging, but they can be further adopted and promoted.
### Social responsibility
Social responsibility refers to the ethical and fair practices that respect the workers, the communities, and the customers involved in the production and consumption of the gear. In snowboarding, social responsibility can be demonstrated by offering decent wages, safe working conditions, and human rights to the workers, by supporting local and diverse communities, and by providing transparent and informative communication to the customers. Some companies already have social responsibility programs, such as the Burton Sustainability Goals, but they can be more accountable and ambitious.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many futuristic features that we can expect in new snowboarding gear, from materials to sensors, from customization to sustainability. By incorporating these features, snowboarding gear can become more advanced, comfortable, efficient, and responsible, and thus enhance the overall experience for the riders, the environment, and the society. While some of these features may already exist or be in development, others may require more research, investment, or collaboration to become feasible and accessible. It will be exciting to see how snowboarding gear evolves in the future, and how it adapts to the changing needs and aspirations of the riders and the world around us.
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