Possible blog post:
Snowboarding is one of the most exhilarating winter sports, offering a unique blend of physical and mental challenges, creative expression, and freedom of movement. While the basic equipment for snowboarding has not changed much since it emerged as a separate discipline in the 1970s, the technology behind it has evolved significantly, enabling riders to enjoy safer, more comfortable, and more rewarding experiences on the slopes. In this post, we will explore some of the innovative tech features that you can expect in the latest snowboarding gear, from boards to boots, bindings, helmets, goggles, and wearables.
Introduction
Before we delve into the specific tech features of snowboarding gear, let’s take a moment to define some basic terms and concepts. Snowboarding is a sport that involves riding a single board (usually made of wood, fiberglass, and other materials) down a snow-covered slope, using various techniques to navigate turns, jumps, rails, and other features. Snowboards come in different shapes, sizes, flex levels, and camber profiles, depending on the rider’s style, level, and terrain preferences. Bindings are the devices that attach the boots to the board, allowing the rider to control the direction and speed of the board. Boots are specially designed shoes that provide support, cushioning, and flexibility, as well as warmth and moisture management. Helmets and goggles are essential safety gear that protect the rider’s head and eyes from impacts, wind, sun, and snow. Wearables are electronic devices that enhance the rider’s performance, comfort, and communication, such as activity trackers, smartwatches, earbuds, and cameras.
Now that we have the basic vocabulary, let’s look at some of the innovative tech features that are transforming the snowboarding gear landscape.
1. 3D printing
3D printing is a revolutionary manufacturing process that allows the creation of complex shapes and structures from digital designs. While 3D printing has been used in snowboarding for several years, mainly for prototyping and customizing parts, it is now being applied to produce entire snowboards. Companies like Burton and Winterstick have developed proprietary 3D printing techniques that enable them to design and produce snowboards with unique shapes, profiles, and materials that were previously impossible to achieve with traditional methods. For example, Burton’s Mystery Fish board features a 3D-printed core that is lightweight, strong, and responsive, while Winterstick’s Spring Break Slush Slasher board has a 3D-printed bottom that reduces friction and enhances speed on wet snow. 3D printing also allows for more customization options, as riders can send their own 3D models or scan their feet to get boots or bindings that fit them perfectly.
2. Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber is a strong, lightweight, and flexible material that is increasingly used in snowboarding gear, especially for high-performance boards, bindings, and boots. Carbon fiber is made of carbon atoms that are aligned in a specific direction and then woven into a fabric that is layered and cured with resin. Carbon fiber has several benefits over traditional materials such as wood, steel, or plastic. It is more durable, resistant to impacts and abrasion, and can be tuned to provide various levels of stiffness, torsion, and damping. Carbon fiber also allows for more precise control of the board, as it can transfer energy more efficiently and reduce vibrations that can affect balance and stability. Some examples of snowboarding gear that use carbon fiber include Nitro’s Quiver Slash board, Burton’s Diode EST bindings, and Salomon’s Ivy Boa Str8jkt boots.
3. Smart materials
Smart materials are materials that can change their properties in response to external stimuli, such as temperature, pressure, light, or electricity. Smart materials have the potential to improve the performance and comfort of snowboarding gear by adapting to the rider’s needs and the environment’s conditions. For example, Outlast is a smart material that regulates temperature and humidity by absorbing and releasing heat, reducing the risk of overheating or chilling. Many snowboarding socks and liners use Outlast technology to keep feet dry and comfortable. Gore-Tex is another smart material that is breathable and waterproof, allowing snowboarding gear to repel moisture and snow while allowing moisture to escape, preventing overheating and chilling. Many snowboarding jackets, pants, and gloves use Gore-Tex technology to enhance the rider’s protection and comfort. Another example of a smart material is Kevlar, which is a strong and flexible material that resists cutting, tearing, and puncturing. Kevlar is used in some snowboarding gear, such as gloves and mittens, to provide added protection from ice and sharp edges. Smart materials can also be embedded with sensors or chips that can collect and transmit data about the rider’s activity, such as speed, rotation, and impact, allowing for more accurate tracking and analysis of performance.
4. Boa system
The Boa system is a lacing system that uses a cable and a dial to tighten or loosen the boots or bindings. The Boa system has become popular in snowboarding gear because it provides a quick, easy, and precise way of adjusting the fit and support of the boots or bindings without having to use traditional laces or buckles. The Boa cable is made of aircraft-grade stainless steel or nylon covered with a protective coating, and is guided by small pulleys and knobs that can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise to tighten or loosen the cable. The Boa dial is located on the side or the tongue of the boots or bindings, and can be easily rotated with a twist of the wrist. The Boa system can be customized to provide different levels of tightness and support, depending on the rider’s preferences and the intensity of the activity. Some snowboarding gear that uses the Boa system includes K2’s Maysis boots, Burton’s Felix Step On bindings, and Ride’s Insano Focus Boa boots.
5. MIPS technology
MIPS technology is a safety technology that stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. MIPS technology is designed to reduce the risk of brain injury in case of a fall or a crash, by mimicking the natural protective mechanism of the brain. The brain is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid that acts as a cushion and a shock absorber, allowing the brain to move slightly within the skull without getting damaged. MIPS technology uses a similar principle by inserting a low-friction layer between the outer shell and the inner foam of the helmet. This layer allows the helmet to rotate slightly on impact, reducing the rotational forces that can cause brain injury. Many snowboarding helmets now feature MIPS technology, including Giro’s Range MIPS helmet, Smith’s Quantum MIPS helmet, and POC’s Fornix MIPS helmet.
6. Augmented reality
Augmented reality is a technology that overlays digital information on top of the real-world environment, allowing users to blend the physical and the virtual worlds. Augmented reality has the potential to enhance the snowboarding experience by providing real-time feedback, guidance, and entertainment, as well as by enabling social interaction and collaboration. For example, Oakley’s Airwave 1.5 goggles feature an augmented reality display that shows the rider’s speed, altitude, distance, and navigation, as well as snow conditions, weather forecasts, and music playlists. The Airwave goggles also allow the rider to track friends and share photos and videos, using a mobile app. Another example of augmented reality in snowboarding gear is the Hololens II headset, which allows riders to see and interact with virtual objects and characters while still wearing their helmets and goggles. The Hololens II can be used for training, simulation, and entertainment purposes, and can be controlled by hand gestures or voice commands.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the latest snowboarding gear is packed with innovative tech features that can enhance the rider’s performance, safety, comfort, and entertainment. From 3D printing to smart materials, from the Boa system to MIPS technology, from augmented reality to wearables, snowboarding gear is becoming more advanced, personalized, and interconnected than ever before. Whether you are a beginner or an expert snowboarder, it is worth exploring the latest tech features of snowboarding gear to find out how they can unlock your potential and take your experience to the next level. And if you are a gear manufacturer or a designer, it is worth staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in order to create gear that meets the changing needs and expectations of snowboarders around the world.
Image Credit: Pexels