K2 Skis are back! No, they never went missing, but the all-new Mindbender series is something to get really excited about for Australian skiers. These skis feature powerful construction and their new Torsional Control Design Philosophy. If you are in the market for some new All Mountain Skis, these need to be on your radar.
The Mindbender series replaces the popular Pinnacle range, but don’t read into that too much because these skis are a whole new beast. The changes are focused around improving hard and variable snow performance at speed. K2 haven’t had skis like these since the AMP Rictor range from years back.
Clean, sharp graphics and powerful construction are what sets the Mindbenders apart. Pictured: Mindbender 99Ti, Mindbender 108Ti, Mindbender 116C
There are two different constructions that feature throughout the range, as denoted by the ‘Ti’ or the ‘C’ after the model name. The ‘Ti’ (90Ti, 99Ti, 108Ti) stands for Titanal, a metal alloy that has been used for uses in the ski industry. What K2 are doing different, however, is employing the use of this ‘Titanal Y-Beam’ to create a torsionally rigid or stiff front section of the ski, and a more maneuverable tail that is easy to release from a turn. We’ll be testing these skis soon but we expect to be able to really drive the tips of the ski and carve strongly, but release the tail when conditions or terrain demands.
The ‘C’ (90C, 116C) references ‘Carbon Spectral Braid’ which aims to keep skis lighter and more playful for the conditions or skiers that don’t demand the same strength that the Titanal Y-Beam offers. However the idea of have a stronger tip and a tail that is easy to release still remains true.
The Women’s Alliance Range deserves its own release and story as the technology involved is even more exciting than the men’s range. The whole range has been developed with a ton of feedback from their women’s pro team, and have entirely different profiles to the Mens range.
Gone are the days where women’s skis in the shorter lengths feel much stiffer than the longer lengths because of the boot interface taking up a larger proportion of the ski. K2’s Correct Flex is being spread across their whole range to ensure our shorter friends get the best possible performance as well. How’s that for a ski design problem you didn’t know existed?
We are most excited about the two skis in the range that are going to be Australian all mountain killers. The Mens Mindbender 90 Ti and WomensMindbender 88 Ti Alliance. We are going to get on these and more over the coming weeks while we are away testing skis in both Italy and the USA.
Every other K2 ski gets a graphical update, which is understandable with K2 releasing such a huge update in the Mindbender range. We will have images and details of the other 2020 K2 Skis shortly. Keep on the lookout, 2020 K2 Skis arrive at aussieskier.com May 1st and are bound to fly.
The TRS (Tourist Refund Scheme) allows travellers to claim tax back when departing Australia.
Purchase goods worth $300 or more from a single retailer within 60 days of departure
Present Tax Invoices, travel details, and your passport at the TRS Claim Office
Get your 10% GST back, normally within 30 days
For a full list of what can and can’t be claimed, see the ATO or ABF websites.
Tax Invoice Requirements
The Tax Invoices you show need to have the Retailers ABN, date of purchase, a short description per item, amount of tax paid, and the total amount. The aussieskier invoice that we include in parcels we ship or the emailed invoice you receive for in-store purchases has all of these fields.
If the purchase is over $1000, your personal details must be on the invoice. If you are shopping instore and wish to claim, let us know and we can add your details to the invoice. Online shoppers, the invoice will have your name and address already on there. If you are shipping to new goodies to your business address, let us know and we can re-produce an invoice with your name and home address on there.
The TRS App
The one big change to the way the TRS works is the introduction of the app. It is available on both iPhone and Android, as well as a web-based option for those who don’t have smartphones. The App considerably reduces the amount of time and paperwork needed to make a claim.
The New TRS App makes claims quicker and easier than ever
In the app there are 3 pages of details you will need to enter:
Details about yourself (Passport number, departure date etc.)
Passport Number & Issuing Country
Departure date
The tax invoice details of what you wish to claim (ABN, type of goods, tax paid etc.)
ABN of the retailer
Invoice number/date
Type of goods
Amount of tax paid
How you wish to receive payment
The information you enter will be stored in a QR code, you can then save it, screenshot it, or print it. Then present this QR code to the TRS officer along with the Tax Invoice(s) and Flight/Identity information.
TRS requires you to carry the item onboard and claim after checking in and clearing security. Finding the TRS location past security is easy, look for the signs and the large queue. If you use the TRS app and have all of your details/documents ready, the express lanes move pretty quickly.
Oversized Items
Goods need to be sighted before clearing security at the Customs office if you are claiming goods that must be checked in. This includes skis or other oversized goods, as well as some liquids and aerosols. The Customs officer will stamp/sign your Tax invoice, then you are free to check your bags in. If you only have items to claim in your check-in baggage, you shouldn’t have to go through the process again after security.
Sydney: ABF Office, T1 Arrivals Terminal (Near central glass lifts)
Brisbane: ABF Client Services Office, Level 1 International Terminal
The claim must be made at the airport which you are clearing immigration and flying internationally out of. If you are flying domestic prior to your international flight and travelling with oversized gear, the procedure becomes quite complicated. In such a case, you need to have your bags tagged only to the airport you are clearing immigration, then collect your bags, have the goods sighted and then re-check them to your destination.
Returning to Australia
There are limitations on the value of items you can bring back to the country after claiming GST back on them. If the value of those items exceeds $900 per passenger ($450 per passenger under 18) of your travel party then they must be declared on re-entering and may be subject to GST charges.
See the ABF Website for more on the Duty-Free Concessions
Continuing on the same train of thought as Part 3 of the Backcountry beginners guide, Part 4 we will be looking at the different types of clothing that will help keep you safe and comfortable as you venture further and further out.
In terms of clothes that you need to go ski touring, there are none. All of your gear that you would normally use in the resort will work to an extent. In a similar vein to specialist hard goods, lighter weight and more technical clothing will be your friend as you spend more and more time in the Backcountry.
It’s especially important when ski touring to layer effectively in order to regulate your temperature. Each layer has a specific function and being able to individually add and remove each piece is essential for changing conditions.
Base Layer
Base Layers are important for all types of skiing, but most importantly for Backcountry because they are the main layer responsible for wicking sweat away from your skin. If you haven’t done a lot of skinning, know that it is sweaty work, especially in Spring when we all like to be out there.
It may seem counterintuitive but a lot of what you wear for ski touring and backcountry skiing is aimed at keeping you cool. In sunny Australian spring conditions, most of the time you will be in just your Base Layer with your Mid Layers and Shell in your pack.
Some things to think about of when looking for base layers:
Light colours keep you cooler in the sun
3/4 Length pants stay clear of your boots
Zip Necks allow you to dump heat more effectively
Merino doesn’t smell as bad as Synthetic
Hoods are great for preventing Sunburn on your neck
Outerwear
Having both your Jacket and Pants being a shell (no insulation) is an important factor when deciding on Outerwear for ski touring. Not only does that leave you with the flexibility of temperature regulation but they are also lighter and dry faster than their insulated cousins. Having gear that dries quickly is a perk that is largely overlooked but is very handy when its wet and you are trying to dry gear in a crowded backcountry hut.
Ventilation is super important in your outer layers, being waterproof they can’t offer the same breathability as your base and mid layers. In Pants, ventilation is your only method of regulating heat, as pulling your ski boots off to pulling a pair of long johns on or off is not an option. In Jackets, it is less important, but opening a zip under your armpit to cool down is much quicker than taking off a mid layer.
On your top half, it is recommended to go for a 3 layer system. A Base Layer for wicking sweat away from your body, a Mid layer (or two) for Warmth, and an Outer Layer for protection from the elements. That way you can shed the mid layer in warm conditions and add it back when transitioning or hanging out for sunset.
Other things to consider:
Check how the pockets interact with your pack straps. Well designed BC Jackets have their pockets strategically located to stay clear of pack straps and harnesses
Gore-Tex is the gold standard for Waterproofing, if your outerwear isn’t Gore-tex, test it out in trying conditions before taking it deep into the BC
Softshell options are great for mobility and breathability but won’t keep you as protected in nasty conditions. In Australia, you should always have a Hardshell handy in case conditions deteriorate
Mid Layers
Mid Layers seem to baffle most Australian skiers. The idea of spending $300 for a jacket to wear under your $500 shell seems weird when you can just buy a $500 insulated jacket that does it all. However, once you go to a layered system you will never go back. The benefits of comfort, warmth, versatility and overall performance are huge.
Down has long been the standard insulating material for backcountry use. For the most part, it packs the smallest, provides the most warmth and is the lightest. A technical down jacket should be the first mid-layer that anyone venturing into the backcountry should own.
Synthetics have come a long way in recent years. Pieces like the Patagonia Nano Air and Nano Puff definitely have functionality that surpasses down in certain circumstances. Neither would be as warm as a good down piece, but they are both warmer than down when wet.
Considerations:
Layering 2 lighter weight Puffies is often better than 1 heavyweight one
Hooded Mid layers are great for warmth but get annoying trying to get them to sit comfortably under shells
The new S/LAB SHIFT binding ushers in the next generation of freeride capability, blending the touring efficiency of a pin (low-tech) binding, with the performance of an alpine freeride binding. For skiers who like to push the boundaries of the mountain and their skiing, SHIFT to the first ever truly compromise-free binding.
Using a simple lever in the toe, you can confidently transition from touring in a pin binding to a true alpine binding (toe and heel) with a 13 DIN for charging downhill. Plus, with 47 mm of elastic travel (same as the legendary STH2), the SHIFT’s long toe wings offer top of the line energy transfer and efficiency.
The S/LAB SHIFT utilizes a pin toe design for touring, enabling full range of motion when hiking and kick turning. With an easy step-in, convenient switch between ski and tour modes and fast and intuitive access to the climbing aids, the SHIFT makes it quicker and easier than ever to get to untracked lines. Not to mention it weighs in at only 1.7kg/pair!
Offering Multi Norm Certification (MNC) and an adjustable toe pedal, the S/LAB SHIFT is the first hybrid binding that is compatible with all norm boots on the market.
Our Opinion of the Shift
We are stoked for the concept of the Shift for replacing traditional frame bindings. It seems to be a binding that you can push as hard as you could ever wish for inbounds, then with the flick of a switch, you can go adventure in the backcountry. It isn’t going to be a binding that greatly affects the spectrum of tech bindings due to the weight. But the fact that you have a great locked in feel in the toe piece will imbue everyone with confidence.
We harp on about how much Australians love to travel a fair bit and that is where this binding will shine. You can now take 1 set of skis without any drawbacks. No longer do you need to worry about locking out the toe piece of tech bindings to send it!
We have already received a shipment and served a ton of customers who have loved them. If you missed out on the first batch, get in touch! More coming in November 2018.
The season is here, now it’s time to get the most out of it. Here’s a few tips from the pros at aussieskier to make sure you’re squeezing every turn you can out of the Winter.
Track the snow storms
To make sure you’re there the next time it dumps and they’re getting freshies, learn how to track a snow storm and understand temperature and precipitation forecasts so you can anticipate which is going to be the day to be on the mountain.
Buy your lift tickets online
Get organised in advanced and buy your tickets online the night before so you can ski straight past the lift ticket queue in the morning and onto the lift. It’s cheaper and you won’t be missing out on fresh tracks.
Join a ski club
Not only will you get great bed rates and be able to afford to ski more days, you’ll meet a great bunch of ski loving new friends to make turns with on your next trip.
Ski the season start to finish
Everyone’s lining up for that first lift, but plenty of people loose interest only a few weeks into the season. Not only do the crowds thin when Spring rolls around, but the sun comes out and lift ticket prices are often reduced. So make sure you pace yourself, and get the most out of the tail of the season.
Take some lessons to improve your technique
It’ll lead to efficiency and you’ll be able to ski for longer and be stronger. Some pre-season fitness won’t hurt either!
In recent years, we’ve seen governments and the private sector make investments into the use of more natural, sustainable, traceable and renewable ‘green’ practices.
Within the ski industry there are many examples of brands setting new global standards for green manufacturing. These companies recognise that to ski well into the future, we are dependent on Mother Nature and we need to nurture our environment.
Here are a few that the team at aussieskier.com is excited to get behind & support!
Patagonia: 100% Traceable Down
Wanting to help improve animal welfare throughout the down industry, Patagonia collaborated with industry stakeholders globally to pioneer the Traceable Down Standard. They trace every step of their down supply, from parent farm to apparel factory, to ensure the birds are not force-fed nor live-plucked.
Their process audits their supply chain, end-to-end and has set new standards for the industry and now has people asking…is your down cruelty-free?
Pure Brandz: Exploring With A Pure Conscience
As lovers of nature and our environment, the Pure Brandz commitment to using recycled and environmentally friendly fabrics is second to none.
They hold themselves to the highest standards of safety and sustainability and have the credentials and awards to prove it. Pure outdoor clothing is 100% recyclable, 100% free from environmentally harmful chemicals, and made using already recycled consumer products like discarded plastic bottles. Using the latest green technologies available, Pure Brandz produces high-end eco-friendly clothing for a variety of active lifestyles and we’re thrilled to add them to the aussieskier.com offering for Winter 2018!
The Pure Brandz team have sourced newly innovated product SympaTex® from Germany that’s high performance (100% waterproof & windproof while remaining breathable) but is also 100% recyclable and totally free from environmentally harmful chemicals.
The SympaTex® fabric is used within every single one of their ski and mountain jackets and is made using already recycled consumer products like discarded plastic bottles, saving approx 1.5 tons of CO2 emissions for every 5,000 jackets produced. That’s the equivalent of 1,200 car trips of 10km!
XTM: Certified Carbon Neutral
XTM has taken steps to measure and take responsibility for the impact that their business has on the earth’s long-term livability. So far they have offset 8,000 tonnes, accounting for 100% of their carbon footprint since 2010.
Their voluntary carbon emission off-set investments are designed to fast-track the development of clean energy technologies that replace the burning of fossil fuels. They invest purposefully in the places where most of the emissions from their production are made, currently being Hydro and Solar power projects in China.
XTM has recognised the growing impact of climate change on our environment, and have taken meaningful steps to be a part of the solution. Making our planet a cleaner, healthier place to live for our children and our children’s children.
Salomon: Sustainable Fibres Are At Their Core
The coastal fields of Normandy in northern France might seem like a strange place to go for a material that improves alpine ski performance. But when the R&D team at Salomon’s Annecy Design Center went searching for new materials that would help deliver better ski-to-snow contact and exceptional dampening qualities—all in a lightweight package—that’s exactly where they landed.
Salomon’s patented C/FX Superfiber reinforcement layer is designed to combine all-natural Flax and Carbon Fibre to sustainably provide dampening and vibration absorption.
“Our goal is to let skiers have more fun on the mountain. We took our patented C/FX technology to a new level to provide the power that you need for groomed slopes and the dampening needed when skiing in mixed snow,” says Scott Lumsden, Salomon product marketing manager, Alpine Skis & Bindings.
Watch the video below to see how all-natural flax fibres and Salomon’s design expertise combined to produce the new C/FX technology found in Salomon’s ski range.
The C/FX Superfiber is featured in both the QST and XDR series that ski amazingly and have been very successful in their years of induction.
If we are to keep skiing and living the way that we do, there are going to need to be some fairly big changes in the world. We are excited to be working with these brands that are paving the way for future generations to enjoy the snow and life as we know it.
Selecting the right ski sock for your time out on the slopes can be a make or break for your day. Nearly every skier has at some point experienced numb, cold feet which doesn’t do much for your enjoyment of the sport. This guide has been created to help run you through the different features to look out for in ski socks.
Fit
It’s important to make sure your socks fit just right. Too big and they’ll bunch up inside your ski boots and create pressure spots, too small and they’ll constrict blood vessels and reduce the blood flow to your feet, causing cold feet. The ideal fit with socks is for them to feel like a second skin. Socks will come in a variety of sizes, and each size guide is pretty bang on. If you find your on the cusp of two different sizes go for the bigger size if you have average to wide or high volume feet, go for the smaller size if you have narrow, low volume feet.
You should never wear more than one pair. Two socks won’t actually keep your feet warmer – they’ll cause your feet to sweat and that extra moisture becomes cold in alpine environments. This means cold, wet socks around your cold feet! If you feel you have to wear two pairs of socks to make your boots fit, your boots are too big and it’d be worth seeing if a bootfitter can help you fix the fit.
Cold feet are better off going into midweight socks, rather than light or ultra light socks. Midweight socks use more and thicker material around the foot and up the lower leg and will provide additional comfort and insulation from the cold. Made from the same materials, light socks have less thickness to them, and ultra light socks are very thin. Light and ultra light socks are usually recommended by bootfitters as they allow the ski boot to fit snug and securely.
A better quality sock will use elastic in the right places to stay secure on your feet. If you see a sock which has elastic over your instep or around your arch, and at the bottom of your shin or near your heel, you know it’s going to stay in place all day.
Materials
Ski socks are made from a variety of materials, but they generally always incorporate natural fibres. These types of fibres are great as they work extremely well to control odor and provide warmth.
Merino wool
Merino is a tried and tested insulator which will also wick moisture from the skin to help keep your feet dry. By keeping your feet dry they will therefore be more warm. Merino is an active fibre which means that when you are hot it works to keep you cool, and when you are cold it works to warm you up. The best of both worlds!
Bamboo
Bamboo is another natural fibre which is far more soft than wool which makes it exceptionally comfortable when it is next to your skin. It’s very breathable and is much less irritable to the skin than wool. Bamboo is also much more eco-friendly than alternatives as it uses less water to grow or produce and no harmful pesticides.
Synthetic materials
The use of synthetic materials has both advantages and disadvantages A cheaper sock made from synthetic materials doesn’t let the foot to ‘breathe’ as well which results in perspiration building up next to the skin and causing cold feet. However, there are some fantastic synthetic materials such as Coolmax which has been purposely developed to wick moisture away from the skin. Compression socks also use synthetic materials to allow the sock to become tight enough around the foot and lower limb.
Additional features
Anatomical fit
Higher end socks will be individually shaped for the skiers left and right foot. Having specific left and right foot construction provides the benefit of cushioning and elastic in all the right places and will increase comfort for the skier.
Breathability/Ventilation
Ventilation is a big contributor to keeping your feet dry and warm. As our socks are often jammed into tight fitting ski boots for hours on end, having a sock with good levels of breathability will help to reduce the buildup of perspiration which will make your feet get cold. Look for thin or half-stitched sections of the sock on top of the foot which add to the breathability of a ski sock.
Compression
Compression is a relatively new feature in ski sock technology and is only found in socks that are up there with the best of the best. By incorporating medical grade compression technology the socks can reduce lactic acid build up, muscle vibration and swelling. This means less soreness and tiredness so you can spend more time skiing. Compression also helps to promote blood flow keeping the skiers feet warmer and reducing numbness. As the compression has to be for specific areas of the foot these socks will always have anatomical left and right fit.
Heated socks
If you get cold feet you can’t go past heated socks. Using heating elements throughout the socks they’ll keep your feet toasty warm all day long. A battery fastens to the top of the sock, above the boot, and is rechargeable. Good quality heated socks are made from technical materials which still work to wick moisture from your skin and keep their shape. Although they’re designed for snow sports, there is no reason they can’t be used for hiking, horse riding, going to the footy or a cold Winter’s morning spent on the sideline watching the kids.
Ski goggles are one of the most essential pieces of your ski gear. They provide the ability to differentiate snow forms, keep snow and wind out of your eyes, and most importantly, protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that bounce around on snow. Any good snow goggles will provide adequate UV protection, what makes a pair of goggles great is ease of use and performance.
If you find a pair of goggle that match up with your responses to the following questions, you’ll be in good hands.
Do they fit my face?
Are the lenses easily swapped?
Do they come with multiple lenses?
Fitting a Pair of Goggles
One of the most important things to look for in a pair of goggles is fit. However its also the hardest to objectively decide on over the internet. Pending on your particular face shape, certain models simply might not work.
When trying on a pair of goggles for the first time, hold them up to your face with a little bit of pressure and check that the foam is in contact with your face all the way around. The aim is to have them feeling secure but gentle. How tight the strap is has a huge effect on the pressure the goggles exert on your face, so if they feel too tight, loosen it off a little.
Goggle Frame Size
When deciding on a pair of goggle, we normally start with frame size. Bigger frames have the advantage of generally providing better peripheral vision but can be uncomfortable for those with smaller faces. There currently aren’t standardised frame sizes, however most womens models can be classified as Small to Medium fit and Mens or Unisex models are anywhere from Small to Large Fit.
Small Goggle Frames
Many companies make a dedicated low profile goggle aimed at fitting smaller faces. The Anon WM1 is a great example of this. All of the tech of high end, bigger goggles, in a Small to Medium Frame size.
The Anon WM1 – A Great choice of Womens Goggles
Medium Goggle Frames
The vast majority of people will enjoy a medium fitting goggle. Providing bigger range of vision, without the added bulk of a huge goggle. The Dragon NFX2 is a top selling mid sized option, super stylish goggles that still have easy interchange and great lens technology.
Chris Benchetler Rocking the Dragon NFX2 Ski Goggles
Large Goggle Frames
Big goggles have been a trend of the past 5 years, they aim to provide an unhindered field of vision by having a massive lens. For many people, the large frame are too big and push down on their noses when worn in conjunction with a helmet. The Dragon X2 is a great example of this style of frame. Dragon even know this themselves, and offer a smaller framed X2s for people who want the same style in a smaller frame.
Fit Features
Over the Glasses (OTG)
Most companies have goggles that are compatible with people who wear glasses while skiing. To allow the goggles to sit comfortably over the glasses, the goggles have to have a fair bit of room on the inside of the lens, so lower profile goggles often don’t work very well. The main alteration they make is a small gap in the frame to allow for the arms of the glasses.
Anon Relapse (left) is an example of OTG cutouts in the frame. POC Fovea (right) doesn’t have any cutouts.
Asian Fit
For one reason or another, traditional goggle shapes don’t agree with the stereotypical face shape of Asian skiers. To counter this, goggle companies add an extra layer of padding around the nose area in ‘Asian Fit’ models. This often minimises any gap between the foam and the face that can lead to increased airflow through the goggles.
We have a limited supply of Asian Fit Goggles in the shop in the most popular styles and colours. if there is a particular model you are after, let us know and we can see what we can do.
Goggle Features
Goggles vary in price from sub $100 all the way up to close to $400. The difference between the two is the features that each pair comes with. The style of interchangeable lenses is the most significant difference between a good pair of goggles and a mediocre one.
Lens Interchangability
There are plenty of good systems out there nowadays, and each of them are different. We could write a whole article on the different methods of changing lenses. Essentially, the old style of pulling up from the top of the frame and then plucking the lens out one notch at a time is outdated. Most people buying these type of goggles have little to no intention of changing the lens.
The newer systems are amazing. Anon’s Magna-tech range tops the class, Salomon have a great locking system in the X-Max, Dragon feature Swift-Lock in a fair few of their goggles, and Giro have a whole range of cool lens changing options in their new ranges. Each technology make swapping lenses a breeze.
The Giro Contact Goggles featuring the Snapshot removal system and integrated magnets for alignment
Our most popular top end goggle is the Anon M2, mainly because the lens is held in by MAGNETS! The 2 lenses that it comes with can be swapped in a heartbeat and without needing to touch the inside or outside of the lens. Not to mention it fits most peoples faces really nicely and is OTG compatible.
Goggle Accessories
Pretty much all goggles come stock with a microfibre bag that is useful for the the protection of the lens and cleaning of the lens. Most higher end goggles come stock with a hard goggle case as well. Useful for the protection of goggles and keeping all spare lenses organised. A handful of brands sell protective goggle cases on their own, the Dakine Goggle Stash is perfect for keeping your goggles and lenses in good nick while travelling.
Anon have an interesting concept brewing in their MFI Face masks. It is a range of Face masks that magnetically attach to the bottom of the goggle frames, eliminating any air gaps between goggle and neck warmer at all times. The face mask have strategic perforations to ensure that the air you breathe into it doesn’t shoot straight up into the goggles and fog them.
Goggle Lenses
Lenses is another huge topic in itself. A pair of goggles can have all the features in the world but one problem with the lens and the goggles are cooked.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT %)
All goggle lenses are classified on how much light they allow through and expressed as percentage between 0-100%. Lenses have 3 main categories based on VLT. These values are estimated based on averaging a couple brands that we stock.
S3: Sunny Lenses: <30% VLT
S3 lenses are best for days where it is bluebird conditions, aimed to reduce fatigue of the sun. They are often Grey, Brown and Green based and are relatively low contrast. Take a dark S3 lens out in blizzard conditions and you will have it rough.
S2: Mixed Condition Lenses: 30-60% VLT
Mid range lenses excel when the weather is neither here nor there. Aiming to still block the sun when it shines but providing contrast when the light drops. If you only want one lens to do it all, chances are an S2 lens will suit you.
S1: Low Light Lenses: >60% VLT
When the snow comes down, often its hard to distinguish between snow, sky and ice. Having a lens that lets as much light through and provides the much needed contrast helps.
Lens Colours
The Lens Base Colour is the tint that is applied to the base lens and is the colour you look through. The Base Tint of the lens can pretty much be any colour. Traditional lenses often feature brown, pink and yellow and newer models have grey, blue, and green bases. It is largely argued about different base colours being better for different conditions, however the VLT and Contrast are definitely the main two factors.
Lenses Outer coating colour has little to do with the performance of the goggles, but is what makes the goggles look sweet.
Contrast
Contrast is often overlooked but is a very important factor in picking lenses. A high intensity base tint will provide more contrast and will perform better in low light conditions.
There has been a ton of development in the area with the release of High Contrast lenses. Every brand seems to have one, Anon Sonar, Giro Vivid, and Dragon Lumalens to name a few. These lenses generally aim to increase the range of useable conditions by upping contrast but lowering the VLT of each lens.
(Denver, CO) While all eyes have remained focused on Australian skiers and snowboarders winning medals in Pyeongchang, an Aussie team of a different sort has brought home gold from another fiercely competitive international showdown. le bent, Australia’s beloved makers of high-performance and ultra-comfortable socks and base layers, has been crowned KING OF THE SOCKS of North America’s Outdoor Retailer Snow Show (ORSS).
Outdoor adventure podcast MtnMeister held the competition at the annual industry gathering due to a keen understanding on how under rated yet wicked important the sock category is. “Most people go to the show to geek out on the latest skis, boots, and bindings” says MtnMeister founder, Ben Schenck. “We wanted to focus on a category that reflected the edgy – some might say sexy – nature of podcasts, which is why we chose socks.”
Throughout the four-day trade show that showcased 1,500+ of the world’s most renowned brands in outdoor and winter sports, Schenck, Max Littlefield, and Hannah Van Wetter, pitted over 20 brands of socks in head-to-head testing. The outdoor gear gurus would wear a different sock on each foot from two brands as they attended meetings and navigated through the maze of booths. “Conditions were variable – heavy air conditioning in sections of the showroom floor mimicked long days on cold and windy slow-moving chairlifts, while lingering hangovers delivered unpredictable booze sweats.” After 1-2 hours of wear, the tester would remove and replace the lesser performing sock of the two with a new challenger, and the cycle continued that way until there was one sock remaining, which was named the king. That sock was le bent’s le sock.
“le sock was le clear winner. We were blown away by the breathability and softness the socks maintained after all that abuse,” says Schenck. “Have you ever walked a tradeshow floor? It’s brutal! How le sock performs in the wilderness is still to be determined but based on their team of athletes and trail running accolades, we’re optimistic!”
Introduced in 2012, le bent’s secret is their proprietary blend of merino wool and rayon from bamboo, resulting in a sock that boasts all the performance of merino without the itch. Their Definitive Fit System is like the switch backside double cork 1260 that seals the win.
“Yew!” says le bent co-founder, Simon Blondel. “Yeah mate, we are honored to bring home the gold for Australia, but more importantly – for the world to feel the difference le bent socks deliver. Ten years of boot fitting didn’t make Anthony or I rich in the traditional sense, but it did make us rich with knowledge on the relationship between feet, socks, and boots.”
“Trust us,” continues Anthony Symonds, le bent co-founder. “If you want to win gold in the Olympics, you need gold-medal socks.”
New for 2017/2018 from Rip Curl is the Search Series of Outerwear. Aimed at minimising the environmental damage caused by the production of ski gear. With design emphasis on durability, with 100% recycled fabrics and low environmental cost.
Benefits for the Environment
A ton of environmental research has gone into the damage of producing waterproof outerwear. The amount of damaging perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) used in the textile industry is staggering. They have been used for the waterproofing outerwear for years, however, they are implicated in a range of health concerns for both humans and wildlife alike and persist in nature for a extended amount of time.
Rip Curl have made the Search Series 100% PFC Free both in materials and coatings applied to the outerwear. The Rudolf C0 PFC free DWR applied to the outerwear uses no long-chain fluorocarbons, something the industry has struggled with for years. Overall providing amazing waterproofing without the subsequent cost to the environment.
These products utilise as much recycled material as possible. Turns out that you can make a functioning waterproof jacket from 100% recycled fabric. Both the Mens and Womens versions of the Pro Search Jacket are made from 100% recycled materials, including the Cuffs and Powder Skirt! The membrane of one of these jackets/pants can be recycled from 20 PET plastic bottles!
The culmination of their environmental efforts with the Search Series is the nod of approval from Oeko Tex & Bluesign, two top tier environmentally responsible auditing companies.
Benefits for the Consumer
If being a responsible consumer isn’t enough, Rip Curl have made this gear incredibly technical and durable as well. Boasting very similar specs to their other pieces in their range and across the market.
Rip Curl aren’t messing around when they talk about durability. You will be inspired if you handle any of these pieces, they feel tough! They’ve done this by upping the density of thread used in materials, trims, and stitching.
To guarantee the improved durability, Rip Curl are offering extended warranty on Search Series items. 2 years on all stitching, taping, trims and zippers, and 5 years on fabric! As well as an extensive repair offering on out of warranty items.
The higher end pieces compete with any around on technicality, 30k waterproofing and 40k breathability powered by 37.5. As well as value, 20k/20k pieces that still boast all of the advantages of being a part of the Search Series without the associated price tag.
