longer, just like frontside carving skis. Along with most other skis
on the market, carvers get fatter next year. While current skis in
the category have waist widths that hover around the 65-mm
mark, the boards you’ll see in the booths average a 68-72-mm
waist — like those of mid-fats in recent years.
based around nano-enhanced materials in a carbon-fiber core.
The result is a thinner, lighter and more compliant ski. Headenters
05-06 with its Liquid Metal technology in the new Super Shape ski,
a new alloy as strong as traditional metal laminates but with less
vibration and greater response.
series for carvers. The Race Carve Series sticks to a powerful
sandwich construction and narrow dimensions, while the X-Cross
Series boasts wider widths (up to a 70-mm waist) and the versa-
tility to make turns on virtually any hard snow.
Curvaceous
frontside bruiser built with a solid wood core reinforced with
two sheets of titanal and Nordica’s V-Active unflappable high-
speed construction. Salomon’s Equipe GC takes the S912 Ti
Pilot
and spaceframe construction to create a powerful, quick-turn-
ing carver. Volkl
award-winning and strong-selling Supersport series: the All-
Star. Aggressive sidecut (116-70-101 mm), wider
waist and Extended Double Grip improve edging with two
supplemental wood cores.
fairy, as the popular Apache line gets refined with the Recon, a ski
meant for true on- and off-piste snow. Dynastardreamt up a batch
of groomer destroyers in the new Contact series, sticking to a nar-
rower profile from 64-68 mm for speed and performance making
that corduroy turn. And
approach
all-mountain skis with the new Zenith Z5 and Z9. A radical sidecut
and a chubby waist (126-74-105 mm) combine to create a ski with
the quickness and power of a carver, and the stability and float of a
powder board. Fischer’s crossover AMC series skis, with two nar-
rower models ranging from a 70-73mm waist, are capable all-moun-
tain carvers. With its 75-mm waist, the MAGfire —
entry in the carving-ski wars — is a beefy all-mountain ripper.
Even Linerenamed its narrowest ski, the Assassin, as the Prophet
75, which is sure to impress young buyers who burn morning cruis-
ers as they wait for the park to soften.
Retailers New
and combine it with highly stylized, lightweight frames for a
stealth look that keeps riders looking cool in the harshest and
most varied conditions. In conjunction with Intercast, a worldwide
developer and supplier of optical protection in the form of sun-
glass lenses and visors, Marker unveils NXT lenses in its Striker
collection. Lightweight, with high clarity, the bulletproof NXT was
first used by the US military as an alternative to polycarbonate.
Uvex’s Magic goggle uses electronic lens technology built for
the US Air Force. Popular Science recognized this technology
as one of the Top 100 Innovations for 2004. The Magic has a liq-
uid crystal lens that changes from light to dark at the flick of a
switch, so the same lens works in all conditions. Jibbers and
high-speed bombers feel comfortable knowing that they have
fighter pilot caliber eyewear. Scott is betting consumers are will-
ing to pay the price ($210) for its hot, new Ransom goggle. Face
Integrated Technology (FIT) ensures a seamless fit and airtight
seal either with or without a helmet. A Dual Position Clip (DPC)
on the goggle frame slides into the forward position for helmet
use or the back position for a hat. Dual lenses are computer-
engineered to match the natural curvature of the eye for zero
distortion. A specialty item in Smith’s line since 1981, the Turbo
Fan goggle has been restyled, now using Smith’s staple
Cascade frame. A two-speed micro-electronic fan draws air
through the goggle, making it virtually impossible for fog to set-
tle on the inner lens. Now equipped with a fan, the Cascade
retains its classic styling and helmet compatibility. Backcountry
riders swear by the Turbo Fan as the only true way to eliminate
fog. Now style catches up with tech so these same skiers don’t
Polarized Photochromatic lens that auto-adjusts depending on light
conditions.
30% light transmission change keeps you shaded when
the sun comes in and allows maximum light in flat or storm condi-
tions. The limited-edition Detonator frame has a
carbon-black finish for a sleek look.
style than most adults. They’re the ones pushing the limits on the hill, and their developing eyes need
maximum protection. Rooly’s Little Shredder line includes the MaxAIRII and ICZY2 and has the styling
and features of junior and adult models, including a flexible polyurethane frame, venting system, poly-
carbonate and AC double lens, UV protection and a helmet-compatible strap with anti-slip silicon ribbing.