First  they   aimed  at  protection  and  warmth,  then
breathability
manufacturers are going digital in what’s shaping up to be
a brain-bucket techno-revolution.

Giro steps up its audio offerings  with Tune Ups II, while
releasing the G10 MX and G10 Audio Series to replace its
hot-selling  Nine.9  line.  The  audio  system  is  integrated
through a y-split control cord featuring Giro’s Skullcandy
LINK to let riders hook a portable audio player and cell-
phone into their helmet and switch between the two.

Ovo  introduces  Stereotypes,  its  version  of  earpad
audio, to compete among the new ‘Head+Phone’ designs.
Compatible  with  most  portable  players  and  cellphones,
these  digital  add-ons  fit  into  Ovo’s  2004-2005  Awols,
Leather Series and V helmet series.

Leedom’s Soundtracks helmet-audio system
is a removable neck curtain with  speakers. Soundtracks
can be sold as an add-on, and can be purchased in-line
with Leedom’s Vandal, Prophet and Heckler models.

Boeri enters audio with a headphone-equipped liner for
its popular Tactic helmet, called Tactic RadioActives. If the
liner is a success, they plan to build it into one or more
models in the next couple of seasons.

Think on-hill audio and cellphone use is frivolous? Maybe
so, but innovations in the digital audio and cellphone arena
have  also  raised  the  bar  for  snow  safety.  For  2005-06,
Marker   infuses  its  M3  and  M2  helmet   models   with
‘Audiorama Systems.’ The deluxe system in the M3 offers
input for music, Bluetooth wireless phone technology and
an Ortovox Avalanche beacon. Geared toward backcoun-
try skiers and riders, the deluxe features a separate audio
jack that is compatible with Ortovox transceivers.

K2’s  new Baseline ACS has integrated earpads  that
plug into a music player, radio or cellphone. Glove-friendly
buttons  on  the  side  of  the  pads  control  the  system  so
wearers  can  mute  music  to  hear  a  call  and  activate  a
microphone to respond. K2 helmets will also accept audio
and visual technologies like Bluetooth and heads-up video
displays in future designs.

Uvex is creating a seamless  fusion of  helmet  and eye  protection  that’ll sound like music to any racer’s  ears.
With its space-age Wing Fireblade helmet, Uvex has merged its optical and helmet technologies to create a fluid
system that combines a race helmet with a retractable visor.

The replaceable visor can withstand an impact of up to 45 mph and a wind tunnel-tested shape minimizes air
turbulence in the helmet. The Wing Fireblade creates an all-in-one system to protect a rider’s eyes, ears and brain.

The clouds finally break after a three-day winter
and you’ve got  a line of customers who want to buy sun-
glasses. They’re sick of their hot, bulky goggles and want to
lighten up and soak up the sunshine. But since most sun-
glasses don’t seal tightly to the face, you know they’ll end up
with eyes tearing from the wind and sun. The new wave of
hybrid sunglasses combines the lightweight freedom of tradi-
tional sunglasses with the tight seal of goggles, and lets you
give your customers everything they need in one item.

mize fogging. Prescription-eyeglass wearers can also get
most Panoptx frames with a prescription lens.

New  frames  in  the  Speed  Series  include  the  Dash,
which has rectangular lenses; Rush, which has a unique
stretch styling; Sprint, with large oval lenses; and Zip, with
a partial foam seal, allowing for extended peripheral vision.
All Speed Series frames have a SR75 rating (performs up
to  speeds  of  75  mph),  anti-fog  treatment,  and  color-
enhancing copper mirrored lens.

Panoptx  Eyewear,  the  company  that  developed  an
eyecup system to protect against wind, sun and snow in
1997, unveils its Ram Air Thermal Anti-Fog eyecup design.
Providing  maximum  ventilation,  the  Ram Air  technology
directs airflow over the inner lens to keep vision clear when
the wearer is exercising. Panoptx is marketing the system
to pipe and park riders and backcountry skiers, or anyone
whose  activity  level  fluctuates  thorough  the  day   and
requires maximum ventilation and fog-proofing.

Rooly Optics jumps on the hybrid train with the Glide.
“It’s a true fusion of sunglasses and goggles that dramati-
cally increases user comfort while maintaining  the neces-
sary  protection  from  the  elements,”  says  Rooly’s  Bryan
Hooper. “We believe Glide is definitely a trendsetter that will
push the boundaries of the traditional goggle.” In addition to
a flexible frame, 10 vents and standard UV protection, Glide
boasts a helmet-compatible strap with anti-slip ribbing.

In the area of traditional sunglasses, the wrap trend is
still hot, minus the foam. Utopia’s Underworld has polarized
polycarbonate lenses that provide UV protection and mini-
mize glare, while the wrap-around design offers frontal and
peripheral coverage. “You’ll never have to compromise fash-
ion for total protection again!” says Utopia’s Sunny Garcia.

Three lenses are specifically designed for snowsports.
In fading light, the Dawn/Dusk Snow lightens to a brown
shade to increase depth perception. This, as well as the
ColorTec Copper Snow and Polarized Copper Snow, fea-
tures a thermal lens with dual pane construction to mini-