2010 ispo European Ski Award winners announced

New products are here! In 2010 the ispo European Ski Awards are once again presented by an international jury consisting of media and retail representatives as well as independent industry experts for innovative ski products. The award honors products distinguishing themselves thanks to technical features, design, and individual user-friendliness.

Winner Hardware – Blizzard R-Power FS IQ

Hall A5. 202The Austrian ski manufacturer receives the award in the category Hardware for its innovative shock absorption technology “IQ Power Full Suspension”. Inspired by automotive technology the skis feature visible oil pressure shock absorbers, eliminating unwanted oscillations and improving control. Connected to the shock absorbers is the so-called “Carbon Power Booster”, a carbon brace reinforcement ensuring even power distribution across the entire length of the ski. Athletic skiers will benefit from this agile ski’s increased safety and improved ride, packaged in a sporty design.

Jury Statement: Blizzard revolutionizes shock absorption technology for top skis with this advanced new development. Packaged into a technical design the R-Power FS IQ offers a high degree of usability as well as additional safety on the slopes.

Winner Special Prize – Völkl Racetiger RC PSi

Hall A5. 302

In the upcoming season Völkl focuses on individuality. The jury honors the newly developed “Power Switch individual” technology with its Special Prize. This technology allows a personal adjustment of the ski according to skill, weight, and age. With the help of a counter-sunk adjustment screw in the rear of the ski a carbon rod integrated into the ski’s body is either tightened or relaxed, thus changing the ski’s flex. The carving skis are adjusted to the buyer’s requirements by a knowledgeable retail staff member at the time of purchase.

Jury Statement: The individualization concept PSi by Völkl offers added value both for retail and consumers. Customizable ski characteristics according to skill level, weight, and age offer the user more performance and safety, and provide retailers with an opportunity to prove their consulting expertise.

Winner Ski Boots – Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell

Hall A5. 202

Air inside the boot! A quick and simple description of the “Air Shell Fit” technology by Tecnica. Air pockets are integrated between the outer shell and inner boot in the area of the forefoot and the heel, which can be in- or deflated manually. By pressing a button on the rear of the boot the skier can adjust the fit according to application, foot shape, and snow conditions. Tecnica offers a new boot for all skiers who want to enjoy comfort while skiing.

Jury Statement: The most prominent feature of the Tecnica Phoenix 100 Air Shell is the advanced adjustment mechanism to satisfy a variety of applications. The well-though-out air system allows quick and easy adjustment of the boots’ fit for all types of conditions, perfect for comfort-conscious skiers.

Winner Nordic – Fischer RCS Carbon light skating

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The new skating boot by Fischer is specially designed for athletic competition and ambitious hobby skiers. The use of carbon stabilizes the shoe’s shape, and thus ensures a high degree of torsion resistance and optimal energy transfer to the ski at an extremely low weight. The “Worldcup Carbon Cuff” technology provides high directional stability while ensuring maximum range of motion across the length of the boot. Flexible materials ensure perfect and comfortable fit. Ratchet fasteners allow individual customization of support, volume, and torsion resistance.

Jury Statement: Fischer used state-of-the-art materials to create a high-performance athletic crosscountry boot, the RCS Carbonlite Skating. Packaged into a clever design the Fischer skating boot is a top product for Nordic competitors and ambitious hobby skiers.

Winner Others – Uvex take off Ski Goggles

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Changing light conditions on and off the slopes continue to provide new challenges for goggle manufacturers. Uvex’ new “take off” technology for ski goggles impressed the jury thanks to its technical details and design. The helmet-compatible ski goggles come with an orange lens. By attaching another, darker lens the goggles can be adjusted for use in glaring light conditions. This is done with the help of a magnetic mechanism, allowing a quick and easy adjustment while wearing the goggles. The second lens is very thin and flexible, and can easily be stowed in a jacket pocket. The goggles protect against UVA, UVB and UVC, and feature anti-fog treatment.

Jury Statement: The innovation Take Off by Uvex is simple and effective. The result is easy and rapid goggle adjustment for all types of conditions. The technical features as well as the design complement a product offering a high degree of added value for a wide-ranging target group. This year no awards were presented in the categories Ski Bindings, Ski Wear, and Kids. Information on these and all other awards at ispo 10 is available online at www.ispo.com.

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