Slytech Takes Back Protectors Mainstream with Its Flexi Collection

Slytech Takes Back Protectors Mainstream with the Debut of Its Flexi Collection

Designed for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, the brand’s new Flexi line delivers exceptional comfort and protection

PARK CITY, Utah – February 22, 2017 – Armed with a commitment to enhancing safety on the slopes, Slytech is proud to debut its Flexi collection of back protectors. Designed specifically for recreational skiers and riders, this new collection showcases back protectors and vests that offer exceptional protection–while also maximizing comfort.

“You don’t need to be throwing double corks or laying down turns in a World Cup race to use a back protector–skiers and riders of all abilities stand to benefit from them,” offers Ted Ligety, Shred and Slytech co-founder and chairman. “Through the years, however, many people have been reluctant to embrace them. Luckily, our new Flexi collection is designed for all skiers and riders and aims to make back protectors more appealing and accessible–even for those who simply spend their days cruising groomers.”

According to Slytech Co-founder and CEO Carlo Salmini, the Flexi collection stems from ongoing conversations the company had with the athletes on its team as well as consumers of all skill levels. “Some of our team members were reluctant to wear back protectors day in and day out, and often consumers didn’t feel they needed one,” he explains. “Consequently, we turned to them to better understand how we could enhance our products and change people’s perceptions. We want to protect the backs of all skiers and snowboarders–no matter their skills or how they spend their time on the snow.”

Throughout these conversations, it became especially evident that back protectors needed to be far more flexible and significantly thinner and lighter for more people to wear them. These revelations, in turn, guided the R&D process for the Flexi line and led to the creation of the Back Protector Flexi Lite (MSRP $170), Vest Flexi ($150), and Back Protector Flexi Lite Women ($170).

Each model showcases Slytech 2nd Skin™ XT protective foam. Exceptionally thin, flexible, and light, this protective element features a hexagon pattern that enables it to mold to the user’s back to offer unconstrained mobility. As Ligety notes, “The Flexi back protector and vest are so comfortable that it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing them.”

Slytech 2nd Skin XT also intelligently and progressively adapts to different forces and speeds of impact to provide thorough protection–even in low energy crashes. This enables the Flexi products to attain the EN 1621-2 Level 1 CB certification standard for motorcycles, as no certification standard exists for the snowsports industry.

The Flexi back protectors surround the Slytech 2nd Skin XT foam with a case that can be removed for washing. The side of this case that goes against the wearer’s back uses the brand’s Flowmesh, which maximizes airflow and ventilation. The case also features shoulder straps and an adjustable Velcro belt that provides additional back support. To further ensure the back protector stays in place, this belt is complemented by a Velcro attachment system that can be fastened to the belt of one’s snowpants. The women’s version of the Lite model–the Slytech Back Protector Flexi Lite Women–features a female-specific belt and colorway. The Vest Flexi sports a tank top shape. Forgoing zippers, it has an especially low profile. And by adjusting the Velcro at its sides, the wearer can attain a custom, snug fit.

Thanks to both their design and the materials they use, the products in the Flexi collection stand to offer protection from a slew of hazards. “As many slopes become more and more crowded, the greatest danger often comes from other skiers and riders,” Salmini explains. “And when you add in icy conditions and variable snow cover that exposes rocks, roots, and trees, there’s no shortage of threats on the mountain. All of the products in the Flexi collection provide a meaningful line of defense against these dangers.” According to Salmini, the Flexi back protectors and vests also play a valuable role in keeping a user’s back warm and providing it with support, which can prevent muscular and disc injuries.

As much as the Flexi collection is rooted in technological advancements, it is also fueled by Slytech’s commitment to enhancing awareness about the importance of back protection. “The Flexi collection stands as a major milestone in the evolution of back protection,” offers Ligety. “It’s the missing link between recreational skiers and riders and the widespread adoption of back protectors. Yet for this link to be effective, we need to work relentlessly to educate athletes and consumers about their importance. Needless to say, we’re as excited as ever for this opportunity.”

To check out the fresh 2016-2017 collections, drop into Slytechprotection.com and Shredoptics.com.

Photo Credits

Product photos: Slytech Protection

Snowboarder: Nicholas Wolken by Luca Crivelli

Skier: KC Deane by Grant Gunderson

About Shred and Slytech

Shred and Slytech empower athletes to push their limits-and simply have fun. Founded in 2006, the brands create eyewear and protective equipment for dedicated skiers, snowboarders, and mountain bikers. By blending sophisticated materials, fresh technology, and exceptional engineering, Shred and Slytech have earned the trust of these athletes and emerged as quiet leaders. Guided by a love for the mountains and a commitment to innovation, the brands aim to inspire change, reimagining how optics and protective equipment look and perform. Today, Shred and Slytech products are sold and distributed in forty countries and backed by athletes across the globe. To learn more, visit shredoptics.com and slytechprotection.com.

Media Contacts:

Chip Smith, SOAR Communications, o: 801.656.0472 x1, c: 801.597.7515, csmith@soarcomm.com

Mike Sudmeier, Shred and Slytech, c: 563.581.1238, mike@anomalysports.com

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