The Goods for '07
Add to Del.icio.usby Justin Mool
For months we've been anticipating the arrival of this year's snowboarding gear. We've waited patiently through scorching hot days and T-shirt weather. Last week something crazy happened; snow started falling on the mountains behind our office. It was an omen. Boards, boots, bindings, and clothing began to trickle in… by the truckloads. Our warehouse is now chock-full of brand spanking new gear and we want to share the sickness. Brands from K2 to Volcom continue to push the envelope in terms of style and performance. New technologies, new styles, and progressive thinking - there is lots of new shit that will knock your socks off.
Check it!
With this year's Eldorado, K2 wasn't satisfied with sticking with the same old crap. They revamped last year's model with Integrated S-Class technology and gave it a slightly longer tip and tail to make the new Eldo their hardest charging version to date. S-Class technology utilizes a vibration-absorbing layer integrated into the board to keep your legs fresh. With its True Stance sidecut, this longer, faster Eldorado turns on a dime and will get you through the steeps.
From the terrain park to the powder fields, the Muse Floural does it all. This super-light women's-specific board rides like a dream and gives you hair-trigger response. Mad dampening eliminates chatter and gives you an über-smooth ride. Apparently we're not the only ones who think this freeride deck is the sickness - Transworld Snowboard gave it their coveted 2007 Good Wood Award. Shwing!
All new for '07, these boots rock J.P. Walker's exclusive black crocodile leather colorway, which will make them the illest boots in the terrain park. This mid-flex, all-mountain freestyle boot gives you solid board feel and precise control wherever you ride. Forum constructed them with their Concentrix Level 3 liners for all-day comfort and gave them a low-profile design to fit seamlessly with their bindings. Word.
If you're after a dialed fit and no-nonsense performance, try slipping your feet into the Judges. These puppies pull out every trick in the book to give you an unreal fit. The new Boa lacing system independently tightens the upper and lower halves of the boot, an air bladder caresses your ankle for unmatched support and an airbag extends from heel to toe for big-air cushioning. The verdict on the Judges – get ‘em.
Special Blend gave the Annex Pants a built-in boxer top because they know crack kills. Not only do your drawers stay dry as you session the park, but with sick waterproofing, the rest of your legs do, too. The Annex Pants include space for your iPod, wallet, and phone, and a hidden stash pocket for emergency safety meetings in the woods. Special Blend knows how you roll.
A few other things you'd be amiss to miss:
The swanky new B by Burton line combines red carpet style and the high-tech features she-shredders need to rule the slopes. Individuality drives this collection - you won't see the S-Ride Suit around every turn this season.
Volcom isn't just for summer anymore. Volcom beefed up their collection with bombproof fabrics like GORE-TEX® and stayed true to their progressive roots with dope styling. Check out the Megasis Softshell pants to see what we're on about.
Ride stepped up the performance and comfort features for this year's binding lineup. We especially dig the Women's Sigma MVMT. Don't forget they make boards, too - the Men's DH and Women's Fever both won TWS Good Wood Awards.
This year, Forum's binding lineup is off the hook. They updated all their bindings with aluminum and composite baseplates for unmatched durability and board feel. They not only deliver mad response, but they look ill as well.
Lib Tech is back with a vengeance. Their crazy Magne-traction construction, which gives you seven points of contact, helped two of their boards - the Travis Rice and TRS - earn Transworld's Good Wood Awards. We can't wait to get on these suckers.