Shades to socks: Gear goes high tech

November 13, 2005|Hilary Nangle, Globe Correspondent

When it comes to ski-related clothing and gear, it's all about design and evolution.

''There have been no major paradigm shifts," says Joe Cutts, equipment editor for Ski magazine. Rather, it's all about refinement. Technology is filtering down to the mass market, and consumers are reaping the benefits. Here's what is new this year:

Accessories The most popular tech gadget on the slopes is the MP3 player. Manufacturers are creating clothing with MP3 and cellphone pockets, and helmet makers have prewired models with headphones and earpieces. The latest innovation is a helmet system with splitter that will quiet the music from your MP3 player when you answer your cell. Two systems to watch: Marker's Audiorama D1X ($115), which uses wireless Blue Tooth technology, and Giro's TuneUps II (from $50). Or consider Oakley's Thump sunglasses (from $200), which have an MP3 player built into the temple of the glass; you can download music right into your sunglasses and push the speakers into your ears or away from them. The sunglasses come in two sizes with varying amounts of memory.

Speaking of eyewear, new lens technology is making the ski scene much clearer. Smith's Sensor lens with 70 percent physical light transmission (average is 40 percent) means you can see a lot more, especially on flat light days. Entry level for the lens is $80. The Turbo Cam model ($180) has a two-speed fan built into the goggle frame. Marker's Striker with NXT ($72) has an especially strong lens that delivers the highest optical clarity of any on the market.

Skis The last revolutions were the development of shaped skis and the integrated ski and binding. This year, refinements continue, including more niche segments. The biggest news is that skiing is cool again thanks to the X Games, where skiers on twin-tip skis have been getting four to five feet higher in the pipe than snowboarders. K2 is renowned for its ultra-cool graphics; take a look at the K2 MissDemeanor twin tip ($400).

Women's skis: No longer just dolled up versions of men's skis, women's skis are finally coming into their own. Manufacturers are using women in the research and design phase, and the results include different binding mounting points, softer flex, and lighter weight. ''K2 is probably the hottest women's ski in the market," says Chris Leake, vice president of merchandising and hardgoods for Ski Market, adding that Dynastar also is building a fabulous line.

For the expert looking for one ski that will do it all, Erik Anderson, general merchandising manager for American Skiing Company's retail shops, recommends the K2 Lotta Luv ($850).

Go anywhere, do anything: Anderson defines the ''one-ski quiver" as the one model that can handle almost all conditions.