The cold weather has finally arrived and ski enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting these days. We are not used to these types of articles, but with most of the equipment being high-tech, we thought you would be interested in learning about some of the most innovative equipment on the market.
See below in detail the best ski gear that features high technology:
GoPro Hero8 Black
GoPro's new flagship camera, the Hero8 Black ($350), was recently awarded an Editors' Choice award.
"What's the new feature on the Hero 8 Black that makes it so great? I'm not sure there's just one, but there are a lot of features and updates that make it generally easier to use and a better camera no matter what you're shooting, but the camera has also been redesigned to get rid of the frame required to mount the camera. This is fantastic for me because I've always hated the frame — I'd forget about it sometimes and then I wouldn't be able to mount the camera. It also blocks out the battery and microSD, which is now on the right side with a USB-C. That means you can easily swap batteries and cards as well as charge it, and it's still waterproof to 10 meters," said CNET columnist Josh Goldman.
Glade Adapt glasses with photochromic lenses
If you don't want to pay upwards of $200 for a set of Smith I/O goggles, there are plenty of more affordable alternatives, including those from Colorado-based Glade, which prides itself on making goggles that offer similar or better performance than high-end models from other companies for a lot less money.
The big deal is that the Adapt includes a Photochromatic Flux lens for $109. For those who don't know what a photochromatic lens is, it's one that changes colors depending on the lighting you're in. In other words, it's the chameleon of lenses, and photochromatic glasses typically cost a lot more.
Smith 4D MAG Glasses
The Smith 4D MAG ($280) is the company’s top-of-the-line goggle. It features a wider field of view (25% wider than the I/O Mag) and a 5x anti-glare inner lens with IntegraEnergy AirEvac technology that helps reduce noise. Changing lenses is easy — a low-light and high-light lens are included — with the MAG system. Two levers release the lens, which magnetically attaches to the protective glass.
Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire gloves
The flagship Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire is available for $425 for both men and women. The gloves haven't changed for the 2019-2020 season, but the battery was upgraded last year to a stronger version with increased battery life.
On the low heat you can get up to 12 hours of battery life, with medium setting around 8 hours and high setting around 4 hours.
Spyder Hokkaido GTX Jacket
Spyder makes a lot of jackets and other outerwear, but one of my favorite jackets is the Hokkaido ($800), named for Japan's powder skiing capital. It's relatively lightweight and very comfortable, while still managing to be quite warm. It's equipped with Gore-Tex fabric and Primaloft Gold Eco technologies along with a central ventilation system and the RECCO Advanced Rescue system to help you locate yourself in the event of an avalanche. I like it best in blue, but it comes in other color options.
The closest jacket to this for women is probably the Brava GTX ($600).
Smith Code helmet
Smith hasn’t changed a thing about this year’s model from last year — except for the color options. It packs in most of Smith’s latest tech (and the Vantage’s). Inside, instead of hard foam, you’ll find Koroyd inserts that, from the top, look like a honeycomb of circular (not hexagonal) cylinders. The high-tech material is made from lightweight, eco-friendly polymer extruded tubes that are thermally bonded together to form a strong layer of protection that allows for good airflow. (Smith has added other materials and design elements to the helmet, and markets the entire protection package as “Aerocore construction.”)
Beyond the luxurious padding, there's the BOA FS360 (with a 360-degree halo design) lacing system, which helps you get a comfortable, customized fit. New this year is the Wayfinder strap system with Fidlock which is basically a magnetic quick-release system that makes it easy to open and close the strap.
The helmet only comes in a MIPS version, which offers increased protection. In a MIPS Brain Protection System, the shell and liner are separated by a low-friction layer that "allows the helmet to slide relative to the head.".
Seirus Magnemask Combo Clava
Seirus' Magnemask Combo Tube is a ski mask that features magnetic seams so you can easily pull the mask off your face and put it back on when you need it. It comes in multiple size and lists for $50. The company also sells a Magnemask Combo Clava that has a slightly thicker material (Neofleece) to cover your face. I found the Combo Tube to be more comfortable.
K2 Recon 120 MV Heat Ski boots
K2 has two ski boots with USB-powered, rechargeable thermal technology built into the liner. The Recon 120 MV Heat ($650), the higher-end of the two models (the other is the wider BFC 100), is now lighter and more comfortable to wear. It’s geared toward more advanced skiers. The 2020 model is available for pre-order and should be shipping soon. I’ve used an older version, and while the heat doesn’t necessarily make your feet warm, it just keeps your toes from freezing on really cold days.
Carv digital ski trainer
Private lessons have become really expensive, so why not buy some virtual ones?
Carv is a digital ski trainer that combines hardware that you attach to your ski boots with an iOS ( Android coming soon) that provides real-time feedback on how you ski.
Initial reviews were positive, and the software was recently updated to version 2.0 with some minor hardware improvements, including a more compact battery with the same battery life.
Carv costs $300. That's less than a single full private lesson will cost you at most resorts.
North Face Steep Patrol gloves
The North Face Steep Patrol Gloves ($140) feature a waterproof cowhide leather outer shell and what North Face calls “The Future” (it incorporates the company’s Futurelight material). Designed to adapt to hands over time, they have a snug fit with a “Radiametric hinge” that’s supposed to keep your hands in their natural relaxed position.
Trewth Bib suit
If you're looking for a pair of highly technical ski pants, Trew has a few different models to choose from. The latest version of the classic Trewth ($399) pant features the enhanced breathability of Dermizax NX, which Trew touts as the world's most breathable windproof membrane.
The women's version of these pants is the Chariot Bib ($399).
Atomic Hawx Ultra Connected Ski Boots
Atomic has announced that its popular Hawx Ultra line of boots will come in a Connected version with a built-in tracker that provides “state-of-the-art digital tracking and analysis capabilities via Atomic’s free Mobile Connected App for instant slope feedback and an enhanced ski experience.”
The upcoming ski boots will feature Suunto's Movesense technology and built-in force sensors within the liner. Based on the feedback the app gives you, you'll be able to adjust your skiing technique for higher performance, improving your balance, pressure control, and skills.
Hopefully we'll see them in stores for the 2020 season. We don't know anything about pricing yet.
