When you are skiing powder in Canada’s Selkirk mountain range, Research and Development is a very good job. Companies often want to see how their prototype product works in the field so somebody’s got to do it.
In the sports realm, team athletes are often called upon to use and critique their gear for feedback, improvement, and development. This was the case for skiers Chris Rubens, Elyse Saugstad and I in the Selkirks this past March 2011. Our mission was to put Salomon Freeski’s new ski binding with touring capability to the test. After two weeks of hammering it in the big mountains, we were thrilled with the performance of “the Guardian”.
Ski bindings are not necessarily the most interesting topic for everyone. But, a few important details can help influence a purchase decision that will directly translate to the pleasure of your ski experience. For those who love gear specs, the Guardian proves to be the most powerful and versatile binding option available when venturing beyond the ski area for side country “backcountry” ski missions. In simple terms, it is lower, wider, and easier to use then its competitors.
The proof is in the numbers:
The Guardian has a lower height by 28% which allows for better terrain feedback and power transmission. It also features a wider platform by 21% that allows for better transmission edge to edge. And, it offers less lateral torsion/movement when hiking by 25%.
Check out the Guardian in action in the video below. The Guardian will be available in stores in September 2012.
(Story from our trip is posted on my blog post titled The Hut Life)
- From an Outsider
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From an Outsider
"From an Outsider" is a blog based on life in the field: Kim Havell's writing spans her interests in people, gear, skiing, climbing, mountaineering, running, and general addiction to outdoor pursuits. With a passion for travel, and a thirst for exploration, Kim combines her love for the outdoors and the mountains into her expeditions and adventures, sharing the journey on Outside TV. From the backyard in Colorado & Utah to the greater global sphere, she will reveal her personal experiences and lessons, documenting the joys and challenges of pursuing your dreams.
Follow Kim:
on Twitter- www.twitter.com/kimhavell
on her Website- www.havelltravels.com
About Kim Havell: Kim is an athlete who thrives in the mountains. From Telluride, CO, she is currently based in SLC, Utah. She has skied on all 7 continents, with 1st descents on 4, and adventured in over 50 countries. During her travels, she has climbed and skied big peaks in the Himalaya & the Karakorum, the highest mountains across the US, with 1st descents both at home and abroad including in the Arctic and Antarctic, and filmed with various entities like Powderwhore, Salomon Freeski TV, and Sweetgrass Productions.
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