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DISCOVER
Sunday, October 29, 2000
Technological advances in gear give skiers better options and more choices
DARREN SAMUELSOHN, THE OLYMPIAN OLYMPIA -- It's not how or where you ski, it's how you look when you're skiing.
Well, not exactly.
That's just what some skiers say when they're looking at new gear.
But all kidding aside, ski equipment underwent dramatic changes beginning about four years ago.
Skis gained weight and width, which improved the performance of any two planker. Meanwhile, the comfort level in ski boots leapt ahead with technology, making ski footwear almost as appealing as a pair of well-worn sneakers.
Joe Hyer, the owner of The Alpine Experience store in Olympia, said that the improvements have everything to do with the increase in popularity of skiing. As more people crave the slopes, ski equipment companies invest more money in research and development to increase a skier's ability and comfort.
"I can do a little dance in these," said Jake Desmarteau, a Montesano fighter and ardent skier, who was sporting an orange pair of Salomon X-Wave 10 boots that he ended up buying at The Alpine Experience. "I love them. They're pretty bomb proof."
Expecting to spend upwards of $500 for a new pair, Desmarteau said he was excited to buy this year because the newest gear is both better fitting and sturdier.
And once Desmarteau picked out his new boots, he was treated to the latest in boot technology. Alpine Experience ski shop manager Russ Gilsdorf strapped his boots into a warming device. Once the boots were warm, Desmarteau could put his feet into the liner and mold them to his specific foot shape.
"Comfort is the biggest bonus in ski boots," said Desmarteau, who acknowledged that he won't be lending his boots out as often. "And it used to be the biggest complaint."
Tell the truth
Discussing ski equipment, and the annual ratings in trade magazines, Desmarteu said his buying decision was only slightly based on the written reviews.
Gilsdorf said that magazine articles about ski equipment help but can't be the only guide for buying new equipment. Magazine authors give a sense of what's out there because they try out all the equipment, but their experiences don't equate to each individual's.
"They don't ski the same way that you do," Gilsdorf says. "And their best boot is not always your best boot."
Addressing both skis and boots, Desmarteau said that it helps when buying gear to be serious with yourself and the salesperson about your ability. Don't overestimate your skills or you'll end up with equipment not suited for where you go and how you ski, he said.
Shaped up
The change in boot comfort is equally as dramatic as the change in ski shapes. In just five years' time, an additional 10 millimeters have been added to new skis where the feet clamp in.
Hyer said these shaped, or curved skis, are heavier and allow folks to turn and glide through all types of terrain.
This is particularly beneficial for Pacific Northwest skiers since the region's snow is renowned for being wet and mushy, living up to its nickname of "Cascade Crud."
Hyer said that the popularity of skiing has not only increased the quality of skis, but also has meant the consolidation of ski-making brands. The major companies, Salomon and Rossignol among them, have been gobbling up their competitors.
There are now eight or nine companies making skis instead of the 14 that did so just a half-decade ago.
Despite the decrease in ski makers, costs have hovered around $400 to $600 as the equipment continues to make the sport easier for all levels.
"Prices are the same," Hyer said. "You're just getting a lot more ski for your money. Beyond that, there's not much changed except the colors." The Olympian Copyright 2000
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