Pat’s Point of View

Also in the current edition of Qantas’ in-flight magazine is a one page round-up of the latest in hip ski equipment. They certainly didn’t have gear like this when I started skiing (or the last time I bought ski gear, which was a pathetically long time ago). Check this out:

Burton Audex Motorola cargo jacket The ultimate in wearable technology (so far), the Audex [jacket] has full iPod and mobile phone control panels on the sleeve, works with any Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone and also features a removable MP3 player, speakers in the collars and a built-in microphone.

Niiiiiice….but if you can’t afford the $1200 or so, maybe this is for you:

Giro Omen helmet This model is audio-compatible for those with a Bluetooth-enabled MP3 player or mobile phone…It’s also lightweight and features a fitting mechanism that can be adjusted with your gloves on.

That’s neat, and a great example of user-centred design in a sport that has often been more about show than go, at least in terms of its equipment. I mean being able to work the controls with your gloves on is pretty much common sense, but anyone who has been skiing will tell you that most things aren’t made that way.

Völkl Tigershark skis These skis come with a power switch that allows skiers to decide exactly how they want their skis to react. Leave the switch off for a softer flex and more relaxed skiing. Flick it on to stiffen the ski and give a snappier response when more aggression is required.

Awesome. I think I need sponsorship for my next ski trip, because that’s about the only way I could afford any of the above ;)

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