Where to now, gear?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 542, 28 June 1994, Page 15 (Supplement)

Where to now, gear?

By Marie Lynghaug, Eivins Ski Shop Skiers and wanabe skiers come in all shapes and sizes, all ages and from every conceivable background. What they all have in common is a love of the mountains and a zest to loosen up on the ski slope. Only problem is... it all costs money. Well, never before has ski gear been so affordable and offered so much technology to enhance performance and comfort. Allow me to share your aspirations for 1994. At aGlance.... Winterwear Colours all from mother nature, emerging from the sea, the sky and the earth. Prints are slightly ethnic. The most significant trend being the cross/over skier/ boarder clothing. This hybrid skiwear is functional, practical, made in ultra sturdy materials, sophisticated weaves that act as thermo-stats! An invest-

ment becomes a long term relationship. Skis Monocaps , Torsioncaps , Tricaps are all variations on the cap ski theme. We all demand more for less. Now it is available in the form of many ski brands. These skis all give improved performance at a lower price. Check out Dynastar, Pre, K2, Salomon and Rossignol performance recreation ski models. Even if its true youth skiers are abandoning skis for snowboards, virtually every ski brand has a ski aimed at the youthful, aggressive skier in the Exterme, Radi-

cal, Force type ski. Not forgetting the Junior "NoFear" types, mini versions of the above skis are plentiful. Bootland Big changes! Highlights are Ergonomic bootliners, restyled shells, new buckles, more specifieally fitting women' s boots. Featuring many new models are, Raichle, Lange, Rossignol and Salomon. Customi sed footbeds not only enhance ihe fit, but the added value of performance is immeasurable. Prench system "sidas" offer a new technique of forming the high definition foot beds.

Pillows of siliconce arfe stood on as the air is vacuum sucked out. The end result is a very high definition footbed. Bindings Whether you buy binding because of safety, enhanced release technology performance advantages or colour and price, each manufacturer is seeking to satisfy your needs... Bindi ng makers have found way s to cram as much technology as possible into lower price points, plus increasing colour choices within the same models. After all we can't have your binding not matching the ski. It's

the 90' s remember! Last tracks First tracks if you haven' t skied or boarded before, and think you would like to cut loose on the slopes... much of this technical cornucopia can be rented and tested from specialist ski shops around the mountain.