The amount of gadgets coming into the snow sports world has dramatically increased these past ten years. I’m constantly astounded by the amount of great technology out there, finally the James Bond lifestyle doesn’t seem a million miles away. Although for most of us, price is the ultimate factor when gadget shopping.
Simply Piste, online Ski Wear Retailer have decided to put together a list of what they think are the Top 10 Ski gadgets of recent time, some reasonably priced and some high priced.
10). E-gloves
Not the newest gadget to hit the market. However e-gloves are a genius and practical piece of Kit. They’re invention cuts out the problem of answering phone calls whilst out on the slopes. This removed fuss allows the experience to become more comfortable, convenient and reduces the risk of dropping your device. They work on an array of touch screen devices, so if you’re lucky enough to have an ipod touch, ipad or a touch screen phone, e-gloves are worth considering when you need a new set of ski gloves. The North Face offer a good range of e-gloves, however if price is a factor, you may be willing to give F3 ski a go.
9). Giro Link audio drops
Powered by skull candy, Giro’s link audio drops are applied throughout the Giro ski and snowboarding audio range. They feature 40mm speakers that produce a crisp and clear treble with a deep and pokey bass. The system is easy to use, their speakers drop into the latest designed Giro ear pads, which be integrated into your helmet. The latest 2011 range can feature a Bluetooth link up, allowing you to answer your phone wirelessly. If you have the pleasure of owning a Giro Helmet, please make sure it’s audio compatible before purchasing link audio drops.
8). Avalanche Scanner – Ortovox S1
This avalanche scanner was a revolutionary piece of kit when it was released a couple of years ago. Valued at around £300, the scanner can prove to be a life saver, quite literally. Geared more closely towards backcountry skiers and mountaineers, the scanner once opened gives an immediate overview of the situation, so you know how many victims as well as the whereabouts of those victims.
The unit uses the worldwide standard emergency radio signal for up to 4 people without confusing signal interference. The navigator uses a directional arrow and displays distance allowing you to bear down on the victim. Once within 3 meters of a victim, you are confronted with a homing beacon, allowing you to narrow your search as closely as possible. These scanners also act as transponders when closed, so they’re ideal for all individuals to carry within a group.
7). Kestral 3500 Pocket weather Meter
Aimed at the more serious pros and tech junkies, this bit of kit provides you with a wealth of up to date information at the tips of your fingers. Similar to the avalanche scanner, this unit is more aimed towards the backcountry, guides, mountaineering market.
Priced at around £220 the kits accuracy resonates through with specific information on Barometric pressure, pressure trend, altitude, heat stress index, Dewpoint, average wind speed, current wind speed and many more. Feel free to check out kestrel weathers website for full details.
6). Ski Mojo
Ski Mojo is another product that’s been around for a couple of years. I’m still not entirely convinced at how well these have actually taken off. From a practical point of view they make absolute perfect sense and allow you to really get the best out of your trip. The system allows for a 33% reduction in stress on the knees and thighs, allowing you to spend more time out on the slopes without the aches and pains. Valued at around £330, the system can be seen as good value for money and can really help you get the most from your trips.
5). Therm-ic inner sole with lion pack
Stay toasty with this little gadget. If you have comfort in mind, these things are brilliant. The small lithium battery attached can offer you up to 18 hours of warmth, with many different temperature settings to suit you, with an easy access remote that can hang around your neck. Charging your batteries is quick and easy and can be done in just two hours. Priced at around £250, these units provide you with comfort for hours on end around the slopes.
4). Dry Guy
Continuing the heating theme is the “dry guy”. I think this bit of kit is great. Priced at a very reasonable £50, these allow your trip to become all the more enjoyable and organised. The machine gently dries items placed upon it within an hour whilst also working to eliminate odours. The design allows you to dry up to four garments simultaneously and will not harm any liners or stitching. From experience, I know how long some ski wear can take to air dry. This unit gives you peace of mind and makes the next morning on the slopes that much more comfortable.
3). SatSki App
We arrive at the by far cheapest gadget in the Top 10. The Satski mobile phone application. Priced at just a few pounds, the satski has taken the snow sports market by storm. It offers up to date real time ski navigation with the use of colour trail maps, making it easier to read. Many Skiers spend a lot of money on GPS. Satski comes integrated with “locate me”, live tracking, and live states such as altitude, speed and distance. You’re also able to view weather reports and an SOS feature that allows you to receive your location co-ordinates.
2). HD summit video camera Goggles
The penultimate gadget, the HD Summit video camera Goggles. For £250, these goggles are the toast of gadgets for ski geeks. Replacing the need for an external camera that attaches to your helmet, these goggles integrate the camera within the goggles, perfect for capturing POV action on the slopes in stunning 720p HD. Capture footage as your see and hear it, the ability to take snap shots and a no-wind noise mic adds to an already boastful spec.
1). Zeal Goggles with Head up Display
These ground breaking goggles were released in 2010, and have been wowing snow sport enthusiasts ever since. Prices in the UK starting at £399, the goggles featured a colour LCD display that is projected in the right side lens, showing real-time stats such as, speed, altitude, temperature and more. Questions have been posed at the designers of this gadget, about the safety issues.
To clarify, the experience is likened to that of driving. The head up display is an estimated perception of 5 metres away and non invasive. Similar to driving and a dash board, you have the choice whether to look down to view your gages as and when you need to or feel is appropriate. The goggles are also USB compatible, and allow you to upload, share and compare stats. Finally a full integration with Google maps allows you to map out your journey on the slopes.