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Nicky Iseard
fall-line magazine
co-editor
Dalbello Quantum Free boots
RRP €110.00
www.dalbello.it
Just because the ski lifts will be turning this winter, doesn't mean you have to take 'em – get out into the Portes du Soleil backcountry with these epic new boots from Dalbello. The new Quantum Free 130, 110, and 105 W boots ('W' is the women's version) offer a burlier feel than the existing Asolo boot, replacing the cord and BOA closure with buckles for improved downhill performance. Tipping the scales at around 1250g, which is right on par with offerings from dedicated touring brands, they’re an exciting option for gram-conscious tourers who don’t want to compromise too much on the descent; early reports are that the skiability is great, thanks to their decent cuff height, and – with the 130 and 105 W – a flex that is powerful yet progressive, offering bags of control and support (the 110 has a more mellow flex). The Vibram rocker sole provides good grip on rocky approaches and steep bootpacks and it has a whopping 65-degrees ROM in walk mode – that is more than your ankle! We are loving the colours, too.
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Explore the mountains with PEAK
Elan Voyager ski
RRP €1299.95
www.elanskis.com
No, your eyes are not deceiving you - it is, in fact, a ski that FOLDS in half! Elan is a brand that is routinely innovating new tech for skis, and the Voyager - a ski that has been in the works for the last three years - is a prime example of this. The industry-first folding design means it can collapse to half its size for easy transport (it comes with its own carry bag), and then, when it's time to ski, you can simply extend it again, and rotate the binding round over it, locking it firmly in place. What you then get is a 78mm-underfoot all-mountain ski that is turny, planted, smooth and honestly skis like any 'normal' ski. We tested it last season, and besides a little extra weight (3.4 kilos in the 160, so about the same as a slalom race ski) it packs real performance - plenty of edge-grip, pop, carvability - the lot! It’s available in three colours and three lengths: 160cm (packed to 87cm), 166cm (packed to 90cm) and 172cm (packed to 93cm).
www.peaksnowsports.com
POC Meninx RS helmet
RRP €259.95
www.pocsports.com
We are loving the understated, slick design of POC's new unisex Meninx helmet. As pared back as the styling is, the Meninx is as loaded with tech as they come. This season, POC has decided to swap out its own proprietary brain-protection technology for the industry-standard MIPS. In the simplest terms, the casing is designed to slide from side-to-side, absorbing collision impact and reducing the force of a blow to the head. Meanwhile, the two-part ABS shell offers double the protection: there’s an EPS foam liner atop the head and tougher-tocrack EPP foam around it, meaning you have the right sort of protection in the right sort of places. There is adjustable venting and removable ear padding for those spring days lapping the Avoriaz Stash and the Fidlock magnetic buckle is easy to use even with gloves on.
Bollé Torus goggle + Volt lens
RRP €240.00
www.bolle.com
Hands up who wants to absorb every last detail of those much-missed mountains this winter? Us too, which is why we are super-excited to get our hands on (and faces into) Bollé’s new Torus goggles, which feature the mega-high-contrast Volt lens. Apparently the future is already here, since Bollé has developed the lens using artificial intelligence – it analysed 20 million different lens formula combinations to settle on one that offers the most complete colour contrast and unrivalled depth perception. Amazing stuff. Other top tech includes triple-layer face foam with fleece, lens vents, thermoformed nose foam and a wide silicone strap. And they feel great to wear too – lightweight and comfortable.
Ortovox Diract Voice avalanche transceiver
RRP €330.00
www.ortovox.com
Just when we thought avalanche transceivers couldn't get any cleverer, Ortovox go and bring out the world's first unit with integrated voice navigation. The Diract Voice uses voice guidance to alert you to any mistakes and keep you on track in the finesearch phase. For example, if you are following a flux line, but in the opposite direction, the transceiver will tell you to, “stop, turn around”. Voice guidance aside, there are heaps of other impressive new features, including a super-rapid processing speed, rechargeable low-temperature battery, a protected on/off button that prevents accidental switches between search/send modes, and a new user-friendly harness that uses a velcro pull rather than a zip or buckle. Behold the future!
