Smith Optics Launches New Snow Sports Helmet Line

Smith Optics is excited to announce their launch into the helmet category with a full line of snow sports helmets for the 2006/2007 winter season. Smith will use their knowledge of winter sports technologies to enhance the combined function of goggle and helmet performance. Industry experts agree that the snow sports helmet market is on the precipice of a surge as new technologies such as those that Smith offers appear in helmets and as consumers are encouraged to wear helments by a variey of coalitions including doctors, instructors and resorts.

Smith has entered into a long-term agreement working directly with a leading helmet factory to develop helmets using lightwieght In Mold and BombshellTM hardshell construction technologies, plus an entirely new construction technology called Smartshellä On Mold, which allows designers more freedom to create unique shapes and maximizes the final products' cosmetic appearence. "Smartshell opens the boundaries of EPS helmet design, allowing mold shapes, shell types and joint lines previously impossible with In Mold or hardshell construction,Smith has entered into a long-term agreement working directly with a leading helmet factory to develop helmets using lightwieght In Mold and BombshellTM hardshell construction technologies, plus an entirely new construction technology called Smartshellä On Mold, which allows designers more freedom to create unique shapes and maximizes the final products' cosmetic appearence. "Smartshell opens the boundaries of EPS helmet design, allowing mold shapes, shell types and joint lines previously impossible with In Mold or hardshell construction.

First Giro is making a Sunglass line and now Smith making helmets, who's going to win this fight.

Bentgear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Black Diamond Recalling Scarpa Boots

Did we already go through this, yep we sure did. Black Diamond Equipment is recalling about 2,300 pairs of Scarpa T2X Telemark Ski Boots.

The plastic boot cuff can crack when flexed open in an unbuckled, non-skiing position causing discomfort on the ankle or shin, making the problem evident prior to skiing and thus unsuitable for use. The firm has received two reports of cuffs cracking during boot fittings. No injuries have been reported.The two recalled models of T2X Telemark ski boot can be identified by a dual color ankle cuff and the marking T2X on the outside of each boot (boxes are marked with model numbers: 142045 Men’s and 142046). Repaired or replaced product can be identified by a single color cuff: Men's cuffs are red, and women's cuffs are blue.

They were sold by ski retailers, mail order and the Black Diamond Web site from September '05 through October 10, '05 for about $560. Consumers were advised they should stop using the ski boots and return them to the nearest dealer for a free replacement.

Bentgear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Petzl Improves Upon Their Headlamps

Petzl, manufacturer of innovative Hands-Free Lighting solutions and climbing and caving equipment announced today that it is upgrading its LED (light emitting diode) headlamp line to utilize a new technology that significantly boosts light output and burn times, without an increase in price or battery consumption.

With this new LED technology, Petzl headlamps now shine brighter and burn longer. For example, the TIKKA PLUS, one of Petzl's most popular headlamps, now shines 32 meters, up from 17 meters previously. On a single set of 3 AAA batteries, it will run for up to 150 hours instead of 120 hours. This amounts to an 80% increase in lighting distance and a 20% increase in burn time. Most of Petzl's TIKKA, MYO and DUO headlamps will see considerable increases in lighting efficiency, thanks to this new technology. The new LEDs use what is called ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) technology,
which was originally developed for the semi-conductor industry. When applied to LEDs, the ITO coating doubles LED efficiency. Petzl's engineers have used this technology to produce the best balance of light output/burn times according to the particular headlamp's intended use.

The new headlamps will be heading into store's beginning of the 06 season.

BentGear.com
"Geared for Adventure"

Snow is High and Powder's Dry

In the last 48 hours the Utah Wasatch back as had a few good dumps. Was up in the mountains yesterday and found some good powder pockets. All the resorts reported good snow coverage. But boy was it cold, keep warm out there.

Try out these Black Diamond glove liners - http://www.bentgear.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=25&products_id=736&engine=CelSearch

BentGear.com
"Geared for Adventure"