by The Editors on October 30, 2013
Apparently, Mr. Blanco isn’t the only snowboarder in the world who has sponsors who can kick down a private halfpipe. Apparently, Danny Davis and Torah Bright also have the hook ups. Here, let them show you. . .
[Link: ESPN]
by The Editors on October 28, 2013
Mark Schmid is making a snowboard tool in the shape of a carabiner. That’s right. A tool that snaps onto your belt loop where it will be always handy, but not in the way. He’s already created a skate tool and now he’s hoping to get this product launched with a little help from his friends on Kickstarter. Here’s what Automatic Mag says about it:
Aside from having the potential to save your day on the mountain CLICK Carabiners are incredibly useful for a host of other things like hooking your gloves to your belt loop, stylishly securing your keys and opening beers. Add in the CLICK Carabiner patent-pending “Glove-On” technology which allows you to open the tools even with gloves on, you’d be hard pressed to find a better, cooler, more useful tool for snowboarding . . .
With 34 days to go Schmid already has 1,261 backers who have pledged $25,381. If you’re down click the link and help him out.
[Link: Automatic] [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 25, 2013
Forest Bailey takes a his 686 Airflight Down Parka on a little trip over the Mt. Baker highway and throughout the trees. Couldn’t ask for a nicer reminder that winter is charging right in.
[Link: 686]
by The Editors on October 23, 2013
Mike Olson and Pete Saari (pictured right), the co-founders of Mervin Manufacturing, once again have new owners to stun and amaze as Quiksilver announced today that it had sold their Washington State based snowboard and surfboard manufacturing company to Extreme Holdings, Inc. “an entity advised by Altamont Capital Partners.”
Steve Brownlie, Principal at Altamont, said, “Mervin Manufacturing represents an opportunity to invest in a special company with two of the industry’s finest action sports brands in Lib Tech and GNU along with a passionate team, including first-rate leadership in Ryan, Mike and Pete. We look forward to building on Mervin’s strong brand position of authenticity, premium products and service and its history of driving innovation that advances the sports of snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding and surfing.”
And yeah, Altamont is the private equity firm that wanted to buy Billabong and did buy Dakine in July 2013. This should be interesting. For the official word from Quik, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 23, 2013
Spy and Airhole have teamed up on some full face coverage for the winter with a matching Raider goggle and balaclava.
SPY + Airhole’s ultimate Raider goggle-balaclava combo design provides the protection you need from the elements while bringing fashion to your face.
Looks good. We’re still waiting for Airhole to do a base layer line and call it Asshole.
[Link: Spy]
by The Editors on October 21, 2013
Vans is celebrating 20 years in the snowboarding game with a new “Mountain Edition” of technical boots and accessories and the release of a new retrospective film by Mike Hatchett.
The 2014 collection will include an exclusive 20th Anniversary capsule, complete with V-66 boot, jacket and socks. And finally, Vans will release, “Twenty Years: Off the Wall, On the Snow”, a definitive retrospective film on Vans Snow by respected snowboarding filmmaker Mike Hatchett of Standard Films. . . . On the heels of Vans’ cultural influence in skateboarding and surfing in the early 90s, Vans made its debut on the mountain, employing nearly 30 years of footwear expertise to introduce the first Vans snowboard boots. Transforming what were then glorified duck boots into functional designs, Vans set out to deliver comfortable, performance-driven snow boots that optimized the mountain experience but still looked and felt like your favorite skate shoes.
For the official word on the riders Vans has sponsored and the gear they’ve created over the last 20 years, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on October 17, 2013
Don’t worry. Bryan Iguchi is not using his new MTN Approach Pro Model skis to go down the mountain, only to go up. In fact, the skis (which have permanently attached climbing skis) aren’t even designed for going downhill. The idea behind the MTN Approach skis (and it’s a good one) is that there is no reason for your snowboarding to suffer just because you want to earn your own turns. As MTN Approach says:
Until now, the split board was the main tool available for snowboarders seeking the backcountry experience. The split board has grown in popularity and has seen advances in equipment, however, we have taken a new approach to answering the need for performance and efficiency. The MTNApproach System is the most effective alternative for riders who want the feel and reliability of a legit snowboard while riding downhill.
Get it? If you’re going to climb all the way up there, why ride down on a board that is two pieces bolted together? The Bryan Iguchi Pro Model system (which sells for $829.00) pretty much everything you need including the MTNApproach folding skis, and integral backpack. Snowboarders weighing up to 250 lbs can use the boards. Though we’re guessing after a few trips into the back country they’ll start to shed the pounds. For more info click the link.
[Link: MTNApproach]
by The Editors on October 17, 2013
by The Editors on October 15, 2013
Can you see your breath in the air? That means it’s getting pretty near time to ride. Here’s how the crew at Rome Snowboards prepares.
by The Editors on October 15, 2013
European snowboarding pioneer and film legend Regis Rolland has developed a new “dual entry” binding for APO Snowboards and in this edit he explains exactly how it works and why he thinks it will make snowboarding simpler for everyone. It’s all about “technicity,” apparently.