Bataleon gives you the smile

I usually don't like to copy/paste from the manufacturer's website but that's too good:
"It would be very naive of you to just believe everything we say. I mean do you really believe any manufacturer that is raving about their product? No off course not. When was the last time you heard some brand talking shit about their own product. But the thing is we really are convinced that Triple Base Technology is the best thing that happened to snowboards since edges."


Okay so what is this crazy chart about? well the line shows where the board is flat (like the super hyped reversed camber....the banana is everywhere on the slop). Here is the catch, rocker (i.e reversed camber) are really sweet for jib, butter,etc... but no as good as cambered board for the resilience.
With this board you will get the best of both world. and by the way it's not new tech for them, they have tested it for couple of years now.

For you it means: excellent flex for jib, butter and an stiff enough to go on the hard pack and get the control when you go crazy fast. Then on nose and tail, the edges are not in contact so it's nearly impossible to catch an edge...the rotations that you nearly landed are things of the past, this board will make yo score and give you the Big Bataleon Smile

Signal launches Outerwear

Signal was created in Southern Cali about 5 years ago. To celebrate this anniversary, they are increasing their product line. This year , Signal has teamed up with Chris Miller to develop stylish outerwear and at a key price points.

Signal jackets and pants are fully loaded with features like media pockets, goggle wipes, 9 point adjustable hoods, critical or fully taped seams and waterproof/breathable ratings of 10,000mm / 5,000gm/24hrs.

Go undercover, you won't be noticed......

With the AK 2L Jussi Anorak designed by Jussi Oksanen. He has been one of my favorite rider but to wear something like that, you better to be a ripper. This jacket has been designed for the gnarliest condition and one good thing is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Not bad, however you can't return if you get bored of fluo colors two years down the road...I would have warned you:)

Siiiick graphic....

When I went to the Movie Premiere "That's it, That's all", my wife and I saw this art being done by Mike Parillo.
Really Siiick graphic and pretty spiritual as well...I knew snowboarders were more spiritual than surfers. But to surfers defense, Point Break did not really help to make surfers look smart:)

You can check my previous blog about Lib Tech tech but here is just a picture of the board, now you can levitate both physically and spiritually on the pow-pow.

Have the board, be the artist.

Most riders are really proud of what they ride and we can talk about a board forever. Of course when we buy a board, we do our homework and read reviews to make sure it's a good board and that it fits our style. One thing that most people do unconsciously is that the final purchase decision/call to action comes from the graphic on the board.
It can be the best board in the world, a crappy graphic would be a big turn off...Anyone would prefer to skip it and go with the second best board in the world (with blazin' graphic).

With that said, what about having your own graphic so people can either tell you how talented you are.

So Series 13 (Burton) can do that for you and take care of all the logistic headaches (with acost of course). Janet Jackson from the Super Bowl is not allowed.

Fron lift to Lounge...this is EESA

Few days ago, I asked my friend Mayta what is hot in Vermont, her simple answer was EESA.
the brand from Vermont was launched in late 2004 by Stephen Cleary and Fran Frost. While at Burton and riding quite often Cleary realized that pros and kids in general preferred to wear tshirt instead of technical innerwear: why ???? Do you really want your friend to see you in tight pant like if you were 6 years old, the only missing ingredient would be a teddy bear.

Anyway that's what EESA is about, bringing style into those first layers in addition to be loaded with moisture-wicking, antimicrobial and quick-dry technology.

Don't you find there is a resemblance with Donovan, one other stuff is back, that's the stach...

Finally a good graphic on Nitro board...Buy IsenSeven

I haven't tried the T1 boards from Nitro but heard good things about them, they work best for snowpark and street that's why there is the new "RailKiller Edge" to increase durability and features the X Power Core for improved snap, blablablah....

I have owned few Nitro in the past but I have never been impressed with their graphics, it's kindda of boring. Salomon used to be that way too in early 2000. Well the snow movie production IsenSeven from Munich, Germany to is using the T1 board from Nitro to provide a limited Edition with some sick graphic (I would like the brand a little bit smaller on the bottom, otherwise I feel like I am a billboard)

So far it is only available on their website, at 399euros (close to be $550)


I am kinda of late here, I guess it takes time for the news to go over the Atlantic, the movie "Teenage love Grafitti" is sick and there are some funny parts too.
Go check out the trailer, it's pretty damn good.

Never get lost: Navjacket

For the ones who have seen the movie" Les Bronzees font du ski", you understand that getting lost in the mountains suck.

In the States, I only went snowboarding at Big Bear, so you have to be dumb to get lost but if you go to the French Alpes, it is actually quite easy. The slopes are so gigantic that you take a lift and then an other one, next thing you know it's 4.30pm, lifts are shutting down and you are miles away from your chalet...Yep that's the Alpes.

Sometimes you happen to find a natural kicker but then can't quite remember how you got there...Well those days are over with the the Navjacket from O'Neill.

There is an integrated display on the sleeves and audible instructions from the hood. You can tag your favorite spots, record routes and find friends, favorite bar and even download 3D map to your cellphone.

At 1350 euros (I have not seen the US retail price yet), It may not be for everyone, however I would have like to get a keyboard on the jacket to be able to login into my facebook account. Ohh well maybe next year.

Flow signature serie

Two days ago , I was writting about the Salomon Sick Stick using eco-friendly materials. Today I'd like to introduce the Quantum, Scotty Lago's signature from Flow.
Scotty's goal was to raise awareness about the construction of the nuclear power where he is from and part of the profits will go to A.S.E.C(Action Sports Environmental Coalition).

“I’m from Seabrook, New Hampshire and the inspiration for my board graphic is from the nuclear power plants scumming up my backyard. I’m not exactly a tree-hugger, but I want to do my part for the environment and that’s why Flow and I are supporting ASEC (Action Sports Environmental Coalition) by donating a portion of this board’s profits to help promote global awareness and responsibility.” –Scotty Lago

No matter what, it is great to have companies supporting association, but I still would have like a board that is greener, getting along with the message.

Pow Gloves

Lots of people are passionate about snowboarding, but only a few decide to become entrepreneur and live their passion to the fullest. With that said, It is a difficult task to get recognized when you have less marketing power than the big players but I think it is important for snowboarders to give some credits to young brands.

Pow Gloves is located in Washington state and after looking at their website, I found couples of models that are stylin' with some amusing description like the Mustacheo:

"A nice stash comes in handy when tracking cougars, posing for photos and of course buying beer when you forgot your ID. Choose the best one for the job at hand, so to speak."

damn it, my Xmas list is getting longer days after days.

What a sick stick: Eco friendly snowboard

Sick Stick is the board from Salomon made out of Bamboo that is available in three size for this season 156, 160, 163.
Back in January 2008, Salomon team won the Volvo Sports Design Award at the ISPO 2008.

Here is more info I could find from the ispo website:
"In terms of design, the SickStick is based on an entirely re-usable bamboo core. The top sheet is made with significantly less acrylic, plastics, fiberglass and resin than conventional boards. Even the resin in the sidewalls could be entirely replaced with durable, waterproof bamboo rods. In each board, 400 grams of bamboo are used to replace 300 grams of plastic, 100 grams of resin and 200 grams of fiberglass.
The Sick Stick is packaged in a cotton-bamboo knit bag instead of a PVC sleeve, while the hangtags are printed on recycled paper instead of coated stickers. In terms of performance, the boards are about 10 percent more resilient at the same stability and flex as conventional boards."

How about that, now I am going to France for Xmas, I hope I go to the Alpes and try this board for a backcountry session.

Union Bindings

This morning I was checking out the Onboard website, my favorite European Snowboard mag. Searching on the web, I have found Union Bindings is making a limited edition for Onboard, not only they look dope but they have some other ltd edition like the Dany Kass.


I really dig what they did with those bindings, use of material/textile, color skims.
Here are some pics and for more info, go check out the Union site

Snowboard helmet

Smith Optics has asked helped from Portland's Jackalope Studios to design their lasted helmet that is stylish and seems pretty well developed to reduce/eliminate fogging because it is important to realize that goggles and helmet have close interactions.

In addition they have used new technology to combine PC and ABS which enables them to reduce by 20 percent the volume as compared to competitors helmet.

Von Zipper + Skullcandy

Walking done the aisle at the ASR show in San Diego, I saw some pretty cool products, not to mention all the cute girls in bikini.
my friends have asked me what is the best product that will be coming up next season. My answer is simple the co-branding of Von Zipper + SkullCandy.
The graphics are amazing and I love listening musci while snowboarding but I hate having some regular headset so here is the perfect combo.

The three models will be the Dojo Skullcandy Ribbons & Gold, the Chakra Skullcandy Intersection, and the Feenom Skullcandy Replicator.

Burton pushing the limit

Burton has came up with two huge innovations: ICS (Infinite Channel System) for the snowboard and the ETS (Extra Sensory Technology) for the bindings.
The two works in synergy in order to provide infinate adjustment and unbeatable comfort.

Snowbarders are looking for board feel, cushioning and stance adjustibility and those two make it possible.

On the snowboard you have a rail system where bindings can be adjusted from every angles, and because the screws are on the outside of the bindings, it allows to have a soft material on the baseplate (it's where you put your feet on) to provide supreme feel and comfort.

If you are looking more for technical details, go check it out on burton.com
But for sure you can bet that those toys are on my Xmas list.

It's all about Style: Anon

While most snowboard goggles brand are trying to compete with innovative lenses, Anon is pushing the style to new extreme.

They are using leather and different textiles on the frame to imitate zebra look and snake skin.

My wife has the Anon Majestic and they fit perfectly her little face, next winter you can bet I will get her the Anon Figment Zebra to add style to super comfortable goggles. She may not be the best in the snowpark but for sure she will have a unique style, and that is hot.