The final installment of Chris Dehnel's Snow Business column for the 2012-13 season.
We'll wind down the season by featuring two products than can easily transition from snow sports into the warm-weather sports season.
One is a revolutionary accessory for female skiers and riders that can be used for other sports, and the other is the latest style from what is becoming one of my favorite eyewear companies.
We’ll start with the eyewear. Back in high school, at basketball practice, I received a pass at the left-hand elbow, wheeled into a triple-threat position and saw an opening to the hoop.
I took it and after two dribbles, a help-side defender arrived. He tried for the steal, realized he was not going to get it and tried to pull his hand back.
He scratched my eye.
Ever since, I have had to wear eye protection and can't stand snow hitting me in the eye.
So for spring skiing, it's usually goggles, but on the really warm days, it's sunglasses.
Maui Jim has come up with the Hot Sands model, a stellar performer with a nice, fashionable look that gets a passing grade from the harshest of critics: the kids.
The Hot Sands model, which retails for $189, made its market debut in February and offers lightweight coverage in a sporty, form-fitting, Grilamid frame that is highly durable and is able to flex with an athlete’s movements.
The non-slip Rubberon temple inserts provide extra grip for a more secure feel and adjustable nose pads are designed to prevent slippage during even the most intense activities.
I went with a blue frame and "Neutral Grey" lenses, designed to offer the maximum level of light reduction without color distortion for bright, sunny days.
They were just stellar on a bright sunny day - they cut through the wind downhill with no glare and comfort. They can easily become the eyewear equivalent of that favorite childhood blanket because even in flat light, they offer definition that a dictionary would love.
Hot Sands is not available in prescription.
On Friday, one of my 3-year-old twins asked me to turn around when we were in the van at a stop light.
"Daddy, those sunglasses are cool," she said.
Yep. Maui Jim rides another wave into the shades hall of fame.
*****
The impetus behind the Topical Gear ACL Tube is a study conducted by the Orthopedic Associates of Aspen that indicated ACL injuries are one of the most common injuries among female skiers, accounting for a large portion of the 250,000 ACL injuries that occur every year.
Why?
Female skiers are prone to ACL injuries due to anatomic, hormonal and "biomechanics risk factors," Topical Gear President Bill Bue said.
The ACL Tubes apply topical pressure on the knees main support systems – the medial quadriceps and hamstring muscles to provide stimulation. Bue said once the muscles are stimulated, muscle activation and firing occurs to prevent fatigue, which is when most ACL tears happen.
The lightweight product allows for full range of motion while simultaneously protecting athletes from potential lifelong injuries, he said.
“I decided to dedicate my career to helping female athletes prevent and heal serious injuries after watching my daughter suffer multiple injuries on the court,” Bue said. “It’s so rewarding to know that my research and experience is helping female athletes across the nation stay in play and off the sidelines.”
It retails for $49.95 on the Topical Gear Web site.
The tube is on order and the test case, beginning this summer and intensifying with the next snow sports season, will be my 7-year-old daughter, who has progressed to blue and some black trails and some glided terrain.
Stay tuned.
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