New products : La Sportiva Introduces Skis with Carbon Nanotube Technology

January 14, 2014

La Sportiva introduces the Vapor Nano, featuring a cutting edge carbon nanotube construction that will debut at the upcoming 2014 OR Winter Market and SIA Snowshow. In addition to the new ski, La Sportiva’s Fall 2014 line includes a crossover race boot and ski, winter footwear and a diverse offering of winter apparel.

“Weight and performance can be at odds in product design but we’ve broken through by using carbon nanotube technology,” states Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “We worked here in the USA with experts in carbon fiber who introduced us to nanotubes. They’re long cylinders of carbon that have tremendous tensile strength at an extremely low weight. Shaping them into a ski with ideal dimensions for the backcountry helped us develop a ski that is going to be the weapon of choice for anyone who likes to earn their turns, without sacrificing downhill performance.”

The Vapor Nano weighs just 1,200 grams (2.65 pounds) in a 180cm length. The ski utilizes a new ski construction process that reinforces a pre-impregnted composite resin matrix with carbon nanotubes that are sourced and produced in the USA. The result is an extremely lightweight and stiff material that is molded into a ski that features an aggressive rocker profile in the tip and a lightly rockered tail. Sixty percent camber and 20 percent tip rocker create a ski that is easy to initiate, does not waiver at speed, and floats effortlessly in soft snow. The Vapor Nano will be available in limited quantities in February 2014 in 164, 172, 180, and 188cm lengths. It will retail for $1,200.

Furthering its pedigree in ski mountaineering, La Sportiva is also introducing the Syborg ski and boot. Lightweight, high-performance ski mountaineering equipment will now be available at an affordable price for both serious racers and recreational fitness skiers alike. The Syborg boot draws on the innovation and technology of La Sportiva’s award-winning Stratos series of boots to create an everyday training boot for serious racers or a race day boot for amateurs. The two-buckle Syborg weighs just 800 grams (1/2 pair, size 27.0) and features the patented single level CavoBike lever to transition between walk and ski mode. The boot will retail for $749.

The Syborg ski weighs 800 grams in the 160cm length and focuses on strength and durability while maintaining the same dimensions as the world cup tested RSR ski with an additional laminate layer and thicker edges. Available in 153cm and 160cm lengths, the Syborg will appeal to skimo racers and ski mountaineers seeking a lightweight setup and will retail for $699.

For footwear, La Sportiva will introduce two new winter running shoes featuring Gore-Tex® Extended Comfort lining. The Ultra Raptor GTX, a 12mm drop, 14-ounce shoe with FriXion® XF rubber for excellent traction and stability in technical conditions, and the Crossover 2.0 GTX, a 10mm drop 13-ounce shoe with an integrated four-way stretch breathable gaiter, and Gore® FLEX technology which creates a more flexible and softer under foot feel. To round out the line, the Frost GTX is a comfortable, insulated waterproof hiking boot using the Gore-Tex® insulated comfort lining and the Vibram® Ice-Trek outsole compound which provides amazing grip on slippery surfaces while hiking or snowshoeing.

La Sportiva continues to expand its award winning apparel line with new insulation layers and soft shells that will please both backcountry skiers and climbers alike. Insulation is a necessity in any layering system and the Spire Jacket for men, and the Dalilah jacket for women both feature Primaloft’s new Spirex breathable insulation system made specifically for La Sportiva. For climbers, the Trango jacket and pants are constructed from EctoShield soft shell material to create the ideal guide jacket and pants that are stretchy, comfortable and provide ample weather protection. For skiers, the Halo jacket for men and Aura jacket for women are fully featured, durable water-repellant and wind resistant softshell jackets with a casual, modern fit. In all, the new collection features 24 new styles.

The full line of Fall 2014 La Sportiva products, including ski mountaineering hard goods and apparel, will be on display throughout the 2014 OR Winter Market at the La Sportiva booth, #11027, and at the SIA Snowshow in La Sportiva booth #3630. To make a media appointment, please contact Cory Lowe at cory.lowe@backbonemedia.net.

By press release