New Balance to exhibit footwear at 2015 PGA Merchandise Show

BOSTON -- The PGA Merchandise Show is just one month away, Jan. 21-23. New Balance is looking forward to another great show with the introduction of new golf footwear for the 2015 season. Please take a look below for new product information.

NB2003

The NB2003 is a waterproof mesh upper with a TPU stability cage. It has a ReVlite® 10mm drop midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. The lightweight exoskeleton TPU outsole includes the Champ Slim-Lok® Zarma Tour cleat system.

Weight: 11.1oz.
Color: Silver/Red
Sizes: 8 -12, 13, 14 Widths D and 2E
MAP Pricing: $134.95
Availability: Feb. 1, 2015
Warranty: Two-year waterproof

NGB1000 Minimus LX

This spikeless shoe is built on the popular New Balance Minimus running last. It features premium waterproof microfiber leather upper, a ReVlite® 4mm drop midsole which provides lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. The shoe also has an Ortholite® insole, providing cool, dry, comfort. The Minimus LX has a dual density spikeless outsole.

Weight: 8.8 oz.
Color: Grey/Yellow
Sizes: 7 -12, 13, 14 Widths D and 2E
MAP Pricing: $109.95
Availability: 2/01/2015
Warranty: Two-year waterproof

NBG574B

The new 574B is built on the same New Balance last used in its popular 574 lifestyle running shoe and cleated golf shoe. The 574B is designed for golfers looking for a modern classic style with a spikeless outsole. The 574B features a mesh upper with no-sew Fantom Fit technology for ultralight support and fit, an Ndurance® rubber outsole for maximum durability in high-wear areas, and a REVLite® 10mm drop* midsole for lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness.

Weight: 9.6 oz.
Color: White, Grey/yellow, Navy/Orange
Sizes: 8 -12, 13, 14 Widths D, 2E, 4E
MAP Pricing: $89.95
Availability: White & Grey- Now; 2/01/2015-Navy/Orange

Women's Footwear

NBGW1001 Minimus

The New Balance 1001 Minimus for women is built on the popular running Minimus last and features a breathable water resistant mesh upper with No-Sew synthetic overlays. It has a ReVlite ® 4mm drop midsole which provides lightweight cushioning and premium responsiveness. Also a Ortholite® insole delivers cool, dry comfort. The dual density spikeless outsole is designed for the maximum traction.

Weight: 6.7 oz.
Color: Grey and White
Sizes: 6 -11; Widths B and D
MAP Pricing: $89.95
Availability: Grey-Now; White 2/01/2015-White


If you would like to book an appointment, please contact me at 860.304.3643 or jackiebeck00@hotmail.com.


Source New Balance ©

Chaco Focuses on Mountain Lifestyle in Fall ’15 Footwear Collection

Rockford, Mich. (December 17, 2014) – Chaco, the market leader in performance outdoor sandals, dramatically expands its collection of Mountain Lifestyle shoes and boots for the Fall 2015 season. Chaco has incorporated rich leathers, warm fabrics, and heritage patterns­­, all with the support and comfort of the brand’s legendary LUVSEAT footbed, into a collection of stylish but comfortably outdoor footwear.

In addition to the Mountain Lifestyle line, Chaco introduces a new complement to the highly successful OutCross Evo performance shoe platform. All new styles will debut at Chaco’s booth (#32136) at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in January 2015.

“Our new Mountain Lifestyle collection is really an exciting opportunity to significantly grow our four season business,” says Chip Coe, Chaco general manager. “Our product team really nailed it with styles, materials, and colors that are on-trend and a natural brand extension for us.”

With its Mountain Lifestyle collection, Chaco adds six new styles for women and three for men. Highlights in the collection include the women’s Barbary, a stylish but functional boot with a variegated wool fold-down collar and a mix of wool and water resistant, full-grain leather in the upper, as well as a plush, wool-fleece lining. The Hopi is an easy pull-on boot with an ombré wool side panel wrapped in premium full-grain, water resistant leather.

Unique details including an antiqued metal chevron buckle, decorative emboss treatments, and a wrap around strap complete this luxurious look. The men’s Jaeger boot, with its waterproof, full-grain leather upper and timeless styling, is ideal for everyday wear. All of the shoes in the Mountain Lifestyle collection feature Chaco’s grippy EcoTread™ rubber outsole with 15 percent recycled rubber content and three to 3.5 millimeter lugs for excellent traction in slippery conditions.

Continuing to evolve from sandals to trail capable shoes, the OutCross Evo 4 for both men and women offers performance, protection, and support. This versatile shoe easily accommodates land-based adventures with its mesh and synthetic leather upper. The 15 percent recycled, non-marking EcoTread outsole has 3.5-millimeter lugs for durable traction, and a TPU heel lock integrates with the lacing for a secure, stable fit.

About Chaco:

Born on the river in 1989, Chaco builds premium footwear for the outdoor-minded. As a result of the brand’s proprietary LUVSEAT™ footbed, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to many Chaco footwear styles. The APMA Seal is intended to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with comfort, healthy, and safety in mind. Simply put, Chaco is fit for adventure.

Please visit us at www.chacos.com, Facebook: Chacos, Twitter: Chacousa, Instagram: Chacofootwear.


Chaco is a part of Wolverine Worldwide’s Performance Group, which also includes the notable lifestyle brands Merrell, Saucony, and Cushe.



Source Chaco by press release ©

Hillsound Equipment to Sponsor Breckenridge Resolution Run

Vancouver, BC (December 22, 2014) -Hillsound Equipment- the leading producer of winter and fishing traction equipment and gaiters for urban and outdoor enthusiast- is excited to sponsor the Breckenridge Resolution Run. Taking place at 11am on New Year’s Day, racers will begin and end at Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The festive 5K-race will give participants the opportunity to run on the Blue River/Rec Path where they can enjoy scenic views of the town and surrounding mountains. There will be a separate heat for entrants racing in snowshoes and prizes will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers in each event and to the first place winners in each age group.

Race participants will receive a raffle entry for a chance to win prizes from the sponsors. In addition, event attendees will have the chance to demo products from Hillsound Equipment including traction devices and gaiters.

“We are so excited to be part of the Breckenridge Resolution Run,” said Hillsound Marketing Manager Jessica Greinke. “We’re a company that’s devoted to having fun outdoors, so this is an ideal race for us to be a part of.”

Additional event sponsors include Colorado Mountain College, Whole Foods Frisco, Sports Authority, Crescent Moon Snowshoes, and Skratch Labs.

For more information about the Breckenridge Resolution Run, visit http://www.active.com/breckenridge-co/running/distance-running-races/breckenridge-resolution-run-2015.

Visit www.hillsound.com to learn more about company products, news, athletes, and happenings.

About Hillsound Equipment, Inc.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Hillsound offers a range of highly-engineered traction devices for a variety of categories, from winter hiking to fishing. Hillsound also specializes in the design and manufacture of durable and comfortable gaiters.


Source Hillsound Equipment by Elizabeth Gerken through press release ©

Mares presents its new range of EOS RZ torches!

Mares is proud to present its new range of torches, the EOS RZ family!

We’ve taken the EOS line of torches and given it even more unique, dive-changing features! With an adjustable zoom, the EOS RZ allows you to change the beam of light according to your dive conditions. As well as this it is rechargeable- you can recharge anywhere using a USB cable connected to a PC or an adapter, and a charging level indicator intuitively shows you when the charge is complete.

The new EOS RZ also features a multi-function magnetic switch which prevents water from leaking into the torch and allows the use to choose from 4 modalities. On the first press you have maximum power, 30% on the second press, flashing on the third, and off on the fourth. To allow for ease-of-use the second command must also happen within 10 seconds to be recognized. After that, the torch turns off immediately when the switch is next pressed.

The torch has been ergonomically designed making it sit perfectly in your grip, giving you complete control, and an adjustable strap provides extra security.
All EOS RZ torches are made of durable, anodized aluminum meaning it really is a great quality product that will last dive after dive.

The EOS RZ family comes in four different models:

- The EOS 12RZ: Great power and extended burn-time (from 120 to 300 minutes based on power level). With 1200 lumens of power, illuminated by three LEDs, it's the most powerful torch in the line, ideal as a main torch that can light a broad spectrum during the dive.

- The EOS 7RZ: It's bright and versatile, an indispensable, compact main torch which has 700 lumens of power and a burn-time of 510 minutes at minimum power.

- The EOS 4RZ: 400 lumens of illumination; perfect as a backup torch thanks to its 150 minutes of burn-time at maximum power and its compact size.

- The EOS 2RZ: Extremely lightweight at 120 grams, it delivers 200 lumens. It is one of the lightest aluminum torches on the market and great as a backup torch.

Which will you choose?

Enjoy some great dives with the new EOS RZ family from Mares!

Enjoy our new video here: http://youtu.be/RXcC4u9WieY

See the product here: http://bit.ly/IM0BkT


Source Head ©

Stower Signs Backbone Media for PR

San Francisco, Calif. (December 22, 2014) – Stower™, a company dedicated to alternative energy technology and maker of the FlameStower FireCharger, has named Backbone Media as its PR agency of record. Backbone will manage public relations outreach and strategic communications for Stower as it continues to expand into new markets.


“Backbone is ideally positioned to tell our story to both the core outdoor market and a broader national audience,” states Andrew Byrnes, CEO and co-founder of Stower. “We’re initially developing products that work for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness, but our vision is to be an alternative power provider on a global scale.”

While studying at Stanford’s d.School, friends Andrew Byrnes and Adam Kell saw the need for a distributed power solution in developing countries, where central power grids do not reach rural areas, but almost everyone owns a cell phone. Their answer, which they launched in early 2014, is the FlameStower FireCharger, a compact and lightweight USB charger for small electronics, powered by any heat source, like a stove or a campfire.

Working with local governments and NGO’s, Byrnes and Kell have pilot programs launching in both Ethiopia and Guatemala to integrate FlameStower technology into inexpensive home cooking stoves.

Using a thermoelectric circuit, the FlameStower can charge any USB-equipped small device, from cell phones to cameras. By fully inserting the anodized aluminum blade edge into a fire or other heat source and adding water to the heat-resistant cup, these devices (for example, the iPhone5) can charge to one percent in two to three minutes.

In optimal conditions, FlameStower generates 2.5 watts of power, about half the wattage produced by a standard wall socket. The FlameStower is made from durable aluminum, weighs just 10 ounces and folds into a convenient eight inch by 1.5-inch size.

In addition to the FlameStower fire charger, Stower will launch the CandleCharger at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer tradeshow in Salt Lake City (booth #150).

To learn more about how the FlameStower fire charger, please visit www.flamestower.com.

About Stower

Founded in 2013, Stower™ is dedicated to delivering power from renewable, alternative sources. Using technology such as thermoelectric generators, Stower sees a future where personal power is generated by a vast array of distributed energy sources, not massive power grids. Stower’s first product, the lightweight, compact FlameStower, powers personal electronics from any heat source. To learn more about Stower, visit www.flamestower.com.

About Backbone Media

Backbone Media is a public relations, media planning and buying, and social media agency that partners with brands to target, engage and inspire the active lifestyle market. For over 16 years, Backbone has worked with leading outdoor gear, apparel, technology, food and beverage brands, as well as tourism destinations around the world. Backbone has offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado, and Jackson, Wyoming. www.backbonemedia.net.


Source Stower and Blackbone Media by Katie Wolitarsky through press release ©

Mountain Hardwear has opened its first European store in France in Val d'Isere

Along with Sorel and Montrail, the brand is owned by Columbia Sportswear. With highly technical products designed for the outdoors—in particular mountaineering—the company targets experienced mountaineers.

In December, Mountain Hardwear took over a location previously occupied by Nike. Visual Killy Sport.

The brand has opened its first store this winter in the French Alps. Relying on collaboration with the iconic store in Val d'Isere, of Killy Sport.

The store has opened on November 29 in an 80 square foot space previously occupied by Nike.

The opening should allow the brand to show off the extent of its expertize.The multibrand store Killy Sport, meanwhile, includes a Nike SB corner, which also features Burton snowboarding products.

Killy Sport Group is made up of 14 stores, two of which are multibrands. It’s this company, headed by Michel Mignot, that brought Patagonia to Val d'Isere with a two floor, 650 square foot space previously occupied by Element, and which renovated the Savoy ski resort’s Quiksilver store.

B. Robinson Announces the Launch of Revo Goggle Collection

NEW YORK, December 15, 2014  – B. Robinson announced today that it will launch a Revo Goggle Collection available in Fall 2015.

Revo’s rich heritage of high-contrast, color-enhancing lenses and innovative styling will be available in eight unisex styles.  Having debuted one of the first fixed single lens shields coupled with a long association with the US Ski Team and winter sport enthusiasts, the Revo Goggle collection was a natural next step in the brand’s evolution.

Designed to bring the Revo heritage lens technology to the slopes, the goggle collection combines signature Revo mirrors, unique frame and strap design and a revolutionary dual lens combination of Photochromatic, Polarized Protection and Performance. All goggles offer 100% UVA, UVB and UVC protection plus HEV (High Energy Visible Light) protection.
Product features for the Goggle collection include:

• Triple Layer Foam protection for a secure, comfortable fit
• Air-vent technology for fog reduction and optimal air flow inside and out
• Unrivaled peripheral vision for an optimal field of vision
• Helmut compatibility
• Adjustable, stylish strap constructed with anti-slip silicone beads

The Goggle collection features signature Revo technology:

The Revo Light Management System™ (LMS)

The signature Revo experience is achieved by managing the full spectrum of light and offering superior protection from UV rays & Blue light\HEV light. The Revo Goggle Collection incorporates LMS technology for outstanding visual acuity and performance in all outdoor conditions. Selective color filtration delivers the right light at the right time on the slopes for sharp, vivid image recognition and superior contrast.

The Revo Stable Light Management™ (SLM) System

Revo has elevated fixed tint technology in ski goggle lenses by incorporating our LMS technology into a unique dual lens performance and protection goggle. SLM lenses deliver the right lens for all light conditions with a unique Amber-Rose-Yellow midline tint. Revo SLM mirrors bring a new level of contrast enhancement and LMS performance to ski goggles. Visible Light Transmission of 25% and protection from all potentially harmful UV and HEV light, fog dissipation and durability complete the Revo SLM package.

The Revo Polarized Photochromatic Light Management™ (PPLM) System

Always known for innovative LMS technology, Revo debuts a new photochromatic goggle lens that allows in 68% of the available light in its unactivated state and then darkens to block 88% of light in its activated state.  This exciting lens makes automatic adjustments for every light condition encountered on the mountain.

The Goggle Collection is comprised of three mirror lens coatings:

• Blue Water – Signature multilayer technology reflects and enhances lens performance without diminishing contrast or color distortion and reduces internal light reflections, providing sharp, clear vision.
• Green Water- Utilizing our classic multilayer technology, Revo’s hypnotic green mirror assists in improving vision in low light conditions while enhancing contrast and controlling internal reflections.
• Orange Solar – High intensity, visually stunning multilayer mirror that assists in blocking potentially harmful rays and highlights the terrain and surrounding areas to deliver a distinctive visual experience.

“The Goggle Collection is an exciting step in the brand’s progression and aggressive growth. We are excited to launch a goggle with built-in Revo technology to the marketplace. The collection combines the best in optics with the performance, fog dissipation, contrast-enhancement and style needed on the slopes,” said Cliff Robinson, co-president of B. Robinson.

The Goggle Collection will be available in Fall 2015 in specialty boutiques, sport retailers nationwide as well as on Revo.com.

Revo® is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. and is manufactured under trademark license by B. Robinson Optical, Inc.

About Revo

Founded in 1985, Revo quickly became a global performance eyewear brand known as the leader in polarized lens technology. Revo sunglasses were first created by utilizing lens technology developed by NASA as solar protection for satellites. Nearly three decades later, Revo continues to build on its rich tradition of technology and innovation by offering the clearest and most advanced high-contrast polarized eyewear in the world.

About B. Robinson Optical, Inc.

B. Robinson, founded in 1926, has been a leader in the eyewear industry for over 85 years. Known for superior quality and unique design, B. Robinson’s fashion division offers many licensed collections including Cole Haan, Isaac Mizrahi, Ivanka Trump, Izod, and London Fog. The sport division manages the world-renowned Revo brand. The Luxury division of the company, Legacie, has partnerships with David Yurman, Judith Leiber, Betsey Johnson, and Kata Eyewear. In 2013, in partnership with Cynthia Rowley, the company launched Rowleyeyewear.com, its first standalone e-commerce platform.

For additional information and images, please contact:
Kristin Durante, B. Robinson, kdurante@brobinson.com



Source B. Robinson Optical, Inc. ©

New Sweaty Nation social networking site takes the fitness world by storm

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 16, 2014 -- The latest player on the social networking scene is tipped to become one of the biggest and best. Sweaty Nation connects fitness lovers around the world as the latest exciting development in a social networking industry that is now worth $9 billion according to IBISWorld.

The social networking industry has boomed over the past decade, since Facebook first began to spread around the world. It is an industry now generating some $9 billion in revenue, according to the latest Social Networking Sites market research report from IBISWorld.

While Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn remain the market leaders for generalized social networking, sector-specific sites are rapidly becoming the place to be as individuals seek to connect online with those with shared interests. The newly launched Sweaty Nation is just such a site.

Avi Woolman, founder of leading activewear retailer ActivewearUSA and creator of Sweaty Nation, explains:

"The fitness industry is an incredibly sociable area of business. People workout together, run together, swim together - keeping fit and healthy is something that is enjoyable on your own, but even more fun when you engage with others.

This is the whole idea behind Sweaty Nation. It's a community site packed with interesting content, offering all fitness lovers and professionals an opportunity to connect, share their experiences and inspire each other on a daily basis. The laser focus is on health and wellness – this is the common passion shared by all those using the site."

Sweaty Nation is a one stop shop for getting the latest fitness articles, health and wellness advice, and finding out about local fitness activities, including local studios and instructors. The site also provides users with access to ActivewearUSA's leading fitness apparel site, which sells the ultimate in activewear brands.

Sweaty Nation is revolutionizing the health, wellness, yoga and fitness industry by enabling fitness lovers and professionals to connect, inspire and be inspired using mobile, local and social tools. The latest social features include the ability to create Sweaty Pages, a health and wellness directory that crosses disciplines from yoga studios and fitness instructors to healthy restaurants and local fitness groups, providing the site with an incredibly broad appeal and building a true community spirit.

According to IBISWorld, the social networking industry has grown by 36.1% over the past five years, now employing more than 57,000 staff in nearly 7,000 businesses. Those that stand out from the crowd are able to enjoy rapid growth and incredible success, quickly becoming industry leaders. With yogis, fitness instructors, triathletes, cyclists, hikers, climbers, skiers, pilates instructors, cardio dancers and fitness lovers of all manner of other types already signed up and using the site daily, Sweaty Nation is tipped to be the next big thing in social networking and an exciting part of the fitness industry's future.

For more information on Sweaty Nation visit www.sweatynation.com or contact Activewear Brands LLC on 1 877 348 8727.

Media Contact: Media Dept, Sweaty Nation, 1 877 348 8727, service@activewearusa.com



SOURCE Sweaty Nation through PRNewswire-iReach by press release ©

Gear Institute Announces the Best Outdoor Gear of 2014

Expert testers select Best in Class Award winners in 45 outdoor product categories

Santa Fe, NM (December 18, 2014) – The Gear Institute, the nation’s largest web-based network of expert outdoor gear testers, today announces the winners of the prestigious “Gear Institute Best in Class Awards,” honoring the best outdoor products to hit the market in 2014.

The Best in Class distinction is being awarded to 45 outdoor products that achieved the highest Gear Institute Rating in their respective categories. This year, the Gear Institute’s team of 53 experts tested 362 products in more than 45 categories—from skiing to running, backpacking to fishing—using objective testing criteria, extended field test periods, head-to-head comparisons of similar products, and laboratory data.

“We strive to conduct the most trustworthy and credible field testing of outdoor products for consumers,” said Gear Institute Co-founder and Executive Editor Justin Nyberg. “We use an expert team, test popular products head-to-head against each other, and base our awards on pure performance in the field—nothing else.”

The Gear Institute Rating is increasingly recognized as the most dependable, transparent, and consumer-friendly online rating system for outdoor gear. The Gear Institute Rating is a numerical score that evaluates a product’s overall performance based on carefully selected objective criteria, allowing consumers to directly compare the performance, value, and durability of similar outdoor gear products at a glance.

Here is a sampling of the Best in Class Award Winners for 2014:

Skiing:           Best Men’s Powder Ski
                        Best Women’s Powder Ski
                        Best Backcountry Skis
                      
Running:       Best Road Running Shoes
                        Best Trail Running Shoes

Jackets:         Best Protective Softshell Jacket
                        Best Aerobic Softshell Jacket
                        Best Waterproof Jacket

Camping:      Best Car Camping Tent    
                        Best 3-person Backpacking Tent
                        Best Sleeping Bag

Backpacks:    Best Ski Backpack
                        Best Weekend Backpack
                        Best Day Backpack

Fishing:         Best Wading Boots
                        Best Dry Rod

For a full listing of the 45 Best In Class Award Winners of 2014, please visit: http://www.gearinstitute.com/best-in-class-2014

More about Gear Institute:

Gear Institute is an online network of the best outdoor gear testers in America, dedicated to providing consumers with the most credible, objective, and helpful gear reviews and advice on the web. Guides, veteran product testers, and top-level outdoor athletes put each product through extensive field testing against comparable products to provide gear buyers with clear, trustworthy, consumer-friendly comparisons of high-performance outdoor gear.

To learn more, visit: www.gearinstitute.com

Media Contacts: Inside Out PR / Erin Brosterhous / erin@insideout-pr.com / 970.846.1684
Paige Boucher /paige@insideout-pr.com / 970.291.4155


Source Gear institute by Inside Out PR through press release ©

BAVARIA CATAMARANS with a strong dealer network in Italy

he first of the new catamarans from the BAVARIA CATAMARAN line is the NAUTITECH OPEN 40. The twelve-meter catamaran is developed and built by the well known shipyard NAUTITECH in France which is owned by BAVARIA since last summer. The NAUTITECH OPEN 40 is the ideal catamaran for sailing with family and friends. The unique OPEN concept is that the cockpit and the salon of NAUTITECH OPEN 40 merge to one living space: ideal for a perfect day at sea.

In Italy, BAVARIA has now strengthened its dealer network for its new BAVARIA CATAMARANS product line. In the Calagalera Marina in Porto Ercole south of Grosseto, the company Synergy Yacht srl will serve both owners and new customers of NAUTITECH OPEN 40 and the NAUTITECH POWERCAT 40. Owner Tommy Moscatelli and his team are part of the NAUTITECH YACHTS dealer network over the last three years and will look after the complete west coast of Italy.

Another dealer for BAVARIA CATAMARANS on the East coast of Italy can be found on the Adriatic Sea at Rimini. Claudio Bacchelli and his company Albatros Rimini have already been working for BAVARIA and also represent the BAVARIA SAILING product line.

"With the well known history at NAUTITECH, and since its ownership by BAVARIA since this summer, we can count on a worldwide competent and functional dealer network. Now we can use the synergy from the classic BAVARIA dealers and new dealer network, specialized in the sale of catamarans, "said Lorenza Turrisi, Sales Manager of BAVARIA for Italy.

BAVARIA CATAMARANS dealers in Italy:

Yacht Synergy srl
58018 Porto Ercole (Gr) Italy
39 0564 830234
www.yachtsynergy.it
Albatros Rimini

47900 Rimini Italy
+39 0541 70 90 67
www.albatrosrimini.it

Source Bavaria ©