d3o Technology Reduces Impact for US, Canadian Olympic Ski Teams

Spyder, the worldwide leader in technical skiwear, typically announces the widespread impact its apparel imparts on the alpine race world. Now, it announces a reduced impact for its World Cup competitive race apparel.

Boulder, C0 (PRWEB) February 26, 2006 -- Spyder recently added d3o technology, a revolutionary material made of intelligent molecules, to the baselayer tops and slalom and giant slalom race suits worn by the US and Canadian alpine ski teams.

d3o will be placed in direct contact areas on the race suits such as shins and forearms, and in the Stealth Top on the forearm and elbow area. d3o reactively stiffens on impact to provide protection against 60 mph-plus collisions with race gates. The molecules in d3o lock together instantly with the quick shock of contact, creating a hard buffer to absorb and distribute impact energy. Once pressure is lifted, it reverts back to a pliable material. The reaction is instant and repeatable. The material’s geometric mold shape is configured to promote air passage through the system for improved breathability. Spyder will be the only ski brand this season with d3o technology incorporated into its apparel.

Prior to checking into Beaver Creek training camp, Daron Rahlves, US Alpine Ski team member and World Cup downhill champion, provided input on d3o pad placement to maximize efficiency and comfort. “I don’t settle. Spyder doesn’t settle. I can give direct input on placement and tapering to make the gear look better, fit better, and work better too,” Rahlves said.

d3o is ideal for the application of ski race apparel because traditional materials such as hard plastic inhibit the athlete’s range of motion. Because the material is flexible when not encountering force, it moves with the body and offers higher comfort during competition.

d3o meets all porosity requirements and body contour conformation regulations set forth by FIS, the governing organization of ski racing. The rest of the world will have to wait until Fall 2006 to get d3o technology in their Spyder gear. Spyder will offer the technology in select race apparel at retail beginning in September 2006.

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