Atomic Skis 2006
Written by Dan Morgan, Sunday, 02 October 2005Atomic, the market leader in Alpine skis used by top stars like Bode Miller and Hermann Maier, is introducing the very latest in sports equipment technology in its new IZOR ski range for the 2005/6 season.
At one billionth of a meter, Nano scale technology is too small to see with the naked eye - but the difference it can make in the performance of a ski frame is significant and Atomic has been quick to harness its potential.
In conventional skis, minute gaps exist between the fibres that make up the ski, resulting in stress points and weaknesses within the entire frame. The new Atomic IZOR range contains nano-sized silicone oxide crystals that permeate the voids between the fibres to give the ski greater strength and flexibility.
“Once again, Atomic is pioneering the introduction of a new technology that is destined to help skiers have more control and fun on the slopes,” said Jason Summerfield, Territory Sales Manager Atomic. “We are confident that nano technology will prove a major factor in improving the strength and flexibility of ski frames across the Atomic range.”
Nano technology has already been successfully applied in other forms of sports equipment, most notably in tennis where Roger Federer has used his Wilson nCode racket to win eight Tour finals since winning his second Wimbledon title last summer, including three majors.
The new Atomic frames profile provides the skier with three main benefits:
• different
torsion in the tip and the tail - traditionally, skis have the same
torsion in both the tip and the tail; but increased torsion in the tip
gives the skier more control, while lower torsion in the tail allows
the ski to turn more easily;
• direct edge control - provides a strong edge grip on all types of snow, making it easier to turn;
• distribution of longitudinal forces - helps provide a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Atomic has developed the progressive IZOR range to meeting the needs of recreational and experienced skiers, whether they skid the end of their turns or carve them.
For the recreational skier the IZOR 3.1 has been designed so that there is a lower torsion in the tail than the tip. This will provide more flex and reduce skidding at the end of the turn. As the skier progresses, so does the IZOR ski range, with the 5.3 and 7.5M models. Finally, the 9.7M is the top of the range ski aimed at the advanced skiers who prefer to carve.
Atomic IZOR 9:7
In addition to Maier and Miller, Atomic skis are also the choice of champions like Benni Raich and Michael Walchofer, as well as leading British skiers Finlay Mickel and Alain Baxter. A state-of-the-art R&D and production facility at Altenmarkt in Austria enables Atomic to create specialised ski, boot and binding technology to fulfil the performance demands of skiers of all abilities.