The Elan Ace GSX FX brings race-informed engineering into the world of expert on-piste carving. Built for speed, stability and long, confident turns, it integrates Elan’s new Active Suspension Drive—a system that absorbs vibration, maintains snow contact and amplifies energy return with every shift in pressure. The result is a ski that gives expert carvers more performance at the same effort: stronger grip, cleaner power transfer and a lively rebound that stays stable even at high speeds.
The vision behind the Ace GSX FX was to combine GS-inspired stability with an intuitive feel that helps experienced skiers refine their technique without added physical demand. Engineers focused on one core challenge: how to keep the ski connected to the snow at speed without compromising agility or feedback.
As the development team explains, the idea was straightforward: integrate race-level suspension directly into the ski structure so each reinforcement layer works in sync with the skier’s pressure. Active Suspension Drive places shock-absorbing elastomer between overlapping reinforcements, allowing the ski to engage in precise sectors. This keeps vibration low, edge grip high and rebound consistent through long turns, variable surfaces and aggressive transitions.
Elan designed the Ace GSX FX with a calm, intentional graphic language. Instead of busy visual elements, the ski uses clean lines and subtle detailing. The goal: communicate honesty and performance rather than decoration. The graphics hint at speed and directional motion, reinforcing the ski’s identity as a precise, energetic long-turn tool. Every detail is there for a reason—supporting the technology, not distracting from it.
The ski’s construction builds on proven elements from Elan’s race lineage. Titanal reinforcement ensures stability and clean power transfer in long, fast turns. A Race Frame woodcore brings control and predictability, while RST sidewalls enable precise edge engagement. A sintered racing base ensures glide and durability across a range of piste conditions.
Together, these components create a ski that feels secure at speed yet reactive enough to reward technical input—a combination aimed squarely at expert skiers who thrive on big arcs.
Elan validated the Ace GSX FX using CARV data analysis, generating a measurable performance story. One highlight came from skier Vid Baruca, who achieved a Ski IQ of 168 on the new Ace line: evidence of how the ski supports clean technique, edge angle, pressure control and turn quality. This data-driven approach helped refine how the suspension system works under real, high-level skiing forces.
The Ace GSX FX is aimed at strong on-piste skiers who want GS-style speed and stability without stepping onto a full-blown race ski. It targets riders who enjoy long-radius carving, powerful transitions and a stable, predictable platform for pushing technique. For this group, the ski offers more performance without demanding more strength—an efficient equation for fast, committed piste days.
Active Suspension Drive ensures continuous snow contact and smooth, powerful rebound
Race-inspired construction offers stability and precision at speed
Refined, confident design that highlights the ski’s technological core
Measurable performance improvements supported by CARV Ski IQ data
Strong balance of power, control and efficiency for expert long-turn skiers
Developed over five years inside the Merrell Test Lab (MTL) and validated through thousands of miles from elite athletes, the Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak brings together a carbon-enhanced propulsion system, next-generation PEBA racing foam and pro-level traction to deliver speed, precision and control on the world’s most demanding terrain. More than a race shoe, it is the pinnacle expression of athlete-driven testing and Merrell’s deep performance expertise.
At the heart of the MTL SpeedARC Peak lies a development process centered entirely on the needs of professional trail runners. Every element—from midsole geometry to upper durability—was refined through seven prototype rounds. As Merrell explains, the aim was to build footwear capable of supporting athletes at full intensity in high-stakes environments. The result is a shoe that translates biomechanics, lab testing and real-world data into a race-day tool engineered to maximize efficiency on steep, technical terrain.
Jon Sanregret, Product Line Manager at Merrell, captures this intent clearly:
“The MTL SpeedARC Peak was built with one purpose in mind: to enable athletes to compete at the highest level. Every detail was scrutinized and refined to deliver maximum speed, control, and confidence on race day.”
The core of the shoe is the SpeedARC™ midsole platform, Merrell’s specific geometry built for all-terrain efficiency. In the MTL SpeedARC Peak, this system is taken to its most advanced form yet. The top layer is an all-new FloatPro™ PEBA-based racing foam—ultralight, high-rebound and designed to deliver exceptional energy return on long, explosive efforts. Beneath it sits the Carbon Fiber FlexPlate™, a lightweight, forked carbon plate that increases propulsion, stabilizes foot strike and maintains forefoot adaptability over uneven terrain. A resilient base layer of FloatPro™ Foam delivers durability and stability during long-distance descents.
This trilogy of foam–carbon–foam ensures a dynamic underfoot experience: efficient, propulsive and precise, even when fatigue hits.
Dieses Trio aus Schaum–Carbon–Schaum sorgt für ein dynamisches Laufgefühl: effizient, kraftvoll und präzise – selbst mit müden Beinen.
The upper construction brings another key performance partnership into play. Matryx® with Kevlar® offers breathability, abrasion resistance and long-term durability—critical attributes for athletes racing through sharp rock, deep mud, scree or fast-changing alpine surfaces. Even at minimal weight, the upper remains supportive, securing the foot without restriction during high-cadence descents and technical traverses.
To match the midsole’s power and the upper’s precision, the outsole integrates Vibram® MegaGrip Elite—the brand’s highest-performing rubber compound, tuned specifically for elite athletes tackling steep, rugged courses. Designed for wet and dry reliability, it offers confidence on slick rock slabs, shifting gravel, muddy roots and alpine chutes. Through hundreds of testing hours, the compound was iteratively refined to withstand race-level forces on technical terrain.
This outsole completes the SpeedARC Peak’s mission: converting power into controlled acceleration, even on unstable ground.
The MTL SpeedARC Peak embodies the full spirit of the Merrell Test Lab: a space where prototypes are broken, reworked and rebuilt with athlete insight leading every decision. For five years, seven iterations and thousands of logged miles, the shoe evolved into a finely tuned race instrument. Stability, rebound, plate flex, foam density, grip and foot lockdown were repeatedly analyzed until the team arrived at a shoe ready for elite competition.
Global product testing included steep ascents, wet granite, desert heat, mud-heavy forest tracks and high-altitude ridgelines—scenarios where propulsion, stability and grip are not luxuries but necessities but are also common in technical trail racing.
As Sanregret states, the result “pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on technical terrain.”
Designed for mid-to-long-distance trail competitions, the MTL SpeedARC Peak prioritizes efficiency over time. The forefoot-driven geometry supports runners who attack the trail with aggressive stride patterns, while the lightweight platform minimizes energy loss over long efforts. For athletes racing at threshold on terrain where mistakes carry consequences, the combination of carbon propulsion, PEBA cushioning and technical traction provides a uniquely competitive edge.
SpeedARC™ midsole platform with FloatPro™ PEBA-based racing foam and Carbon Fiber FlexPlate™ for propulsion and efficiency
Vibram® MegaGrip Elite outsole providing pro-level grip on steep, wet and rugged terrain
Matryx® with Kevlar® upper delivering breathable, lightweight and extremely durable protection
Developed over five years with extensive athlete testing and seven prototype iterations
Built for long-distance race performance with a focus on efficiency, stability and lightweight support
The Mammut Aenergy Air IN Hooded Jacket Women redefines what an active-insulation layer can achieve in high-output mountain environments. Built around the newly developed Mammut LOOPINSULATION Active - a stretchy, breathable, 100% recycled insulation made from rope-production offcuts and rPET — the jacket is engineered as the ideal “put-on-leave-on” piece for climbing, ski touring, mountaineering and fast hiking. It warms when you stop, breathes when you move, and keeps weight and impact low without sacrificing durability or alpine functionality.
The starting point for the Aenergy Air IN Hooded Jacket was a clear challenge: create a synthetic insulated midlayer (jacket) that adapts intuitively to changes in intensity, temperature and terrain. Mammut’s development team set out to build a material that could do two opposite things at once: vent heat during exertion and trap warmth during stillness. The result is Mammut LOOPINSULATION Active, an accordion-like padding that expands and contracts with movement, enabling air to circulate while maintaining thermal stability when the body cools down.
Intern Product Management Apparel, Axel Bouvet, summarises the engineering goal behind the project: “The Aenergy Air IN Hooded Jacket keeps you warm when you're standing still and lets you breathe when you're moving. We developed Mammut LOOPINSULATION Active to make that happen. This technology is not only warm and breathable, but also incredibly stretchy thanks to its structure. Combined with a mechanically stretchable outer fabric and lining, the jacket moves with you. What makes us especially proud? This insulation is made from 50% industrial rope offcuts and 50% recycled polyester. It’s a step forward in performance, and a step toward circularity.”
Field use shaped the final design. The jacket features a close, athletic fit that stays close to the body without restricting movement, ensuring that insulation can work as intended while still layering smoothly under shells. The outer fabric and lining are lightweight, bi-stretch and highly breathable, supporting continuous airflow during steep ascents, technical leads or fast-paced tours.
With an under-helmet hood, two harness-compatible hand pockets and also a chest pocket, this jacket is ready for vertical and alpine missions. Its moisture management, mobility and packability make it a reliable companion from the first cold morning steps to wind-exposed ridges or shaded belay stances.
For Senior Material Developer Helena Pèrez, the path to achieving this was anything but simple. “One of the most challenging aspects of developing the Aenergy Air IN Hooded Jacket was identifying the optimal yarn and calculating production capacities, especially while striving for consistency in quality, given that the insulation is made from post-production waste materials. Despite these complexities, we’re very happy with the outcome. The product performs exceptionally well in terms of stretch, thermal insulation, and durability, making it a strong example of sustainable innovation in performance wear.”
Her statement underscores how the development required the rigor of designing high-end alpine gear with the added complexity of using recycled materials in a move towards circularity.
Mammut LOOPINSULATION Active is made from 50% industrial rope offcuts from Mammut’s rope manufacturing partner and 50% rPET. The waste material is mechanically recycled and formed into a flexible padding held together through low-melting fibres without added glue or hazardous chemicals. The approach reduces waste, lowers overall impact and contributes to long-term recyclability.
The jacket extends this sustainable logic throughout its construction. The main fabric and lining use 90% recycled polyamide with elastane for stretch. A PFC-free DWR provides water repellency without harmful chemicals, while long-lasting materials support durability. Production takes place in Bangladesh with a focus on efficient cutting, low-waste processes and reliable long-term repair services supported by Mammut’s repair program.
Designed for active mountain athletes, the Aenergy Air IN Hooded Jacket is made to be used day after day in cold, demanding conditions. Whether it’s on steep winter training loops, long alpine approaches or ski touring missions, the jacket stands out for adaptive warmth and responsible material choices.
• Adaptive Mammut LOOPINSULATION Active regulates temperature intuitively
• Recycled insulation made from rope offcuts for circularity and reduced impact
• Stretchy, breathable construction ideal for high-output alpine use
• Athletic fit and full alpine feature set for climbing, touring and mountaineering
• Durable materials, PFC-free DWR and long-term repairability
The Mountain Equipment Super Oreus Jacket is a statement in synthetic insulation performance. Building on the ISPO Award-winning Oreus Jacket from 2023, the Super Oreus doubles thermal efficiency through a two-layer AETHERM™ construction, delivering near-down warmth with the reliability and moisture resilience needed for high-alpine missions or Scottish winter climbing. It is engineered for the coldest, harshest days when protection cannot fail.
The Super Oreus was born from a clear ambition: take the breakthrough success of the original Oreus Jacket and push it into expedition-grade territory. The development team wanted a synthetic belay jacket capable of matching high-end down in warmth, comfort, and packability, yet maintaining full reliability in soaked, freezing, or storm-bound environments.
Product Developer Dr. Matt Fuller explains this intent: “With the Super Oreus, we wanted to prove that a synthetic jacket could finally match down for warmth, comfort and packability. This is the next step in that journey.” For Mountain Equipment, this meant rethinking the very limits of synthetic technology and how two insulation layers could interact to create a measurable leap in performance.
At the heart of the Super Oreus is its unique double-layer AETHERM™ Precision Insulation. Developed entirely in-house, AETHERM™ weaves extremely fine fibres through a heat-reflective scrim to maximise thermal retention while maintaining breathability. Field and laboratory tests show that two full layers interact to almost double CLO without doubling weight or bulk - an unprecedented result in synthetic insulation.
This puts the Super Oreus in rare company. Warmth levels approach the brand’s Kryos down jacket while staying lighter than the Citadel jacket and fully synthetic. In –20 °C climate chamber tests, it consistently outperformed comparable synthetic belay jackets and exceeded expectations for its weight category.
The jacket’s true character emerged in field trials. Over two full Scottish winter seasons with Plas y Brenin instructors and alpine test days with Tom Livingstone the Super Oreus earned exceptional feedback. Dave Evans, Head of Mountaineering at Plas y Brenin, summarises: “After two winters of use, it’s simply the best synthetic belay jacket we’ve ever worn, unbelievably warm for the weight.”
More durable and weather-resistant than the original Oreus, the Super Oreus features a DRILITE LOFT 10D shell engineered to shed wind, snow, and spindrift. Seam-free shoulders improve comfort under packs, the helmet-compatible hood adds security on harsh belays, and the alpine cut maintains mobility without excess fabric.
Long exposure to cold and repeated belays define the environment the Super Oreus was built for. It retains loft when damp, dries rapidly, and packs smaller than many mid-weight synthetics. Whether waiting out sever weather or climbing into a whiteout, the jacket delivers dependable warmth.
AETHERM™ insulation is made from 100% recycled polyester and is fully recyclable at end of life. The jacket is PFAS-free, produced under Fair Wear principles, and built for long-term durability supporting both responsible consumption and performance longevity.
With this women's jacket from Bosideng, anything is possible. Designed for urban commuters, it can withstand changing temperatures and weather conditions. Additionally, the jacket can be lengthened in an instant or transformed into a shoulder bag.
Its special features are only noticeable at second glance. Bosideng's Circular Design Fashion and Functional Puffer Jacket is a fashionable women's cycling jacket designed for the daily commute in winter temperatures. It combines many different qualities: It offers a variety of high-tech materials and constructions for maximum comfort in changing conditions. It is also made from recycled polyester monomaterial and recycled down. Bosideng developed an innovative recycling process to make it recyclable again. Lastly, the jacket can be converted into a bag for easier carrying and an additional function.
Bosideng presents this stylish and functional puffer jacket for navigating winter city traffic. To meet the demands of urban cycling and the varying heat regulation needs of different body zones, Bosideng has introduced body-mapped down insulation for the first time. This insulation is filled with 800-fill recycled down of varying thicknesses in different zones.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese Lahua paper cutting, the back features an innovative "Lahua 3D down channel" structure. While cycling, the breathable mesh between the three-dimensional down channels expands to create a ventilation system that regulates airflow. This prevents overheating and sweating on the back. Additionally, the inner back area has an eco-friendly print made of heat-retaining ceramic that promote moisture evaporation and improve comfort in cold, damp conditions.
Thanks to an integrated drawstring system, the jacket's volume can be reduced while cycling, and the back section can be extended with an innovative "foldable down strip." A windproof hood with a wide field of vision and a removable protective mask with bio-based, antibacterial NordShield CiTex® technology offers additional protection from cold winds.
When it gets too warm, a special folding technique allows the jacket to be converted into a comfortable shoulder bag.
The down jacket is made entirely from recycled polyester and filled with 800-fill recycled down. Bosideng is working with a new technology to enable the jacket to be recycled again at the end of its useful life. To do this, the jacket is first shredded. Then, a new chemical treatment technology separates the down protein and polyester. This process facilitates material separation and recycling because there is no need to cut open the jacket and remove the down beforehand.
Since 2022, down specialist Bosideng has been dedicated to developing sustainable, recyclable down jackets. This improved recycling method represents a significant advance over previous approaches. Chemical processing breaks down the used down jackets and regenerates them separately into recycled yarn and down protein yarn. This simplifies the recycling and reproduction process and enables a complete “garment-to-garment” life cycle.
