Komperdell’s Big Art Series freeride pole combines a sturdy, lightweight design with customizable grip tapes and sidewinder straps for personalized style.
Komperdell’s Big Art Series represents a bold leap forward in freeride pole design. Depending on the model, equipped with a lightweight carbon or aluminum shaft and a diameter of up to 22mm, the pole offers unmatched durability and stability for off-piste enthusiasts. Its innovative design, tested extensively by professional athletes, ensures optimal performance for freeriders tackling challenging terrain. Beyond its technical capabilities, the Big Art Series stands out with customizable grip tapes, enabling users to personalize their poles and express their unique style. Whether you're carving lines through powder or navigating steep descents, this combination of form and function is designed to exceed expectations.
The pole’s standout features don’t stop at its design. With its easy sidewinder strap system, the strap can easily be removed and stowed away for the descent, making on-the-go adjustments seamless and therefore enhancing convenience on the slopes. According to Thomas Roiser, CEO of Komperdell, this ISPO Award-winning product is part of a broader effort to innovate in both performance and aesthetics: “This year, we’re launching a firework of innovations! Experience a year full of new products that will excite you. That’s why we are proud that two of our latest developments in poles and protectors have been honoured with this year’s ISPO Award.”
The Big Art Series isn’t just built for performance—it’s tailored to meet the diverse needs of freeriders and retailers alike. For end consumers, its standout combination of robustness and light weight provides the ideal companion for demanding off-piste activities. The customizable tapes offer freeriders the chance to create a one-of-a-kind look, setting their gear apart on the slopes. This personal touch makes the Big Art Series much more than a functional tool—it’s a statement of individuality and style.
Retailers, too, benefit from the pole’s versatile design. Instead of stocking multiple color models, stores can customize poles on-site, tailoring them to customers' preferences with various tape options. This not only reduces inventory requirements but also offers a more interactive and personalized shopping experience. Additionally, the pole’s bold 22mm diameter and sleek aesthetic make it a standout product that naturally draws attention on the shelf, boosting its appeal and marketability.
The Big Art Series aligns with Komperdell’s sustainability commitment. Manufactured in Austria using a zero-waste process, these poles are a testament to responsible production. All materials are recycled on-site, contributing to an eco-friendly approach that matches the adventurous spirit of freeriders with a dedication to preserving the natural environments they love to explore.
Komperdell’s Big Art Series sets a new benchmark for freeride poles by blending innovative engineering, athlete-driven design, and sustainable practices. It’s more than a tool for the slopes—it’s a platform for creativity and performance. Whether you’re a retailer looking to offer an eye-catching, customizable product or a freerider seeking durability and individuality, the Big Art Series delivers on every front. Experience the freedom to draw your own lines—both in the snow and in style.
The Ballistic FlexFit Junior by Komperdell provides 360° protection that’s light, flexible, and fits perfectly – ideal for kids on the slopes.
Komperdell’s Ballistic FlexFit Junior is a game-changer in winter sports safety for children, offering unmatched 360° torso protection. This innovative vest combines state-of-the-art materials and engineering to create a product that prioritizes both safety and comfort. Central to its design is the use of overlapping protective foam, which not only adapts perfectly to any body shape but can also be adjusted by up to two sizes, accommodating growth spurts without compromising performance. The width of the vest automatically adjusts by up to two sizes without compromising on protection. Overlapping and flexible protective foams automatically adapt to the child, regardless of whether the protector is worn over or under a jacket. This means that the back protector can be worn as underwear, mid-layer or outerwear. The flexible foam ensures an optimal fit whether worn over or under a jacket, delivering a seamless experience for active kids. Certified to Level 2 standards, the protector enhances safety by 40%, providing superior impact resistance while remaining incredibly lightweight.
Thomas Roiser, CEO of Komperdell, reflects on the recognition the brand has received: “This year, we’re launching a firework of innovations! That’s why we are proud that two of our latest developments in poles and protectors have been honored with this year’s ISPO Award.” The Ballistic FlexFit Junior exemplifies this commitment to innovation, providing children with industry-leading protection in an ergonomic, kid-friendly design.
The key to the Ballistic FlexFit Junior’s success lies in its emphasis on comfort. By using new, flexible textiles alongside lightweight protective foam, Komperdell has created a vest that feels like a second layer of clothing. Unlike traditional protectors, which can feel bulky or restrictive, this design enables children to move freely, fostering confidence and ease while skiing, playing, or exploring. Multi-impact capability adds another layer of practicality—parents can rest assured that the vest will continue to protect effectively even after a fall, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
For retailers, the Ballistic FlexFit Junior offers an attractive and practical product that meets the needs of discerning customers. Its adjustability not only appeals to parents seeking long-lasting solutions but also allows stores to streamline inventory.
“The Ballistic FlexFit Junior redefines how parents think about child protection in winter sports,” says Roiser. “It’s not just about safety; it’s about making sure kids feel free and comfortable while they’re out there having fun.” This balance of security and comfort makes the vest an exceptional choice for families who value performance and peace of mind.
The Ballistic FlexFit Junior represents the next generation of back protectors, delivering a unique combination of safety, adaptability, and comfort. Recognized by the ISPO Award, this innovative product reflects Komperdell’s dedication to protecting young adventurers in the best possible way. By combining thoughtful design and cutting-edge materials, the Ballistic FlexFit Junior is setting new benchmarks for children’s winter sports gear—giving parents confidence and kids the freedom to enjoy the slopes like never before.
The A68a Triplebaffle™ Parka from The North Face is the perfect choice for those who don’t want to sacrifice comfort and protection in extreme weather conditions. Athlete tested. Expedition proven.
Created with The North Face athletes, Xavier, Victor and Mila De Le Rue, this parka is part of an expedition system built to provide maximum protection, with a small footprint. The North Face worked closely with the two snowboarders and one skier throughout the whole process of product design. »Everything in the collection was designed with circularity in mind,« says Tristan Chate, Senior Product Merchandising Manager at The North Face.
From concept development to testing the prototypes in extreme conditions in Europe and Antarctica, the athletes played a crucial role in ensuring that the collection met the highest performance requirements while also challenging the product team to make products with minimal impact.
»There has always been a stigma that you can’t create sustainable products that also perform very highly, like this paradox that in order to make it sustainable you have to sacrifice on the performance element«, says Chate. With Triplebaffle™ Parka the team at The North Face gave a convincing counter-example.
However, the team met a couple of challenges from a product development perspective along the way. As they wanted to design a product which didn’t need a large amount of disassembly for recycling at the end of life, down - a material normally used in expedition clothing for its lightweight properties and best warmth-to-weight ratio - was out of the question.
Instead, the choice was made to go fully synthetic. The parka is made from monomaterial – all fabric and trims are made with one base material to enable easier recycling without extensive disassembly at the end of life.
So, for the A68a Tripplebaffle™ Parka, The North Face relied on synthetic insulation, which is a little heavier than down. »We now had to think of a new innovative solution to address this from a design perspective - minimizing the weight on this product, while still giving the maximum amount of warmth to survive in these very cold temperatures on expedition,« Chate explained their train of thought.
The unique TripleBaffle™ fabric construction integrates three pieces of fabric into one, creating alternating chambers that eliminate cold spots and provide high thermal performance while minimizing the weight of the parka from a design perspective.
The North Face A68a TripleBaffle™ Parka is also made for a lot of coverage, as the De Le Rues were spending lots of time in extreme conditions. For storage, the parka features large front pockets, reminiscent of heritage expedition parkas from the turn of the century. Additional detachable insulation baffles in the parka can be removed but give extra coverage and warmth when sitting on the boat or standing around and scouting lines in high winds. The baffles can also be attached to other pieces in the collection, providing a modular expedition system. Still, it is all made from the same material. This way, The North Face garments can be recycled into new raw materials, representing a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of recycling technical products and supporting The North Face's commitment to advancing circular design principles. The whole collection was strategically designed with circularity in mind and to keep resources in use for future generations of explorers.
More info about the collection
The Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket is all about mobility, lightness, durability and an innovative thermal concept. It was developed for adventurers who need equipment that is just as robust and flexible as they are.
This high-performance down jacket is part of BLACKYAK's TheOne collection. Designed for mountaineering, the line is deliberately built to last and is suitable for surviving multiple expeditions. To achieve this, BLACKYAK uses highly functional materials that have been tested by athletes in extreme conditions.
The core concept of the Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket is to provide optimal warmth with minimal weight for extreme alpine conditions. It is filled with 800 cuin RDS-certified down that has been treated with NIKWAX® to be water repellent, so that it retains its full thermal performance even when damp. The YAK BOX-WALL™ construction of the down chambers prevents cold spots and ensures even heat distribution. It also reduces volume and allows for a sleeker, more athletic fit that gives you more freedom of movement without sacrificing warmth. Stretch panels in the back provide added comfort and mobility.
The jacket is made of water- and dirt-repellent CORDURA® ripstop fabric, which has been coated with a PFC-free and abrasion-resistant DWR. This ensures that the jacket retains its function for as long as possible, even in rough terrain. Polyester insulation in high-wear areas provides additional strength. A helmet-compatible hood, adjustable cuffs and waist, an extended back, practical pocket placement for ample storage and YKK™ zippers make it ideal for extreme alpine conditions.
The Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket is manufactured in Europe to strict environmental and occupational safety standards. High-quality fabric remnants are also used in production to reduce the jacket's environmental footprint. BLACKYAK also operates an in-house repair centre to extend the lifespan of products.
The clear, alpine-inspired aesthetics combine technical precision with modern design and make the jacket as eye-catching as it is functional at high altitudes. The jacket is available for men and women and has been on the market since September 2024.
Experience ultimate comfort and protection with Gamepatch’s groundbreaking, body-molding shin guards – the future of football gear.
Gamepatch has made a groundbreaking contribution to football gear with its innovative shin guards featuring Body Adjust Technology. Unlike traditional guards made of hard plastic, Gamepatch uses a body-adjustable foam that molds to the player’s shin during warm-ups. This creates a second-skin fit that provides comfort and unrestricted movement without sacrificing safety. Designed to meet the rigorous EN 13061 safety standard, the product combines high performance with premium adaptability.
Gamepatch CEO Andis Blinds emphasizes the importance of this innovation: “For a young sports brand like Gamepatch, receiving the ISPO Award proves that our innovations are truly valued. Our unique Body Adjust Technology works, and it shows we're on the right path as a company.” The award not only highlights the product’s functionality but also underscores its potential to set a new industry standard for football protective gear.
Created in collaboration with professional football players, the shin guards have undergone extensive testing to ensure optimal performance. Available in two sizes and three colors, the product provides players with customization options tailored to their needs. Gamepatch’s mission is to deliver protection without compromise, redefining what athletes can expect from their gear.
Gamepatch’s shin guards offer distinct advantages for both players and retail partners. For athletes, the Body Adjust Technology ensures an unparalleled fit that adapts to their shin’s anatomy, significantly enhancing comfort and protection. This adaptability minimizes the risk of injury while maintaining complete freedom of movement, allowing players to perform at their best. By eliminating hard materials like plastic, Gamepatch sets a new precedent for player-focused design in football gear.
The product is also a boon for retailers and distributors. Manufactured entirely in Europe, the shin guards guarantee consistent quality thanks to adherence to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. “Quality is at the heart of everything we do,” says Blinds. “We source only the finest materials, ensuring every product meets our high standards.” Retailers benefit from fast delivery, reliable product availability, and a robust selection of marketing materials. Gamepatch’s modern, trend-driven approach enhances its appeal to a broad range of customers.
By offering a high-quality product that combines innovation with practical benefits, Gamepatch aims to strengthen its partnerships with sports retailers. The award-winning shin guards not only cater to the needs of professional players but also provide a compelling proposition for stores seeking cutting-edge football equipment.
Gamepatch’s ISPO Award marks an important milestone for the company, validating its efforts to innovate in the sports equipment market. “We’re honored by ISPO’s recognition and look forward to the opportunities this award will bring,” says Blinds. With its focus on quality, performance, and customer satisfaction, Gamepatch is well-positioned to lead the way in redefining football protective gear for players and retailers alike.
