Black Diamond Freeride Ski Boots set to launch Fall 2008

Posted: 11/01/2007 In Category: Snowsports New Products

Industry News Release Written By: Penn Newhard

November 1, 2007 (Salt Lake City, Utah) – Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., a global leader in the climbing and freeride ski markets, announced the timeline and product mix for its much anticipated ski boot line set to debut for Fall 2008.

“We just completed Boot Camp with our North American reps, the BD Boot team and European management and are excited for the snow to fall and get the boots out on retailer’s feet on the hill,” states Thomas Laakso, Ski Category Group Director. “Skiing has changed dramatically in the past few years and being able to build boots from the ground up with state of the art technologies and a modern skier’s perspective has enabled us to meet the exacting needs of the boundary–free skier.”

The BD Boot program reprises the award-winning launch of the Fall 2007 ski line and will be aimed at the emerging market that demands full-time, high performance combined with unbounded access in a single pair of boots. The boots blend alpine-inspired technologies with backcountry functionality that is synced up with BD’s Efficient Power technology platform, an integral part of their Freeride Ski line.

“Skiing is all about the down,” explains Laakso. “Our alpine touring (AT) and telemark boots have design elements that are both power and efficiency based so consumers may choose the model that best fits their personal style while maximizing their downhill control. All our boots are focused on uncompromising performance which means exceptional fits, true alpine progressive flexes and ultimate hiking access to the goods.”

BD will debut three AT models in the Power Series – the paradigm breaking, four-buckle Factor, a softer flexing Method and the Women’s Shiva. Each boot blends alpine overlap construction with lightweight touring functionality combining the performance an alpine skier demands while providing a highly articulated walk mode for access to the backcountry.

On the telemark side, BD will break out with two collections geared around its Power and Efficiency platforms. The Power Series is built around the Custom, Push and Women’s Stiletto. All three boots raise the bar with progressive flex, torsional power, and alpine inspired fit technologies. The Efficient series adds the Seeker, Women’s Trance and Axis blending smooth, predictable bellows with high torsional stiffness in a lightweight versatile package.

All boots introduce solutions for achieving a proper and comfortable fit, with modern engineered lasts, unique and customizable boot boards, strobled and true lasted liner constructions, stock custom thermoformable foot beds and an exclusive Boa closure system that enables fit and performance advantages.

“As the largest, most expensive, complex development project we’ve ever undertaken, it’s hard to contain my enthusiasm about these boots,” adds Peter Metcalf CEO of Black Diamond. “They represent the best of BD today, exemplifying our design philosophy in terms of innovative product. BD Boots will fully meet the demands of today’s freeride skier. We set out to build a better boot for the skier who wants one boot to rip all terrain and our design team has delivered.”

Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. is an employee-owned manufacturer of equipment for rock climbing, alpinism and freeride skiing. By consistently building innovative products and actively preserving the mountain environment, Black Diamond has assumed a leadership role in the international outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com

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