Highlights from ISPO - The largest sports trade fair in the world
From 28 to 31 January 2018, more than 2,800 exhibitors presented their latest sports products from areas such as snow sports, outdoor, fitness, urban and team sports at the Munich trade fair grounds. Here are my personal top innovations and impressions.
Winter sports
Brands such as Oakley are once again taking up the fight against the interchangeable lens system with their ski goggles. The "Fall Line Prizm React Goggle" can be adjusted to the light conditions at the touch of a button. The goggle with iridium lenses can be operated using two discreet buttons on the edge of the frame. Haptic feedback tells the user which light level they have selected. The light transmission levels are 35 %, 15 % and 10 %. This makes it possible to ride with the "goggles" in many conditions. The feather-light batteries are charged via a micro USB port. One battery charge should enable around 150 to 200 button presses, which corresponds to around a week of skiing.
Ski goggles
The "Obex Spin" was developed as a versatile helmet for a wide range of skiing and snowboarding disciplines. It offers a balance of material quality, weight, comfort, safety and communication. The integrated "SPIN" system in the goggles from Poc is the answer to the "MIPS" technology. It protects against energy impact in the event of an oblique collision. Thanks to the one-handed sizing system, the helmet can be adjusted quickly and easily. Adjustable ventilation openings ensure a draught and allow the user to regulate the temperature individually. The optional communication ear pads can be clipped out so that the pack size in the rucksack is reduced.
Avalanche backpack with air supply
The "Integrated Avalanche System (IAS)" from the Advenate brand is the winner of this year's ISPO Award in the Snowsports segment, in the Safety Equipment category. The IAS combines an airbag with a breathing system in avalanche backpacks. Both are activated with a simultaneous movement.
Fitness
The Yogaboard is a body-sized wooden board with a robust hollow construction - and an elegant design. Weighing 11 kilograms, it is easy to transport. It intensifies every workout because it improves balance and strengthens the core.
«A highly exciting innovation with the potential to quickly catch on with the masses. Beginners and advanced yogis alike will benefit from it.»
Water sports
The "Waterwolf-MPX-3" is the newly developed, electrically powered high-tech surfboard. The board makes it possible to surf on lakes and rivers without wind and waves, silently and in an environmentally friendly way. It is suitable for practising take-offs and radical manoeuvres. The result is a mixture of snowboarding and surfing.
Outdoor
Even lighter and more functional outdoor jackets are very popular. Down and Primaloft in particular are currently a topic and brands such as Marmot and Arc'teryx are leading the way. The Canadian brand Arc'teryx impresses with innovative ideas and techniques. This year, the brand is also focusing on a colour-coordinated collection.
The Waka Waka label is convinced that access to energy and electricity is a basic right of every person and is needed by everyone. Access to electricity also means access to education, communication and a better income. That is why Waka Waka has set itself the task of creating free access to electricity worldwide with products such as the Power Charger. The largest natural source of energy in the world is the sun. It is available everywhere and making use of it is sustainable. It is an alternative solution for anyone who needs energy but temporarily does not have a conventional power connection. Whether a natural disaster survivor, farmer, commuter or nature lover - everyone can use solar products with the same quality and design from Waka Waka.
Velosport
The BH51M bike helmet from Livall is the ideal equipment for cyclists who want to listen to music and make calls without taking a hand off the handlebars. Two chains of bright LED lights on the back allow you to turn at the touch of a button. Made from high-quality components and with a fresh design, they optimise safety when cycling compared to other bike helmets.
Running
Through the use of HP's "Fit Station" and the "Brooks Run Signature", Brooks will launch the first performance running shoe that is created based on a runner's individual biomechanical processes. The foot is scanned, the right shoe model is selected, the data is forwarded to production and the customised shoe is delivered to your home in just a few days. This innovation fits seamlessly into the company's "Run Signature Philosophy". It states that it is not the runner's faults, but their footwear that needs to be improved for comfort and performance. This is achieved by supporting the body's natural movement when running. Through the partnership with HP and Superfeet, Brooks is taking personalisation to a new level. <p
Whether in sports, everyday life or on my travels around the globe, I'm always on the lookout for a new adventure. My passion for action has no limits - I love riding the waves on a board or with a kite, cycling across Switzerland on my bike and scoring goals on the football field every week. My job as Sports Marketing Manager at Galaxus gives me the chance to bring my passion to the workplace.