News + Trends
ISPO 2019: Half helmet, half headphones
by Michael Restin
ISPO 2019: A few pearls and a lot of mediocrity
7.2.2019
Good at the front, bad at the back. That's our verdict on ISPO Munich 2019, where we've seen the full load of sporting goods over the last four days. 2,800 exhibitors in 18 halls make ISPO the largest sports trade fair in the world. And yet, or perhaps because of this, there is still a sour aftertaste.
Less would be more. Less mediocrity, more class. Fewer exhibitors, fewer halls, but more really new things. That's what we wanted for the ISPO in Munich. Sure, there are innovations. The 3in1 bike, for example, the new rowing ergometer or the lightest SUP. And of course Michael Restin and I didn't see the entire range in four days. Nevertheless.
Hui at the front, pooh at the back
Michael and I summarise our conclusions for you in the video above. Our impression: In the large halls, the industry giants show off all too often without really delivering anything new. They bask in their own glamour, so to speak. A lot of junk is on sale in the small halls, and it's also sold in style. In the large halls, the focus is on sustainability, whereas in the small halls, sustainability doesn't seem to play a role at all. Up front, down back.
Sustainable yes, but ...
There are manufacturers who are serious about sustainability. The company from the Basque Country, for example, which dyes its organic cotton shirts with the shells of walnuts. Or collects fishing nets floating in the sea and turns them into outdoor trousers. The report follows. However, sustainability also seems to be simply a bandwagon that people like to jump on quickly to give themselves a green image. It remains to be seen how serious the industry really is about this.
All in one and with an app
Another trend is the egg-laying wool-milk sow. The bike with an integrated espresso machine, for example. No shit, there really is such a thing. And many other products that are as multifunctional as possible and, of course, are always controlled, tracked or whatever with a corresponding app. A positive example from this category is Michael's favourite product from this year's ISPO. The 3in1 bike makes his eyes light up.
For buyers among the 80,000 visitors, ISPO is certainly a paradise. As already mentioned, the range on offer is huge. From cheap trash to exclusive high-end, everything is available. However, if, like us, you are looking for new technologies and innovative products, you have to bring a lot of time with you. And dig deep to find what you're looking for.
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Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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