Here are SAM's top picks for the most innovative products to come out of the 2009 SIA Show in Las Vegas.

GoPro Helmet Hero Wide
This wearable digital camera ($190) has a 170-degree wide-angle lens without the typical distortion of a wide angle. Waterproof to 100', the Hero Wide shoots 56 minutes of video and 5MP photos. It comes with a multi-spot mounting kit, including a quick-release helmet mount and a chest mount, to provide no-hands filming. Info: www.goprocamera.com, (415) 738-2480.


iCycle Kong
This snowbike-on-a-board (front and rear boards, to be precise) is the newest variant on this theme. Kong literally stopped people in their tracks at the Rental World booth in the SIA show; the rental potential is intriguing. The design has shock-absorber front and rear suspension and is said to be very easy to learn. Riders stand on an elevated platform, equipped with a front foot strap to keep the rider on the platform. Safety-tested and approved for use at Stevens Pass, Wash., by the local patrol. Wholesale: about $750. Info: www.theslidercorporation.com, (775) 397-1047.

salomon impact 10 custom shell
Salomon now offers three lines of boots with custom shells, the latest advance in bootfitting. The Kaprolene shell material in the forefoot is heat-moldable, and adapts to the forefoot precisely. This accomplishes much the same end as “punching out” a shell—but it’s easier to do, and more long-lasting. It’s quick, too; the process takes only 20 minutes. Once it cools, Kaprolene has the same characteristics as the rest of the polyurethane shell. The Custom Shell is available on several models, including the Impact 10 CS (shown); the boots incorporate the whole host of Salomon liner, shell, and buckle features. Info: www.salomonsports.com, 1-800-225-6850.

POC Multi-impact receptor+ helmet
Developed for use in multiple activities, POC's Receptor+ ($200) is built with a patented ventilated, doubleshell, anti-penetration system. This is said to provide better shock absorption and lower weight. The In-mold technology incorporates an Aramid ballistic penetration barrier to overcome the tendency of in-mold helmets to break easily. The design couples a thinner shell of hard plastic with shock-absorbing EPS and patches of polyurethane honeycomb that absorb and distribute energy progressively. Accessories include a detachable winter lining and earpieces, and the Receptor neckroll for audio plug-ins. Info: www.pocski.com, (603) 427-5125.

mountain hardware jackets
These men’s/women’s insulated jackets ($230) are newly enabled with the Ardica Moshi Power System, which can drive a whole new generation of wearable technology. It can provide 8.6 hours of continuous integrated heat, and simultaneously charge any personal electronic device which requires less than 10 watts of power—cell phones, iPods, iPhones, GPS devices, and lights. The secret? A lightweight, flexible lithium-ion battery pack which spreads warmth through strategically placed stainless steel fibers in the fabric. A USB adapter sits inside a pocket to connect portable electronics. Info: www.mountainhardwear.com, 1-800-953-8375.

screamer bomber hats
Bombers are hot. Screamer revamps the classic bomber with contemporary styling and fabrics. Eleven styles ($29-$42) in 27 colors offer a wide assortment to choose from: handknits, high quality faux fur, and embroidered embellishments with outside shell linings. From tweed knit to corduroy to leather, bombers can appeal to both the younger crowd and adults. Info: www.screamer.com, 1-800-437-8430.

smith i/os goggles
Smith has updated the I/O line to the new I/OS ($180). The carbonic-x spherical lens incorporates curvature on both the horizontal and vertical planes to increase vision range. Coupled with Smith's integrated TLT (Tapered Lens Technology) optics, the lens corrects the light rays. The goggles also include vaporator lens technology with a Porex filter, to keep moisture out and reduce fogging. Helmet compatible, with pivoting side frames, the goggles are available in nine graphics. Included lenses are the sensor and ignitor mirror. Info: www.smithoptics.com, (208) 726-4477.

stomp pads
We saw two cool innovations in snowboard stomp pads this year. The Strap Pad ($20) is a peel-n-stick rubber stomp pad with a strap to keep your free foot in place. The other is the Stomp Grab ($20), a flip-up plastic handle you fasten between the bindings for easy board carrying. On-hill, it flips down into a stomp pad for riding. Info: Strap Pad, www.strappad.com; (805) 234-1737. Stomp Grab, www.stompgrab.com, (218) 269-1594.

reverse-camber snowboards
Reverse-cambered, or “rocker” snowboards officially go mainstream for 2010. The concept is widely included in the biggest manufacturer’s lines, including technology pioneer Mervin Manufacturing (Lib Tech, Gnu), Ride, Burton, K2 and more. Pictured here is Ride’s 2009-10 Compact women’s board ($500), with “low rise rocker” shape, meaning the camber is reversed further to the tail of the board for extra pop in the park and float in the pow. Info: www.ridesnowboards.com, 1-888-249-7433.

Ghosky sled
Imagine a Flexible Flier that’s been updated for the 21st century—that’s pretty much the Ghosky sled (wholesale, $290; retail, $450). With wide plastic runners and flexible connections between seat and runners, the sled steers much like a skateboard. Lean to one side, and the runners curve in that direction. Optional wheels adapt the sled for off-snow road and mountain use. Info: www.ghosky.com, (718) 312-9777.

burton chopper
The age at which kids can start snowboarding has always been contentious, and Burton has tackled the problem with the new 90-cm Chopper ($160), a tiny snowboard designed for teaching wee ones how to ride. To make turning easier for kids, who typically weigh little, it has extra-flexible torsion and thinner core and a retractable pull cord for towing kids around. Info: www.burton.com, 1-800-881-3138.

masterfit techshop
This collection of low-cost, best-in-class tools for bootfitting is a great way to make sure your fit team has the right equipment for the job. Among the gear: the Ski Kare boot press ($600), with heated ball, $1,200), and Masterfit’s own digital diagnostics kit ($549), which provides precise measurements for forefoot width, ankle and first-toe dorsiflexion, boot interior—all the measurements needed to ensure precision in boot adjustments. Info: www.masterfitenter­prises.com, (914) 944-9038.

opedix knee support
These pants ($190) are much more than long underwear or compressionwear. Based on the principles of knee bracing, the “anchor and sling” design is said to reduce outward knee movement and decrease wear and tear on the joint. This novel base layer is said to redistribute shocks to the knee and transfer six to ten percent of the load from it. The system was developed in conjunction with the Steadman Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation in Vail. For shoulders, Posture shirts ($100-$130) have similar attributes. Info: www.opedix.com, 1-800-552-8585.

Green Products

quiksilver canapet hemp jacket
Made from 80 percent recycled PET (post consumer recycled plastic bottles and containers), 20 percent hemp, and biodegradable TPU laminate (low toxicity thermoplastic polyurethane), the water-resistant, mesh-lined Canapet jacket ($250) also includes people-friendly features: adjustable and removable hood, interior access media
pocket, clear pass pocket, and snap down powder skirt. Available in green, black and gray. Info: www.quiksilver.com, 1-800-435-9917.

chaos enviro-tech line
Addressing the green demand of both function and action, Chaos offers the new Chaos Green Recycled Raggwoool program ($28-$36). This uses post-consumer recycled plastic bottles to create resilient and cozy accessories. Every Green hat is lined with fleece made from recycled plastics. In addition, Chaos incorporates bamboo, organic wool and organic cotton into lines it introduced in 2008. The Green label also uses “low impact dyes” that produce less-toxic waste, along with non-chemical dyes made exclusively from vegetable and root powders. All are available in a variety of styles. Info: www.chaoshats.com, (970) 871-1193.

liberty skis
Liberty has been using bamboo/poplar cores for the past five years. Bamboo, a renewable, sustainable member of the grass family, is light, tough, with a springiness that makes it ideal for ski cores—especially as a locally-available material for skis made in China. The company also eliminates waste by such strategies as using low-volume packaging and reusing boxes for shipping. Models range from the all-around LTE (shown, $569) to the wider-body, slightly rockered, off-piste Double Helix ($749). Info: www.libertyskis.com, 1-866-SKI-LIBERTY.

Atomic Renu Boot
Atomic's new, environmentally friendly two-model collection ($499-$549) reduces the carbon footprint of traditional boot construction by half, in a package that’s 13 percent lighter than comparable models made with traditional materials. The Renu’s liner and outer shell components are made from plant-based Pebax, and the boots feature a cork footbed, cotton powerstrap, and bamboo lining. All incorporated materials are in natural colors to eliminate the use of toxic dyes, and are recyclable when the boots’ useful life is exhausted. That gives green-minded customers plenty to appreciate. Info: www.atomicsnow.com, 1-800-258-5020.