Pole revolution?

Exel is introducing a "revolutionary basket" design at the
"International Trada Fair for Sports Equipment and Fashion"
in Munich.

The press release, with all its hype, can be found at:
http://www.ispo.de (via exhibitor search for "Exel").

The basket can be seen at:
http://www.marcsfishing.com/2inno/sauvasompa.html


(I would seem to remember that a few pair of prototype
poles showed up at a WC race last year, but...)



Anders

Breathtaking. Where can I get some?

bt

Well - maybe, maybe.

I followed the link, and here is the text:
It helps to look at the picture first, I think:
http://www.marcsfishing.com/2inno/sauvasompa.html


Exel introduces a revolutionary C-1 Raptor World Cup racing ski pole
for XC

At ISPO Winter 2004 Exel introduces an exciting XC ski pole
innovation. The new racing pole, C1 Raptor World Cup will
significantly improve skier performance. The project started already
in 2002 and the new pole has been developed in co-operation wit

Revolutionary Raptor basket

The C1 Raptor World Cup pole brings an innovative new basket to the
market. The tip and the basket are positioned forward from the centre
point of the pole shaft, whereas traditional designs position the tip
and the basket behind the centre point. Thanks to the new design and
shape of the Raptor basket, the skier achieves a firm grip directly in
the beginning of the pole thrust as soon as the tip touches snow. The
new Raptor basket provides a better grip, longer pole thrust, and more
efficient power transmission. This is complemented by its aerodynamic
design. The new Raptor basket is available in two versions, one for
hard packed snow and other for softer snow.


More distance with each pole thrust
Thanks to the new positioning of the spike, the pole thrust is
significantly longer, as the grip is held to the very end of the pole
thrust. Now that the spike tip is located at the front of the pole
shaft, the skier achieves about 2 cm more distance per each pole
thrust. For example, during the final 100 m sprint before the finish
line this will give about 0.5 meter advance to the skier with C-1
Raptor poles when comparing to the traditional poles. Also the push
force is released from the pole in the skiing direction and so brings
the skier faster forward.



Additional benefits
The power transmission can be used more efficiently, thanks to a new
bending direction of the pole shaft. When the skier leans on the pole,
the shaft bends into a different direction compared to traditional
poles. At this phase energy is stored in the pole shaft. During the
pushing phase the shaft straightens and the released energy takes the
skier forward more efficiently.



The new C1 Raptor World Cup also incorporates a new C World Cup strap
with durable ultra light construction. The supportive straps are
positioned under the palm and base of the thumb, which enables a more
effective pole thrust. The straps are attached to the side of the grip
and transmit the power directly to the pole shaft. The strap is also
quick and easy to adjust.



The shaft of the C1 Raptor World Cup pole is made of 100% HM carbon
fibre and it weighs just 57 grams/metre. The shaft is made using the
Co-Winding manufacturing technique developed by Exel. The structure of
the shaft has been optimised for use by competition skiers. The
stiffness of the shaft is 30 mm (40 kg over a bearing span of 800 mm).
This ensures that the full power of the pole thrust is converted into
forward motion. The oval cross-sectional profile of the pole shaft
enhances the aerodynamic character of the pole.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Anders Lustig"
To: "Multiple recipients of list NORDIC-SKI"

Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2004 5:48 AM
Subject: Pole revolution?


Exel is introducing a "revolutionary basket" design at the
"International Trada Fair for Sports Equipment and Fashion"
in Munich.

The press release, with all its hype, can be found at:
http://www.ispo.de (via exhibitor search for "Exel").

The basket can be seen at:
http://www.marcsfishing.com/2inno/sauvasompa.html


(I would seem to remember that a few pair of prototype
poles showed up at a WC race last year, but...)



Anders

So, the tip is offset and hanging on the end of the basket, is that it?

When I received new roller tips from Exel last fall, I
noticed that tips are offset about 1" in relation to pole centerline.

It looked weird, but work very well - the offset tip absorbers shock,
since the pole bends a little and springs back instead of jarring
your wrist.

Now they are going to try it on snow.
I don't think effect will be that dramatic but doesn't hurt to try.

You want them with or without the T grip?
GJ

"sknyski" wrote in message
om...
Breathtaking. Where can I get some?

bt