Our Czech distributor, Rosta Cerovsky, was watching one of the most popular TV news shows last night out at his house when on Prime Time he was ripped out of his chair at the sight of a report on ski and snowboard back protectors. A popular Czech testing magazine, much like Consumer Reports in the USA (remember when Consumer Reports dissed the new iPhone 4 and started a media shitstorm? Yeah, they've got power), reviewed the most popular back protectors and a few vests.

The test measured overall safety levels covering 4 different areas on the back, including the spine, as well as a few other criteria. The news report, beaming across the Czech Republic, hailed the SLYTECH 2nd Skin Back Protector the SAFEST BACK PROTECTOR available.

Screengrab of Czech News Report | Slytech 2nd Skin Gets Top Honors!

European grading scales measure from 1 to 6, 1 being the best (excellent) and 6 being the worst (fail). From the screengrab you can see the rankings as follows:

1. Slytech 2nd Skin Back Protector taking top honors with a grade of 1.1 (only 0.1 off from the BEST POSSIBLE GRADE)
2. POC Spine VPD Vest with a 1.3
3. Komperdell Cross with a 1.5

... and then the bottom of the barrel being the Scott, RED/ Burton, POC Spine Ergo Bug (with the plastic parts that Slytech's test have shown to be the least safe) and the TECNOpro all with only "satisfactory" grades.

This is a coup for our engineering department whose own tests have shown for years now that Slytech's 2nd Skin Back Protector is the safest back protector available on the market. When I talked to people and showed them our test results (see diagram below), I was always met with skeptical resistance. "yeah, but Stephan, how can we be SURE that your test results aren't biased?" they'd ask. Totally understandable reaction.

The answer has been delivered. Independent studies show that the memory cell foam used by Slytech in the 2nd Skin Back Protector is the SAFEST ski and snowboard protector on the market.

Test Results Show the 2nd Skin is the Safest Back Protector

For anyone interested in checking out the magazine coverage of the test, you'll have to get out your translation devices, because it's all in Czech. Simply click on the images to access the high resolution image.

slytechslammerkneeguard

Here's a look into what RDM, DCP, and JPS got going in their line-up for 2010-2011.

*** STORES ARE PREORDERING NOW! If you already know you're in need of a new back protector or other protection products for next season, call your local distributor with your request. The contact information is listed below the pictures ***

Here's the English translation:

"Slytech Backprotector
Wolle is even enticed by his Signature Series stuff. The Slytech Backprotector protects the spine, the coccyx, and the shoulder blades, as well as the important lower-back area. To keep free range of motion and comfort, this 'back caresser" avoids the use of hard plastic components. The only thing left to say is a loud 'Eööööh!"

A Snowboarder and His Toys

Wolle's Favorite Gear

MethodMag.com Reviews 2nd Skin: Friggin LOVES IT!

Man, when you get big-ups from METHOD, you know you've got something pretty sweet. Check this review posted on METHODMAG.com on Wednesday, January 27th.

Watch your back, kid!" An old saying that was probably born in a sketchy ghetto slum or the trenches of some battlefield. But it applies all too well to pristine snowy pistes at 2000 meters. Bruised backs, cracked vertebrae and mashed ribs are not a road you want to go down. So, how to avoid this? The Slytech 2nd Skin Back Protector is the answer!In hindsight, I could have totally used one of these ninja turtle shells in my early years of boosting my bones off kickers. Back when I would roll up to big ass tables thinking I knew what was up, come in with enough speed to clear the whole park and chuck some boned out stiffies. I hadn't yet sorted out keeping my weight over my feet when launching and more often than not would get sprung with my board leading the charge and my flailing corpse in hot pursuit.

Just before inverting to half flip I would crash land on the icy East Coast hardpack back first. This practice led to a colorful array of injuries, including a broken wrist. But usually I would just knock the wind out of myself and moans that resembled a bitch giving birth to a litter of 10 puppies simultaneously would emerge from my deflated lungs.

But this was back before people started padding up to thrash the hill, and I have since learned to take off on my toe edge. Things are different for you younger cats (and holiday huckers) though, and not only will the Slytech 2nd Skin Back Protector save you from busting your ribs, it will also keep all y'all next level shreds fully in the space race, double corking to the moon and back safe and sound.

With all the flippity-doo-da maneuvers these days it's quite likely you'll eventually find yourself stuck upside down halfway through one, so consider getting yourself some of this peace of mind (safety). That way you'll never find out how coughing can be as cruel as medieval torture. Don't even get me started on the tear-inducing pain of slipping out onto your back on a box or rail that you could spare yourself from...

The New 2010 2nd Skin Logo

I also found that they're quite helpful for fending off weird people with no conception of personal space in packed gondolas. Check out this next level padding that fits snug around the waist and stays in place thanks to the shoulder straps. Maybe you're thinking, "this is nothing new" but that fact is the sheer comfort offered by this back protector is what makes the difference. The memory foam 2nd skin actually molds to your body like clay but stiffens up right when you need your back to be saved. Check out the details on this memory-cell-foam technology here.

Peep the whole line of protection gear that helps you check yoself beef-o you wreck yoself!"