FOR FIT AND FUNCTION
DOUBLE DUTY
Fully padded removable inner boot of Rieker Combi keeps socks dry when outer boot is taken off during coffee breaks. Doubles as after-ski boot at lodge. Laced into outer boot, it gives same support as nonremovable inner boot. $59.50.
STEEL FOR SUPPORT
Steel stays stitched into ankle piece of Raichle Wedeln boot increase side-to-side rigidity, provide edge control without impairing flexibility in forward direction needed in order to execute turns. Steel stays are padded to protect ankle. $50.
CUTAWAY FOR CONTROL
Cutaway sole of Strolz Cortina allows sufficient width within boot while making entire sole itself narrow enough to stay inboard of ski edges, cutting drag on turns and allowing skier to keep skis very close together for better control. $64.
Doubled over, Wessman folding ski shows twin steel connecting links which maker guarantees against breakage. Heel plate locks ski in place when threaded bolt is tightened. Ski can be put in car trunk, carried in shoulder bag. $39.95.
Double construction utilizes wood in combination with other materials to increase strength of ski, while keeping desirable characteristics of wood ski. Fischer S-100 48-piece laminated ski is completely cased in plastic to make it waterproof and gouge-proof ($99.50); Super Gresvig has fiber lamination layers around wood core which produce fast-turning ski without tendency to twist when edged ($70); Rossignol Easy-Flex has hard rubber middle sandwiched between layers of laminated wood, making ski tough enough to be bent to floor between two chairs without breaking or cracking anywhere ($110).
Double decker Market Forge ski rack will carry 12 skis on car trunk crosswise or diagonally. Trunk position reduces wind resistance, assures that rack will stay on car at turnpike speeds. Rack folds into compact storing unit. $15.
STEP-OUT
U.S. 2 Star permits skier to step out of binding without undoing long thongs. When safety toe piece is opened, stirrup peg on thong disengages. $13.75 without thongs.
STEP-ON
Skier steps onto Miller binding (left) by shoving boot's heel and toe plates into spring-loaded cup pieces, which release boot when ski is twisted hard. $14.95.
SWING-OUT
Ski-Matic ($5.95) and Marker ($9.75) toe pieces (right) use double pivot system to swing boot out to either side when ski is twisted hard enough to damage leg or ankle. Ski-Matic and Marker toe pieces can be combined with variety of heel releases or with nonreleasing long thong or spring cable heel bindings. Both toe releases have compensating adjustments to allow for the differing weights and abilities of skiers.
SWING-UP
Dovre binding (left) releases when boot heel is forced off ski. Restraining peg then allows lever to swing up and free cable. Dovre adjusts to give heel play needed for walking. $7.95.
INSULATION INSIDE
Sportscaster underalls (left), Weiss "zero" gloves both use layer of insulation material, which gives warmth equal to heavy wool while remaining light and pliable. Suit can eliminate bulky sweater, make lift riding more comfortable. $25. "Zero" glove is warm as mitten but allows hand to move easily, does away with protective leather mitten covers. $10.
ELEVEN ILLUSTRATIONS
HARRY MCNAUGHT
ILLUSTRATION
HARRY MCNAUGHT
S. FISCHER S-100
ILLUSTRATION
HARRY MCNAUGHT
SUPER GRESVIG
ILLUSTRATION
HARRY MCNAUGHT
ROSSIGNOL EASY-FLEX