Brand Showcase: Sweet Protection

Sweet Protection is a brand today associated with some of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world; yet surprisingly the company started with roots more entrenched in the summer and skate culture of California...despite being almost 5000 miles away from it.

The earliest seeds of the story to come were sewn in the remote Norwegian town of Trysil, way back in 1988. A local school student, Ståle Møller had written a design paper on producing skateboards - something he had started doing in his garage at home, despite the sport then being illegal!

Long before the internet and mobile phones became part of society, Ståle and his friends knew little of the world's skateboarding culture, save for the occasional skate-movies or magazines, smuggled into town by a sympathetic local priest who often travelled abroad. Despite the ban, skateboarding was growing in the forests of Norway, and Ståle found himself busy through the nights, building his own boards for locals, under the moniker Bushmade Skates - and even a skate ramp in the woods where they could ride! It wasn't long before the skateboard prohibition was lifted, and Ståle fast received support from the local Municipality to support this now-burgeoning skate scene.

Over the next eight years, Ståle turned his design flair from skating, to kayaking and snowboarding - creating ever-better clothing and equipment for his local riders. When they went travelling around the world together in the mid-nineties, this group did it with backpacks and clothing they'd made themselves - a serious amount of expertise was building up, and by 1997; Ståle and his friend, Erik Martinsen decided to put it to proper use; aiming to build their own whitewater kayaks (a sport starting to take-off in the fjords of Norway) - in the end Ståle built Erik a carbon fibre helmet he could use in the Freestyle Kayak World Championships that year. Much like Carlo Salmini's unique ski race protection being used by athletes in the Winter Olympics; this breakthrough design was recognised by all at the event, and soon demand was burgeoning for Ståle's unique helmets - a request Stale was only too happy to oblige with (despite still only being at design college)!

A couple more years passed by, until in 1999 Ståle was persuaded by a friend to stop building products for friends and niche interests, and start taking his immense skill to an international market. Action sport was now a well established industry, and these men had been involved in the sports for over a decade - it was time to make something of their uncompromising demand for innovation. Snowboarding was the way to go, they agreed; and Sweet would be their name. Over the next 3 years Ståle's helmet design was refined and adjusted; and fast picked up by some of the biggest names in the sport at the time. In 2003 the company was ready to launch internationally at the ISPO trade fair in Munich, and was an overnight success - winning the brand new Best Newcomer Award for their clothing and protective gear.

First developed by a group of young Norwegians in the 1990s, these boys have followed their passion ever since, and today Sweet Protection are one of the most iconic and respected companies in the action sport market.

Sweet can often be found on SportPursuit; the current sale runs until Monday 20th May. See the sales here:

Sweet Protection - Mens

Sweet Protection - Womens

Sales Preview: Limitless Performance

Limitless Performance is a relatively new, but exciting brand to hit the UK cycling scene. Fusing British inspired design with high-quality Italian manufacturing technique, the resulting performance cycle kit would put a smile on the face of even the most discerning athletes. Striving to be more than just a provider of supreme quality and stylish performance apparel, Limitless Performance comprises a group of talented athletes, designers and filmmakers that have created a Limitless community online, so you can be inspired to train harder and race stronger.

Limitless put the athlete at the centre of everything they do – meaning each and every product is developed with athletes dictating, testing and critiquing every stitch, swatch and seam – meaning you can look, feel and achieve Limitless results on every ride.

With all this being said, how could we resist the opportunity to provide some of our own insight into the new Limitless range…

Jersey – size tested: Medium.

The first thing to notice with the Ascent jersey is not its sharp looks (they are sharp though), but the price: ticking all the boxes of a jersey that would usually come in with a much higher price-tag. Although fit is personal, the Ascent jersey offers good freedom of movement with a comfortably tight fit due to the side panelling. Silicon grippers at the bottom of the jersey stop it from riding up and the Dry-Tex fabric does its job; ensuring breathability.

The Ascent Jersey is most certainly worth a look at if you are looking for a fresh and good looking jersey this spring/summer.

Jacket - size tested: Medium.

Fresh off the ship from Italy, the new Ascent winter/spring jacket looks and feels fantastic – and what better conditions to put the jacket to the test than this frankly very cold and windy beginning to Spring. Relatively lightweight, the jacket stood true to form with claims of keeping the wind off. The waistband stopped the jacket from riding up when getting some hard earned miles in, but the jacket was a touch on the larger side compared to the rest of the kit – so should have gone a size down.

Sizing aside, the jacket surpassed all the claims it made. It was warm, not too clammy, comfortable and (in the right size) worth every penny of the £90 RRP price tag.

Bibs – size tested: Medium.

Out of the (rather snazzy) box, the Ascent bib shorts are full of promise. Coming in with an RRP of £85, they seem to be competitively priced. When choosing a new set of bibs, one of the most important factors should be, of course, the chamois and it is a relief to see that Limitless Performance have offered a pad from Elastic Interface – world-renowned within the chamois field for their superior comfort, fast moisture transfer and successful collaborations with other cycling brands such as Assos, DeMarchi, Gore and Rapha.

A good fit ensured support, without a sense of tightness or restriction – meaning that the bibs were actually very comfortable whilst riding. In addition, a wide elastic cuff combined with small silicon grippers results in a snug thigh fit, with no irritation from the bibs riding up. Flat-locked stitching throughout minimizes chaffing and rubbing and further exemplifies the quality of these bibs. Finally, the meshing wicks fantastically and is anti-bacterially treated to avoid smells from developing after a few rides.

These bibs offer great quality and superior comfort to others you may find around this price range – so if you are in the market for a new set of bibs to help you through your Spring and Summer training then these should be at the top of your short-list

Overall

A simple, small range that offers the high-quality staple components of your cycling wardrobe – the products tested were great and Limitless Performance certainly show great promise for the hopefully not-too-distant future. Be part of the story. Be Limitless.

See the sale now

Sales Preview: Kastle

Fresh up on SportPursuit this week; we've got a selection of kit from esteemed ski manufacturer Kastle.

Founded in Austria back in 1924, Kastle first found their way to a gold at the World Championships in 1950, so their lineage is both extensive and strong. Today, their skis are considered some of the nicest equipment on the mountain - premium in both quality and value.

The BMX (Big Mountain Cross) range are Kastle's top-spec freeride skis. Featuring a range of technology and design specific to this purpose, the BMX loves to be pushed, and the faster you hit the powder, the faster it will reward you. This is a ski that allows you to find your limit, and begin to explore beyond it.

We've got two BMX models in our latest sale, the 118 and 128. Both feature an identical build process; with a beach/poplar core, advanced Hollowtech tips (decreasing vibration and increasing responsiveness), early rise rocker and dual radius edge design. The key difference being these two skis is their width.

At 146mm in front, 128mm underfoot and 134mm at the tail, the 128 is an enormous ski; offering the sort of big mountain performance required to go big in North America and Japan. If your idea of big-air is closer to freefall than freeride, this is the ski for you. There's a fair few of us in the office with our eye on these monsters.

Slightly thinner at 139/118/128mm, the 118 is perfect for the back-and-sidecountry of Europe; sacrificing a small modicum of the big-mountain power of the 128s for greater responsiveness and usuability. Thanks to the Hollowtech tips and dual rocker/radius, this is a big ski that thinks it's much smaller once you hit the pistes. Take it everywhere and love it.

The Kastle BMX 118 and 128 are both currently on sale at £379.80/each - Up to 62% off - and along with a few other Kastle accessories (we love the rubber belts), are a fab showcase for one of the most desirable ski brands on the mountain today.

Visit the sale now

Sales Preview: Superfeet

This week we've got Superfeet back on SportPursuit. Compatible with just about any footwear; they provide support and stability for the user whatever their sport. SportPursuit Buyer Andrew Mays has been using Superfeet's insoles for the last 4 years, so we asked him to elaborate a bit further on just how important they can be:

Sales Preview: Vulpine

Vulpine are a fresh-faced, London-based, premium cycle apparel manufacturer; creating technical clothing suitable both for the ride and the destination. Founded in March 2012 by afficianado Nick Hussey they are expensive - and proud of it.

Despite their youthful appearances, Vulpine have built a sterling reputation over the last year - often being compared to Raffa for their incredible quality and attention to detail. Integrating British tailoring with performance fabrics - including Merino wool (stretch, smell and shrink resistant) and Epic Cotton (extruded through silicon at a microscopic level to make it waterproof and breathable) - Vulpine looks great, and works.

Operating on a similar ethical level to Howies (see their 'New Cycling' manifesto here), Vulpine are perfect for any cyclists who care - whether that care is directed towards your performance, your value, your comfort or your ethical beliefs. We think they're worth checking out.

See the sale now

Sales Preview: Howies

Howies started taking their unorthodox, eco-friendly clothing brand to the world in 1995; and haven't really changed the formula a whole lot since. For the last 18 years, they've built a strong identity around their 'ethically-correct' production and practice, and politically and environmentally-themed designs.

Over the Christmas break, Howies invited the community to put down the mince pies, get outside, and film the results

Almost all of Howies' clothing is made from organically-sourced materials, such as Merino wool, or organic/recycled cotton; and this week a large range of their apparel and outerwear can be found on SportPursuit. Click through on the items below for more detail, or why not visit the sale?

Sales Preview: Union 34

New to SportPursuit this week, Union 34 are dedicated to creating highly desirable cycling products that are essentially practical and designed for cyclists to express and fulfill their lifestyle choices. Go from bike to back in seconds with Union 34's seat-post fixing systems with every bag, and stylish clothing that makes commuter life both easy and safe.

The products look good and feel great, and feature a host of functional benefits to make cycling hassle-free. The multi-functional range gives you the freedom and confidence to ride in and around town for any reason. This UK-based brand designs with commuters in mind and offers carefree, time-saving, stylish products that look beyond the journey and solve all the commuting strains without compromising any of your day-to-day needs.

We think Union 34 have a great idea going, and hopefully will see more people sporting some stylish new kit on our cycle home in the coming weeks!

To see more of Union 34, head across to their Facebook page, or head to our sale.

Want an outsider's verdict on the brand? Have a look through The Discerning Cyclist's review here.

Reflective strips fold out from the water-resistant Elements trouser

Decked Out - Casual fashion; but the jersey is a thermal, the trousers are water (and oil) resistant, and the rucksack converts into a pannier. Clever, isn't it?

Hidden chest pocket built into the Paragon shirt

Womens' Capital Coat: Balancing commuter practicality with city fashion

Sale Preview: Shred Optics & Slytech Protection

With Shred Optics and Slytech Protection arriving on SportPursuit this week, we look through their story and how the bond between these two renegade companies was born...

Ted and Carlo show off their technology at ISPO 2012

Shredding is about the feeling you get when you’re pushing your limits and having fun. It's a positive movement - there are no haters here. When broken down we’re all pushing for the same thing:
fun, freedom and fun.

- Shred’s Mission Statement

In the aftermath of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics; one gold-medalist had just proven the effectiveness of a brand-new type of race armour, and got to thinking about some changes in ski protection he'd had himself - and thus the bond between Slytech Protection and Shred Optics was born.

Carlo

Carlo Salmini is the man who made both companies a reality. Both an avid ski racer and engineer (studying composite materials at the University of Padova in Italy); he was always intensely interested in getting the most out of his racing equipment, and shaving 100ths of a second off his times - In his own words: "How can I say? There were other guys who had more raw physical talent then I did, so I felt that one of my equalizers was a better, more detailed understanding of my equipment and how it could work harder for me!”

Having already spent hours tuning, filing and tweaking his skis for speed, Carlo turned his attentions to improved gate protection; recognising that the friction produced when impacting race gates was detrimental to his times, and could be improved upon. In 2005 he created his first prototypes of the '3 gill' design - now a patented feature of all Slytech race armour. Some of these early prototypes floated through race circles are were heralded with almost mystical awe. Sadly for Carlo, his opportunity to capitalise in racing was short-lived; as a herniated disk in his back forced a retirement from all competitive racing - from this point on, he decided to direct his passion for skiing into his products, and the benefits he could provide to others.

Focusing his energy into mass-marketing his now-proven race armour, Carlo built connections with a number of Italian composite materials specialists; before heading out in search of a name. It was US Ski Team racer Keely Kelleher who started the ball rolling, telling Carlo his race tech was 'sly'. Somehow it struck a chord, and so 'Slytech Protection' was born.

Having nailed his race protection designs, Carlo moved his research and energy into more widespread protection, starting with back protectors; searching for a much-cited balance between safety and freedom. Around this time, a young American ski racer - Ted 'Shred' Ligety - had just won his first Olympic gold medal; and was looking to start a ski business of his own...

Ted

'Shred' - so known for pushing his skiing to the very limit - has been racing in the World Cup alpine ski circuit since 2003, and has been one of the United States' most successful ski athletes of the past decade.

Born in Salt Lake City, and growing up in the ski haven of Park City, Utah; Ted was first strapped to skis aged 2, and racing by 10. Picked for the US Skiing Development Team, he quickly proved his turn of speed and entered the World Cup circuit at just 19; in the giant slalom during the Park city leg of the 2004 season.

Going from success to success, by 2005 Ted was added to the US Ski Team, and one year later leaped to a shock victory in the Men's Combined at the Winter Olmypics in Turin - becoming the first American man to win a gold in alpine skiing since the '94 downhill in Lillehammer.

After the Olympics had concluded; Ted had desires to start his own ski-wear company. Already a big fan of Slytech (using Carlo's products in his Olympic win); he got in touch; discussing his ideas. Ted envisioned producing helmets and goggles that went against the more 'race-inspired' styles of the day; with the loud colours and designs more associated with snowboarding. Carlo liked the ideas; agreed to co-found with Ted, and got to work drawing up the initial designs. Since then the two have used their combination of Ted's leading-edge race knowledge (winning 3 golds at this year's World Championships in Schladming) and Carlo's composite material design/manufacture, to grow Shred and Slytech throughout the ski & snowboard community.

We're proud to add Shred and Slytech to our ever-increasing list of partnered brands, and look forward to bringing you more of their incredible gear over the coming years!

Sale Preview: Beet It Sport Stamina Shots

New to SportPursuit this week, Beet It is an excellent range of drinks from the Suffolk-based James White Drinks Company.

Having produced their beetroot juice for several years; it was shot to prominence from 2007, as academic papers centering on the benefits of nitrate in sport were published. Beetroot is a very good source of naturally occurring dietary nitrate which, when combined with saliva in the body, react to produce Nitrites, and subsequently Nitric Oxide (NO) - suddenly the Beet-It range was in huge demand with athletes and sport-scientists around the world.

In response to this sporting demand, James White recently launched the Beet-It Sport Shots - currently up to 45% off on SportPursuit.com - with an even higher nitrate content, and in a smaller, training-friendly, servings.

The optimal time to take the shots is between 12 and 1 hours before heavy exercise; with the benefits showing for up to 12 hours afterwards. Most atheletes training on Beet It have one shot 12 hours before, and another 2 hours before performing - although one is considered acceptable for general training.

Athletes from a huge range of sporting disciplines are using Beet It to improve their training, including: optimal time to take the shots is between 12 and 1 hours before heavy exercise; with the benefits showing for up to 12 hours afterwards. Most athletes training on Beet It have one shot 12 hours before, and another 2 hours before performing - although one is considered acceptable for general training.

Gymnastics - Becky Downie
Cycling - Nick Popham, Pro Cycle Race Team
Rowing - Emma Cockroft, Vesta Ladies
Hockey - Jess Brooker
Running - Helen Decker, Nathan Woodward
Swimming - James Crisp (Paralympic Gold Medal Winner)

Furthermore; Beet It are always looking for new ambassadors, so if you think you've got what it takes to represent them, find them via Facebook or Twitter and have a chat!

Beet It Shots will be on sale on SportPursuit until Sunday 3rd February; for anyone who takes their training seriously they're well worth a try, so see what you think!

Sale Preview: Powderhorn Ski Apparel

When a company starts making snow wear in Jackson Hole, it only means one thing – a legend is born!

For 40 years Powderhorn have been making high-end snow wear, using the best materials on the market, combined with the greatest colours on the slopes – it's time to end the rule of black, and enjoy the mountains with style! We've featured a few of our favourite Powderhorn products below; for the full range be sure to visit the sales page before Jan 17th! (Men/Women)

Mens Gunpowder Jacket

Designed with the best materials for top-notch performance, and definitely one of the most street-worthy styles, the Gunpowder Jacket is a Powderhorn favorite. 750 fillpower keeps you toasty,  and Airtasticﾟ™ nylon shell fabric is water resistant, lightweight and durable to make the Gunpowder your go-to puffy to wear on the mountain and around town.

Features:

Highly technical and comfortable fabrics, super soft and durable fine denier woven fabric, zippered ventilation, snapback powderskirt with gripper elastic, multiple internal pockets including mesh cargo with goggle wipe cloth, zippered hand pockets, attached hood with 1-handed fit adjuster, internal cuff hand-gaitor with thumb-hole for extra protection, special Powderhorn overall-connecting system. Size medium CBL: 30"

Womens Loli Jacket

The Loli Jacket takes some design influence from Powderhorn's top-end Freeride World Tour styled jacket. Bold colorblocking and clean design lines is where its at. Fully seam taped, 20,000mm waterproof/10,000gm breathable fabric, with the fit, look and features your want.

Features:

Highly technical and comfortable fabrics, fully seam taped, highly breathable including zippered pit ventilation, snapback powderskirt with gripper elastic, multiple internal pockets including mesh cargo with goggle wipe cloth, zippered hand pockets, attached hood has 1-handed fit adjuster, velcro adjustable cuffs, internal cuff handgaitor with thumb hole for extra protection, drawcord adjustable hem, special Powderhorn overall connecting system. Size medium CBL: 27.5"

Mens Corbet Jacket

The official Powderhorn Freeride World Tour jacket for guys. Corbet Jacket uses GORE-TEX_ soft shell 3-layer weft stretch (25%) fabric, is seam sealed and 28,000mm waterproof breathable. This GORE-TEX_ Soft Shell 3-layer fabric has a soft plain weave face fabric with a soft flannel lining inside.

Features:

Highly technical and comfortable stretch fabric, brushed backer fabric, waterproof seam taped, drop collar for extra adjustability, highly breathable with additional zippered ventilation, removable powderskirt with gripper elastic, internal pocket, waterproof front main zipper, waterproof zippered pockets and ski pass pocket, helmet compatible attached hood has 1-handed fit adjuster, velcro adjustable cuffs, drawcord adjustable hem, special Powderhorn overall connecting system. Size medium CBL: 30.5"

Womens Jessie Hoodie

Jessie Hoodie features bonded fleece and a drop collar with a baby snap neckline. Powderhorn logo in contrast color screen print. Good for layering, good for chillin' apres style.

Features:

Performance bonded fleece, contrast fleece lining, attached hood. Screen printed chest logo. Size medium CBL: 24.5"

Mens Rebel Pant

Made with 2-way stretch GORE-TEX_ shell fabric and insulated with ultra comfortable PrimaLoft_ Sport insulation, the Rebel Pant coordinates perfectly to the Ghostrider Jacket. Constructed with GORE-TEX_ Performance Shell 2-layer stretch fabric, with a soft plain weave and good abrasion and tear resistance. Stretch lining also adds extra comfort and performance.

Features:

Highly technical and comfortable stretch (25%) shell fabric, waterproof seam taped, stretch lining, highly breathable with additional outer leg zippered ventilation, functional waterproof zippered pockets and vents, removable suspender, internal waist adjustment, belt loops, lower leg zippers for easy access to internal boot gaitor with elastic gripper, silicon print at hem for reinforcement, special Powderhorn overall connecting system. Size medium inseam: 32"

Womens Annie Pant

Just the right amount of technical meets just the right amount of style, the Annie Pant is one of our top selling styles. Super flattering design lines and a broad color assortment makes the Annie Pant easy to coordinate. A modern ski pant, fit for performance with a natural rise.

Features:

Highly technical and comfortable fabrics, critically seam taped, functional waterproof zippered pockets, internal waist adjustment, belt loops, internal boot gaitors with elastic gripper, silicon print at hem for reinforcement, special Powderhorn overall connecting system. Size medium inseam: 31"