On April 22, 2009 I crust skied to Skookum Glacier in order to try out Salomon's latest prototype: the S-Lab Duct Tape Pro
Date: 04/22/2009
Size: 11 items
The Salomon S-Lab Duct Tape Pro
This revolutionary new boot is so cutting edge that Salomon didn't even have time to assemble it before shipping it to me. As you can see, it provides unmatched support and torsional rigidity.
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 46
Even more non-breathable rubber
Salomon has finally done away with the rubberized, non-breathable material on their top-of-the-line boot. Now they use full-on 100% rubber, as well as even less breathable cordura fabric.
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 44
The trusty sole
The Profil sole we all know and love remains unchanged (from 1989)
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 40
The Duct Tape Exoskeleton
Duct tape is this boot's secret weapon. You are probably thinking this boot looks heavy. Well by removing all screws, glue, laces and zippers and using duct tape instead, we save weight and add additional support! Brilliant!
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 44
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 37
The testing grounds - Placer River valley
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 39
Skookum Glacier from about half a mile away
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 43
At Skookum Glacier
It was a bit hard to bet an edge in on the ski using the new boot, but I am sure that the extra support more than made up for not being able to push off. I made it to the glacier in record (slow) time
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 41
The APU Elite Team playing on the glacier.
These guys gave my boot a funny look. Clearly they aren't at the top of Salomon's product testing team.
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 73
The S-Lab Duct Tape pro in action!
Date: 04/22/2009
Views: 64
Heading home
These downhills were fun, but the Duct Tape Pro wasn't able to make turns very well. It probably was designed strictly for 100 meter sprint racing. I hear that is where the sport is headed.
