smith november 2015 brand editorial

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Total seen monthly circulation: + 22,721,689 Total seen circulation year to date: + 331,926,697 November 2015 brand editorial: Bike / Performance Cyclocross Magazine - Overtake - 20,000 Decline - Squad MTB Goggle - 40,000 Dirt Rag - Squad MTB Goggle - 25,000 FeedTheHabit.com - Overtake - 39,000 ForbesLife.com - Pivlock Overdrive - 80,446 FoxNews.com - Overtake - 2,794,836 Grungy Gentlemen - Forefront, Pivlock Arena Max - 199,126 Lyra Mag - Various Bike Gear - 14,846 Mountain Bike Action - Squad MTB Goggle - 66,239 PinkBike - Squad MTB Goggle - 1,720,954 Tech 50+ - Forefront, Pivlock Arena - 2,388 Sunglasses Gear Patrol - Dockside - 1,180,378 Mood of Living - Rebel - 21,174 Pretty Damn Fast - Various - 10,000 The Fiberglass Manifesto - Guide’s Choice - 75,477 Transworld Snowboarding - Mt. Shasta - 87,658 Press Contact: Kate Gaeir [email protected] | 206.334.0863 ABOUT SMITH: Originating from Sun Valley, Idaho, SMITH was founded in 1965 with the invention of the first snow goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. With 50 years of innovation and design experience, SMITH is widely known today as an industry leader that pioneers advanced eyewear and helmets that incorporate dynamic technologies, optimized performance and clean styling to fuel fun beyond walls. SMITH seeks to power thrilling experiences in snow, surf, bike, fish and peak performance outdoor adventures with a comprehensive collection that exudes modern style and vibrant personality. To SMITH, the experience is everything. Smith is part of Safilo Group. Snow Backpacker - I/O Goggle Asian Fit - 365,860 Blister Gear Review - Helmets, Goggles - 25,000 Departures - Vantage Helmet - 1,260,942 Forbes.com - Woolrich Collab - 2,265,310 Gear Junkie - Transit Goggle - 212,412 Grungy Gentlemen - Supreme Collab - 199,126 Health Magazine - I/O Goggle - 1,372,036 Hemispheres - Vantage Helmet - 644,154 Huffington Post - Various - 3,038,735 HypeBeast - Supreme Collab - 3,500,000 Men’s Journal - Pivot Helmet - 762,053 Mountain Magazine - Vantage with MIPS - 125,000 Mt. Baker Experience - I/OS Goggle - 40,000 OnTheSnow.com - Various - 750,000 Outside Bozeman - I/O 7 Goggle - 20,000 OutsideOnline.com - Vantage Helmet - 764,922 PowderMag.com - I/O 7 Goggle - 199,717 Revolt in Style - Woolrich Collab - 100,000 Robb Report - Woolrich Collab - 648,900 Skiing Magazine - I/O, Pivot - 50,000

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Page 1: Smith November 2015 Brand Editorial

Total seen monthly circulation: + 22,721,689 Total seen circulation year to date: + 331,926,697

November 2015 brand editorial:

Bike / PerformanceCyclocross Magazine - Overtake - 20,000Decline - Squad MTB Goggle - 40,000Dirt Rag - Squad MTB Goggle - 25,000FeedTheHabit.com - Overtake - 39,000ForbesLife.com - Pivlock Overdrive - 80,446FoxNews.com - Overtake - 2,794,836Grungy Gentlemen - Forefront, Pivlock Arena Max - 199,126Lyra Mag - Various Bike Gear - 14,846Mountain Bike Action - Squad MTB Goggle - 66,239PinkBike - Squad MTB Goggle - 1,720,954Tech 50+ - Forefront, Pivlock Arena - 2,388

SunglassesGear Patrol - Dockside - 1,180,378Mood of Living - Rebel - 21,174Pretty Damn Fast - Various - 10,000The Fiberglass Manifesto - Guide’s Choice - 75,477Transworld Snowboarding - Mt. Shasta - 87,658

Press Contact: Kate [email protected] | 206.334.0863

ABOUT SMITH: Originating from Sun Valley, Idaho, SMITH was founded in 1965 with the invention of the first snow goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. With 50 years of innovation and design experience, SMITH is widely known today as an industry leader that pioneers advanced eyewear and helmets that incorporate dynamic technologies, optimized performance and clean styling to fuel fun beyond walls. SMITH seeks to power thrilling experiences in snow, surf, bike, fish and peak performance outdoor adventures with a comprehensive collection that exudes modern style and vibrant personality. To SMITH, the experience is everything. Smith is part of Safilo Group.

SnowBackpacker - I/O Goggle Asian Fit - 365,860Blister Gear Review - Helmets, Goggles - 25,000Departures - Vantage Helmet - 1,260,942Forbes.com - Woolrich Collab - 2,265,310Gear Junkie - Transit Goggle - 212,412Grungy Gentlemen - Supreme Collab - 199,126Health Magazine - I/O Goggle - 1,372,036Hemispheres - Vantage Helmet - 644,154Hu�ington Post - Various - 3,038,735HypeBeast - Supreme Collab - 3,500,000Men’s Journal - Pivot Helmet - 762,053Mountain Magazine - Vantage with MIPS - 125,000Mt. Baker Experience - I/OS Goggle - 40,000OnTheSnow.com - Various - 750,000Outside Bozeman - I/O 7 Goggle - 20,000OutsideOnline.com - Vantage Helmet - 764,922PowderMag.com - I/O 7 Goggle - 199,717Revolt in Style - Woolrich Collab - 100,000Robb Report - Woolrich Collab - 648,900Skiing Magazine - I/O, Pivot - 50,000

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WINTER E!UYER's EUIDE

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Page 5: Smith November 2015 Brand Editorial

HELMETS

S v rrrr // Va.rurn e e Svtrn // M-a.ze S v rrrr // Ar-ru eE

The Vantage is light, has a super comfortablelining, good goggle compatibiliry and thebest, most effective and most adjustableventilation of any helmet we've ever used.

$22tr (USD)

Weighing 350 g in a size Medium, theMaze is the lightest snow-certified helmeton the market. lt has a very low profile(nobody likes the bobble-head look), andjust enough vents to provide some neededairflow on warm spring days. lf you're into

light and sleek and dont prioritizeventilation, the Maze is great. Also check outthe Pret Cynic, which is also very light and lowprofile, but vents a little better than the Maze.

$ 1 OO (USD)

Super light and affordable, the Allure is thewomen's version of the men's Maze.

$r oo (usD)

Svlrrr // Ptvar S\^/EET PRoTEGTI(]N // IGNITER MIPsiPeer // EvNlc

lf you like the clean look of the low-profile

Maze, but want something with some addedventilation and an updated style, the Pivotsyour helmet The biggest caveat is that it comeswith an elastic ar.rto-adjustment that initially fehgood and very snug, br.rt after several hours ofwearing the helmet it began to feel too tight forour reviewer. tf you wear your goggles underyour helmet however, you can removethe autoadjust and the issue is gone. We recommendtrying dris one on before you buy.

$ r 2o (usD)

The Cynic is only 75 g heavier than the verylight Smith Maze, and you aren't goingto notice those 75 grams. lf an affordable,lightweight, very low profile helmet is whatyou're looking for but you want somethingthat vents pretty well too, check it out.

$ l oo (usD)

With a reputation for dependable, high-endgear, Sweet Protection has been a well-knownbrand to kayakers for a long time. And this

season. Sweet is bringing their wintersportsline (previously only available in Europe)

to the US. This helmet has the same qualityfeel that Sweet is known for, with ventingthat is only bested by the Smith Vantage in

our group. As a top-of-the line, fully featuredhelmet with added MIPS safety technology,you won't go wrong with the lgnit|r..

$239 (USiDl ($r99 w/trur MrPS)

BLrsrER BUYER's ciurDE 1 5a

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CtlEELES

ANoN // Wz Svrrx // l/87$240 is a big chunk of changefor a pair of goggles,

butdT e M2 is worth it Rareearth magnets secure

*re goggles' lens to d-reir frame, making the M2's

interchangeable lens qlstem dre quickest and

easiestto useof anygoggle ondle maketAnon'soptics are also toqnotch (we're big fans of their

lowJight Blue Lagoon lens) and you'll ga a nice

molded storage case widr your pair. The M2 is our

hvorite goggle, hands down. But if you're not into

fre M2's largerfitand full-frame styling, you'll finda lotto like aboutthe Smith l/O7.

9239 (UEiD)

The Smith l/O was the first goggle to feature

an interchangeable lens system, and the l/07 is the most recent, updated version of the

original. The l/O7s lens change system isn't

as idiot-proof as the Anon M2's, but it's a bitmore user-friendly than the l/O's; you'll still be

swapping lenses in less than a minute.

Furthermore, Smith's lens selection is

outstanding. So if you're not a fan of the lookor the higher price tag of the Anon M2, thenthe Smith l/O7 is an excellent alternative.

$zotr (usD)

lrAtloN // WM I 55vrrn // a/BS

The WM1 is effectively the women's versionof the M2, and just like the M2, we think theWM1 is absolutely dialed. lt has a larger fitthan the Smith l/OS, and in terms of ease-ofuse, the WM1 is as good as it gets amongwomen-specific goggles.

$228 (USD'

The Anon MWl is an outstanding women'sgoggle, but its fit is definitely on the largerside. So if you have a smallerface or just preferthe look of the l/OS, we highly recommend it.

$ r so (uso)

1 sEl BLrsrER BUYER's c;uroE

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HER SERIOUS SIDEYOU CAN GO HOME AGAINROSANNE CASH VISITS HER DAD’S CHILDHOOD HOUSE

SPEED RACERNASCAR STAR JEFF GORDON

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THREE PERFECT DAYSCOLORADOROCKIESHEMI SKI SPECIAL 2015HITTING THE SLOPES IN AMERICA’S SKI PARADISE

001_HEMI1115_COVER.indd 1001_HEMI1115_COVER.indd 1 12/10/2015 08:2112/10/2015 08:21

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goods

Head CasesLightweight, high-tech and safer than ever,

these stylish lids are a ski season mustPHOTOGRAPHY BY JUNICHI ITO

FOR TECHIES

POC Fornix CommunicationTechies, rejoice! This unassuming helmet offers built-in Beats by Dre headphones plus smartphone compatibilty. $250

FOR TRENDSETTERS

Electric Mashman This motorcycle-style, full-coverage helmet may be retro in design, but its modern chrome coating will put you ahead of the fashion curve. $170

FOR SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS

POC Receptor+Developed for the ultimate sportsman, this is the only helmet certified for use in skiing, skateboarding, biking and water sports. $220

FOR DAREDEVILS

Smith VantageDesigned to maximize air flow and coverage, this helmet features several patented systems that keep the wearer safe and comfortable. $220

FOR MINIMALISTS

Scott Seeker Making its debut this winter, this sleek, ultralight lid promises not to bog skiers down. $180

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Winter 2015-16

Southwest Montana’s Outdoor Journal

WinterWonderland

Span ish Peaks Sk i Tour | Cab ineering in the Nat iona l Fores t | Exp loring E lephanthead Mtn .

Page 26: Smith November 2015 Brand Editorial

58 | OUTSIDE BOZEMAN winter 2015-16

alpine journal

Refugitive—PATAGONIA

If you’ve spent any time in montana’s mountains, you know how unpredict-able the conditions can be. built to endure those conditions, patagonia’s Refugitive hardshell is my new go-to jacket for all seasons. the refugitive is lightweight, super-packable, and the ultimate wind-and-wet-weather protection. constructed from three-layer Gore-tex fabric with Gore’s c-Knit backer technology, it offers plenty of stretch and breathability, al-lowing for total freedom of movement while scrambling up steep boulders. It’s fully featured with watertight pit-zips, pockets throughout—including an internal mesh pocket perfect for skins or goggles—helmet-compatible hood, and RECCO reflector for safety. The Refugitive is true to size with an attractive fit. This versatile jacket is ideal for anyone who wants to stay protected from the elements while having fun in the outdoors. $500; patagonia.com. —MeLiSSA doAR

I/O—SMITH

seven winters ago, I bought a pair of smith goggles because they had a slight scratch on the lens and were therefore discounted. dirtbag move, I know, but now, the better part of a de-cade later, I am finally saying goodbye to those goggles, only because I’m replacing them with a newer version of the same model. the I/O goggle from smith is the most reliable piece of equip-ment I’ve owned, no bullshit. When other riders are bitching about fogged-up lenses, I’m grinning ear to ear. I don’t know how smith does it, and frankly I don’t care—all I know is that I can see, no matter the conditions, and that means more turns and more fun. the I/o also comes with low-light and bright-light lenses, which swap out easily, even with gloves on. this is key for win-ter days in the mountains, when the forecaster failed to mention the piercing sunlight that would occupy most of the “partly-cloudy” day. $180; smithoptics.com. —dAVid tUCKeR

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CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL STORY

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Page 36: Smith November 2015 Brand Editorial

Want one helmet for your road and cyclocross racing, but don't want to look like a you're lining up for a time trial,

the Giro Synthe aims to please with a look that doesn't differ much from a road helmet in styling and ventilation, but

promises wind-cheating benefits of aero helmets like the Specialized Evade and Giro's own Air Attack. Giro claims free

speed benefits due to the Synthe's wind-cheating design, and yet the helmet doesn't look or heat up like other aero

helmets or shells.

Giro boasts impressive test data with the Synthe, showing that it's cooler than its more-vented Aeon, and much cooler

than the Air Attack, and faster than that model except in the heads down position. But we're cyclocrossers and gravel

riders, and it's important to note that the speed gains and ventilation tests are typically at 25mph. That's far beyond

the average speed most of us see in real-world cyclocross racing, and thus we'd still grab an Aeon if we wanted the

coolest Giro helmet for cyclocross.

Like most of these helmetsfeatured here, Giro opts for in-moldconstruction. An EPS foam linerhelps keep the helmet light andabsorb impact, but aerodynamics andfit are what separate this helmet, notcutti ng-edge sa{ety features.

The Roc Loc Air system, notaerodynamic design, is what you'll firstnotice when you insert your melon intothe Synthe. There's very few pointsof contact with the outer EPS foamshell, making for a comfortable, well-ventilated ride, even though it doesn'twow in number of vents at just 19.

The solid mesh panelsthat guard the side vents from windare great at catching mud, and hardto clean. The Roc Loc Air systemis a little fragile, so protect it wellwhile packing and traveling shouldyou want an intact helmet on raceday.

SPECS: Weight, 272cU) // trlSRP: $25O ll Sizes: S/M/L/XL // 0ptions: MIPS model just released ($270)

Although the 0vertake and the mountain bike-oriented Forefront have only

been on the heads of cytlists for a few years, the green honeycomb design

at the core of the Smith Optic models, which the company calls Koroyd,

has already become instantly recognizable from a distance. The 0vertake,with its large vents secured by a Koroyd underbelly, is geared towards

racers who both find their heads overheating with models oriented towards

aerodynamics and want one of the lightest helmets of those we tested.

The Koroyd will neverquite look the same after yourfirst muddy ride or race. Thelittle holes will capture a bunchof mud and grit, and will makeyour helmet f irst in line at thepower washer.

SPECS:

Weight: 2879 (L)

MSRP: $250 (standard)$310 (MrPS)

Sizes; S/M/L

oDtions: M I PS,Slandard

At the heart of both the safety and ventilation ofthe Overtake is that same Aerocore construction featuringKoroyd. Smith Optics, unlike many of the helmet brandslisted here, doesn't use traditional EPS foam, and thecompany has revealed in tests that its Koroyd, whichis a series of polymer cores, absorbs 30% more energythan traditional foam. Most recently, Smith Optics addedMIPS-equipped technology into its latest models, which isdesigned to prevent multi-directional impacts.

The retention of the Overtake is based aroundthe company's VaporFit adjustable system, andadjustability is determined by a dial in the rear-centerof the helmet. Although the dial is far more sluggishthan other retention systems, such as a B0A, theVaporFit is easy to identify while riding if you need a

mid-race adjustment. The model sat slightly high onour head, although as it hardly tips the scales at sucha low weight, we hardly noticed it was there.

lf you're drawn to the potential brain-protecting benefits of MIPS, but don't want your helmet to be a conversation starter or attention grabber, the Savant should be on

your short list. lt looks like a normal road helmet, but the $110 helmet packs in MIPS with Giro's excellent Roc Loc 5 fit and 25 vents, without packing on the grams, at a

reasonable 327 grams for Large. A great value, and a staff favorite.

Giro maintains thatall its helmets are designedto "reduce as much energyas possible" but the MIPStechnology, which the companyhas invested in, will reducerotational forces. That's agood thing, since we've neverseen a crash where someonetorpedoed the ground or anobstacle with the top of hishead, which means there'salmost always a rotationalaspect to any crash.

lf other Giro helmets fityou well, the Savant MIPS willbe no exception, and its foursizes should guarantee nearlyevery head will be protected.The Rock Loc 5 cradles yourhead and doesn't interfere withlonger glasses like some otherbrands' cages, and adjustabletilt adds a new angle to your fitoptions.

You may not bebuying the most aero orlightest helmet, but youshould be able to sleep betterknowing that you have MIPSas head insurance. lsn't thatwhy we wear helmets? A killerva l ue.

SPECS: Weignt' 327eU // Safety:MIPS, ln-mold construction // MSRP: $110 // sizes:S/M/UXL // 0ptions: Non-MlPS, at $90

cYcr0cR(lss MAGAZTilE - rssuE 30 87

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NOV/DEC 2015 $8.99-USA $9.99-CAN

Page 38: Smith November 2015 Brand Editorial

products & apparel

THE JERSEY The TLD women’s Skyline Speeda jersey is specifi cally cut for the fi gure of a woman. Providing optimal breathability and a Lycra neck for easy removal without stretching out the collar. This jersey is available in speed purple or black colors, keeping things simple to let the rider focus on the task at hand: shred-ding the mountain.

Price: $50;Contact: troyleedesigns.com

THE SHORT These TLD women’s Skyline Speeda shorts are loud and obnoxious, which is why we love them. Not only do they look fast, but they are great for photo shoots as they are sure to not blend into the surroundings.

Price: $75; Contact: troyleedesigns.com

THE PADS Made from AeroMesh, the IXS Flow kneepad not only breathes insanely well but it also wicks away sweat and is anti bacterial. So even though your sweaty ass may stink, these pads will not. Light weight and comfortable these knee-pads are great for all-around trail riding and enduro racing.

Price: $69.95;Contact: ixs-sportsdivision.com

THE HYDRATION Fanny packs are back, or something. With style and function the Camel Back Palos 4lr fanny pack sits com-fortably around your waist huggin’ that line like it was 1992. This pack was designed for the outdoor athlete, complete with hydra-tion and enough space to hold essential tools, spare tube and nutrition.

Price: $75;Contact: camelbak.com

THE GOGGLES Foggy goggles can be a constant bother, and are usually caused by not enough airfl ow in colder, wet condi-tions. Moto goggles have been getting the job done, but on some of those slower trails they are just not enough. Some MTB goggles also suffer from poor periferal vision. Smith Optics answered the cries for help with their new Squad MTB-specifi c goggle. Creating a goggle with more air fl ow and increased side-to-side and up-and-down visibility. Gone are the days where you have to re-move your goggles every time you climb or struggle to see everything on the trail.

Price: $80;Contact: smithoptics.com

132

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70 Dirt rag #188 11.15.15

trek 920 - $1,990Here at Dirt Rag we take product evaluations seriously, and when

we put our name behind an editor’s choice it has to mean something.

The bikes that earn this distinction require more saddle time than just

an afternoon of riding. For this reason I almost didn’t name a bike

as my Editor’s Choice this year. The bikes that I rode for long-term

evaluations were all fun and reliable, but none bonded with me in a

way that made me want to elope with them to Whistler and never

return.

I’m also the editor of our sister magazine, Bicycle Times, where

we cover touring, commuting, gravel, that sort of thing. I put a ton

of miles on the Trek 920, and I came away really impressed with its

versatility and fun factor. Sure, it has drop bars, but underneath its

touring-bike appearance is a host of mountain-bike technology.

Is it a mountain bike? Not really. But I’m guessing your riding often

took you beyond singletrack trails this year, and when mine did I

hopped aboard the Trek 920. trekbikes.com

vP vX aDventure race PeDals - $130Aside from some early misadventures, I’ve ridden Time clipless ped-

als for what seems like an eternity. Sure, SPDs are great and they’ve

been around forever, but once you commit to a pedal system and pick

up a few pairs, it sure is hard to switch.

I signed on to review these SPD-cleat-compatible trail pedals from

VP and switched over some cleats. With both the stock VP cleats and

some old Shimano ones they have a positive engagement and a crisp,

quality feeling when unclipping. I’ve moved them from bike to bike for

the most part of the year, and they’ve never loosened, squeaked or

complained one bit. The large platform is just the ticket for a secure

feeling underfoot, as more of your shoe is in contact with the pedal.

I may not be ready to toss all my Time pedals in the recycling bin,

but the VP VX Adventure Race pedals are good enough to find a

permanent spot on one of my bikes and a pair of SPD cleats on my

favorite shoes. vp-usa.com

sMith squaD MtB goggles - $60The Fashion Police can chuckle and sneer all they want about riding

with goggles and a half-shell, but the joke’s on them because while

they think I might look like a dork, I’m looking down the trail with an

uninterrupted field of view and without dust or dirt in my eyes.

Designed specifically for mountain biking, the new Squad MTB

goggles feature a great lens with tons of ventilation in the brow.

Because of the ample padding and the fact that they sit farther away

from your eyes, they never get sweat on the lenses either, a huge pet

peeve of mine with normal sunglasses.

The Squad goggles ship with an Ignitor Mirror lens that’s perfect

for cutting down the glare while still boosting contrast in dark woods.

I’ve worn them in bright sunlight and in the rain without a problem.

The goggles also include an extra clear lens. The best part of these,

and the reason they get my pick, is they sell for just $60—about half of

what you’d pay for a pair of high-quality sunglasses. smithoptics.com

aDaM neWMan, contriButing eDitor

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64 www.mbaction.com

FIELD TEST

LEATT AIRFLEX KNEE GUARDS Delivers above-average value and

performance

Perfection

Recommended for intended application

Shows potential but has

drawbacks

Save your hard-earned bucks

MBA FIELDTEST RATINGS

★★★★✩

For riders who need pro-tection but hate using it

SMITH SQUAD GOGGLERims? We don’t need no stinkin’ rims

The Smith Squad semi-rimless goggle was conceived after extensive experience dealing with fogging problems with snow goggles. Semi-rimless technology, with impressive ventilation top and bottom, has now made it into the dirt segment and is available as an option for riders looking for the protection of a goggle with-out the bulk, heat and fogging issues.

Tech features: The Squad is a relatively small and lightweight goggle that features a semi-rimless design to keep weight down, make lens changes easy and keep air flowing. The Squad goggle is available in several different colors and lens combinations and features a molded Carbonic-X lens to offer a wider range of view and improved protection. Our pair of Squad goggles tipped the scales at a scant 105 grams, and retail for $60.

more like knee warm-ers than true pads. They are lightweight, well-ventilated, stay in place remarkably well, and are so comfort-able that you’ll forget you’re wearing them. The Armorgel works very well, dispersing some of the energy on impact. We know this from experience. We accidentally tested it on a couple of occasions. It’s also remarkably good for protecting against road rash. (If you’re a downhill rider, Leatt makes sturdier protective gear with the same Armorgel technology.) The Airflex delivers exactly what it promises: minimalist protection. It’s not the cheapest knee pad we’ve used, nor is it the most protective. It is, however, the most comfortable, and that’s something we simply can’t ignore. ❏

Field test results: Right out of the box these goggles seem like the perfect match for any rider looking to go “full enduro” on the trail by rocking a half-shell helmet with goggles. The low profile suits this style of riding quite well; the goggle was compatible with all of our enduro-style lids. On the trail the impressive ventilation takes care of fogging and heat problems. The goggle even refuses to fog on wet days, something we can’t say about many of its peers. The Carbonic-X lens boasts a more rigid structure than many less-expensive goggles. The optics and scratch resistance are on par with any other high-end goggle you’d like to put it up against. The holy grail for any goggle is that the rider forgets he or she is wearing it. The Squad accomplishes this with excellent construction, impressive ventilation and optics that are second to none. The price isn’t even that high. For gravity or enduro riders, the Squad goggle is a great choice. ❏

Leatt’s new Airflex knee and elbow protection are the epitome of minimalist design for those who ride aggressive enough terrain to warrant protection but who don’t want to look like Stormtroopers on the trail. Leatt is the kind of company that shuns the status quo when it comes to protection. Leatt was the first to

build neck braces and succeed at making them part of the bike park rider’s standard uniform.

Tech features: The 3DF Airflex guard uses Leatt’s Armorgel tech-

nology, which is a “non-Newtonian gel that locks up the molecules and

becomes hard on impact.” The pad is designed to absorb both high- and low-

speed impacts yet be flexible and com-fortable. The ultra-slim design still meets all CE certifications. The pads retail for $100, and our test pair weighed a svelte 208 grams compared to 500 grams for the similar hard-shell option from Leatt.

Field test results: These pads are as minimalist as they come. In fact, they feel

★★★★★

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