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Fashion, wearable technology, and women’s products highlighted the SIA Trade show Jan. 23-26, 2006. As always, there were dozens of new products. Many of them appear tailor-made for sale at resort retail shops. SAM scoured the aisles and found the following 25:


Rollflex Lock
Security is one of those undiscussed realities that areas, skiers and boarders have to face. The Rollflex by OnGuard ($17) provides some inexpensive peace of mind. This compact retractable lock has a four-foot security cable and a re-settable, three-digit, glove-friendly combination. The locks are packed in retailer-friendly 12 packs. Just clear some space on your counter, open the box, and start selling. Info: www.onguardwinterlocks.com, 1-888-616-UVEX.


Manzella gloves
The company says its mostly-new line of anatomical, lasted gloves ($30-$150) offers “best in class” value, including contoured fingers, individual men’s and women’s shapes, and a compact racking system that makes selection a snap. The company says it can produce $1,500 sales per square foot. The Commander ($125, top) has leather palm engineered for grip and feel and outseam finger construction for dexterity. The women’s You Sexy Thing ($80) has a stretch material in the thumb. Info: www.manzella.com, 1-800-645-6837.


Smartwool Socks
Comfortable wool fashion goes almost knee-high for skiers and riders. The new striped, calf-high Skiing Light ($19) and Women’s Skiing Medium ($20) are good examples: 70 percent wool, with a technical fit including a boot-tongue-shaped shin pad. New technical snowboard socks run $18-$19. Info: www.smartwool.com, 1-800-555-WOOL.


Bern Helmets
This new line from industry veteran Dennis Leedom has two cool features: removeable liners for different seasons and sports, and a new, multi-impact Brock liner. The Brentwood ($99, at left) features a knit liner for winter, and a thin liner for warmer seasons. The Brock liner used in both men’s and women’s styles is intended to mitigate lighter impacts such as the shock of learning to ride (the Brock does not meet ASTM standards). Info: www.bernunlimited.com, (781) 585-8311.


Walk EZ
The hit of the show. The clip-on Revolutions soles make it a snap to stroll about in ski boots all day (as the latex-clad models at the show did). Standard one-piece ($60), junior ($40) and folding ($80) options; folding has optional Rev Rax ($40) to attach to boot spoiler for easy portability. Info: www.walk-ez.com, 1-800-587-2980.


Hot Chillys Salsa
There’s nothing basic about basics anymore. The new Salsa baselayer line (women’s Ruffle Zip-T, $55, at right) is made of soft Micro-Elite Chamois, a tech blend of anti-microbial, odor-fighting Bio-Silver, micro-denier polyester and Lycra. It’s extremely warm, suited for layering and everyday wear. Info: www.hotchillys.com, 1-800-468-2445.


Rossignol Radical R11 Mutix
This new Rossi model ($1,299 for the system) takes ski-binding systems to a new level. It provides customized performance via two sets of interchangeable suspension arms, fore and aft of the binding, which tune performance for either short or long turns. A control beam combined with Twin VAS material, which absorbs vibrations and facilitates rebound, adds to the package. Integrated TPI2 bindings slide onto the control beam for tool-free adjustment. Info: www.rossignol.com, 1-800-437-6771.


Panoptix Eyewear
This line of wind-blocking sunglasses now includes the Speed series as well as the original Velocity. The Speed’s rim of face foam (shown: Vertex, $95; with photochromic lens, $135) barely touches the face, if at all—unlike the full-seal foam of the original glasses—and manufacturers claim the sunglasses cut down on wind by 75 percent. Info: www.pan­optix.com, (925) 484-0292.


Flow NXT Series
The new NXT series puts Flow’s 3D Powerstrap, reclining highback, and power-triangle technology into a lightweight, easy to use, highly adjustable package. The new models are up to 30 percent lighter, due to things like aluminum-composite baseplates and a ventilated glass-filled nylon highback. On the all-terrain NXT AT ($269, at left), the Powerstrap has a larger surface area for comfort and performance. Info: www.flow.com, (949) 361-5260.


Shred Alert
With non-skiers at resorts and more snowsliders wearing helmets, non-skiing or apres-skiing headwear is a growing market. And one full of different looks, like the military style of the Willy ($12.50 wholesale). A wool cap with microfiber lining, it is part of Shred Alert’s collection of knitted skull and short-brimmed caps, all of them equally at home in the resort and around town. Info: www.shredalert.com, 1-800-780-2707.


Nordica Gran Sport
There is so much new hardgoods gear, we could have filled all 25 slots with just that. But the Gran Sport series ($415-$575; called Olympia GS for women, $415-$515) stands out. The four-buckle look conceals a true rear-entry design; the spoiler opens just like boots used to. But the forefoot has all the advantages of overlap closure. With a ski-walk feature and fleece or fur lining, is there a better gift for aging Baby Boomers? We doubt it. Info: www.nordica.com, 1-800-892-2668.


Burton Audex Gear
Wearable audio technology is becoming almost common. No other company offers it in so many products as Burton, from jackets to hats and helmets. Burton incorporates Bluetooth wireless technology in the Audex Cargo jacket and some Red helmet models. The Cargo has a control panel and mini ID screen on the left sleeve for cell and iPod. Control panel, mic and hood speakers detach for cleaning. Other features on this technical marvel include mesh-lined pit zips, two-layer coated shell, full-time contoured hood, multiple pockets (including triple stack cell pocket) and jacket-to-pant interface. Info: www.burton.com, 1-800-367-2951.


O’Neill Skiwear
Prints of all types are taking over, especially street-smart tweeds and checks. The O’Neill Mad Jacket Surplus Plaid ($250) has two-way front zip with storm flap, adjustable wrist cuffs and stretch wrist gaiter, pit zips with mesh backing, anti-chafe chin placket, multiple pockets including audio, and an audio loop at the neck, to keep the earphone cord out of the zipper. Info: www.oneill.com, 1-800-662-7873.


CROCS
Crocs had big visibility at the show—everyone was wearing them. What makes a plastic (OK, it’s croslite PCCR, whatever that is) shoe so cool? Slip-resistant, non-marking soles and an anti-microbial, odor-resistant nature, for starters. Crocs (such as the Cayman, $29) are also extremely light, mold to the foot, and come in more colors than M&Ms. Info: www.crocs.com, 1-877-238-4404.


SixSixOne Armor
With terrain parks becoming ever more popular, full lines of body armor were popping up everywhere at the show. The Impact Belt ($60) is a basic piece. Its molded EVA foam hip and tailbone pads conform to the body and attach with hook-and-loop fasteners to provide a custom fit. Vented hip and waist panels reduce overheating. Info: www.sixsixone.com,
(661) 257-2756.


Silva Ski Speedometer
Here’s a cool way to verify tales of speed and vertical. The Tech40 ($260) uses law enforcement radar technology to capture speed, distance, pace and calories burned data. A sensor, worn on the chest, leg or boot transmits wirelessly to the watch, which also includes time, date, and alarm functions. Info: www.silvausa.com, 1-800-572-8822. 


High Sierra Bags
With all the stuff people carry—phones, iPods, extra layers, etc.—a pack comes in handy. One like the Snowboard Boot Backpack ($95). It has pockets and ports for hydration packs and MP3 players, removable cell phone pocket, side pockets for water bottles, and adjustable straps for carrying a snowboard. A large main compartment with drainage grommets holds boots and other gear. And the pack has padded shoulder straps, of course. Info: www.highsierrasport.com, 1-800-323-9590.


Roxy Ski Gear
Did we mention that women are getting a lot of attention? The Roxy Pop Art ($825, with binding) ski, distributed by Dynastar, incorporates every women’s-specific feature known to man: forward mounting, raised heel, lightweight construction, and a shape intended to respond to the way a women initiates and moves through a turn. It’s intended for intermediate to advanced skiers. Eight models are available and, while the line is aimed at Roxy’s usual 12 to 25 age target, the appeal has been broader than that. The skis coordinate with boots, poles, and a matching line of Roxy jackets. Info: www.dynastar.com, 1-800-992-3962.


Scott gloves
See what we mean about street fashion invading the slopes? The Scott Tundra ($60) comes in this herringbone print. It comes with a Hipora waterproof-breathable membrane, stash pocket with goggle wipe, and Primaloft insulation. The storm gauntlet has a quick closure system. Info: www.scottusa.com, 1-800-292-5874.


ZAPZ Insoles
Instaprint has created perhaps the simplest heat-moldable custom insoles ever. Microwave the Zapz insole and the InstaForm molding gel in the arch molds to the foot. The insole has a deep cradle heel that contours to any shape, from ultra-narrow to super-wide. The system requires less expertise than most insole systems, and the insoles themselves are suitable for everyday use. Info: www.masterfit­enterprises.com, 1-800-575-4348.


Swivler utility vest
For snowsliders who want easy access to all their gear, the Bivouac Body Pack ($99) is an alternative to a backpack. It has pockets galore, inside and out. There are six front pockets, with a built-in minipack and hydration pouch on the back, along with a sling for carrying a snowboard. And it’s built from 1680 denier ballistic nylon, so it can be treated roughly. Info: www.swivler.com, 1-866-794-8537.


Kombi gloves
The Kombi OTG puts new meaning into the idea of portable phones. The glove features The Cell Spot, a pocket for a cellphone. The phone moves from the wrist pocket to the palm of the hand as the glove is removed. The pocket is of a sheer, stretchy material, making for easy detection in vibration mode. This gauntlet-style waterproof-breathable glove is made from ripstop nylon and high-loft insulation. It has a hidden cuff and adjustable closure. It comes in both men’s and women’s sizes. Info: www.kombisports.com, 1-800-243-6117.


Bolle goggles
Here’s how serious the streetwear trend is: even kid’s goggles are adopting the trend. Bolle has taken two of its best-selling adult-sized styles and pimped them out for kids with particularly hip strap graphics like green and black checks and the argyle pattern, above. Cylon D8 series uses the forestay attachment system; the Showtime is more traditional. The adult line offers several styles with photochromic lenses from $90. Info: www.bolle.com, 1-800-222-6553 (1-800-22BOLLE).


Giro Helmets
Giro not only offers audio compatibility in several models, but (along with Burton’s Red line) also offers a Bluetooth wireless setup for MP3 players and cell phones. The low-profile, 14-vent Giro G10 Wireless Audio ($290) integrates the speakers/controls for volume and music selection in the earflaps; it also provides a DJ-quality headset for those times when you’re helmetless. A Tuneups II audio/cellular rig is also available ($150). Without tunes ($120), the G10 is 14.5 oz. Info: www.giro.com, 1-800-969-4476.


Shock Doctor
Best known for all manner of insoles, the Doc has added a line of mouthguards. The Power Double Mouthguard ($19, with or without the quick-release helmet tether) is just the thing for those jarring terrain park landings. Compression fit system molds easily to the user’s teeth. Shock Doctor’s Ultra Arch Adjust ($40) provides insole customization without heat molding; multi-density discs attach to the base of the insole to support the foot properly. Info: shockdoctor.com, 1-866-364-1431.