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WATERSKI MagazineWhen Goode came out with carbon fiber slalom skis, they revolutionized the industry. The company's new binding unit, consisting of Powershell boots and an Inter-Loc Screwless Binding System, is the most unique binding system we've ever seen (emphasis on seen – the product is still in pre-production so we haven't been able to test it yet). There are no screws, no isolation systems, no fixed plate, no hole pattern to match.
From what we can tell, the entire system relies on a super-heavy-duty, Velcro-type fastening system adapted from the aerospace industry. Hard-shell bindings (Equipment, July), fixed to a plate according to the skier's specifications, are then affixed to a strip of the adhesive on the ski. The tension of the match-up allows the skier total edge control, but with the comfort of knowing the system will release in a hard fall.
“Water ski bindings are asked to do two things,” says Dave Goode, who developed the system with engineering marvel and fin designer Steve Schnitzer, among others. “One, they hold your foot to the ski and provide lateral support. Second, they release your foot when you fall. Traditional rubber bindings do neither well.”
The Powershell, he says, features a hard shell boot for increased edge power, control and comfort. The patent-pending Inter-Loc Screwless Binding System provides for easy mounting and is removable. And better yet, the system works with any slalom.
More on the amazing Goode innovation in November, when production units will be available. For more info right now, call Goode at 313-762-9100. Or write to 11844 Hubbard St., Livonia, MI 48150. RS 156.
Rack Attack
I hadn't had the Ultra Rack in my office for more than 20 minutes when a co-worker barged in, wanting to know where I got this trick-looking rack. Concealed behind a bench in my office, the upright storage system conveniently held four slalom skis and a wakeboard off the floor, away from everything – including the meddling co-worker.
It's this type of first-look intrigue that makes the Ultra Rack stand out from a lot of the other racks I've used over the years. It is a relatively simple piece of work: heavy-duty plastic with four to five precut inserts that fit the tail ends of skis or boards. (There's even a model for kneeboards.) The whole apparatus mounts against the wall with lag bolts (supplied) that fit into a wall's vertical supports. Skis are supported securely – they can't be knocked over or slip out, like they can in a horizontal unit.
The Ultra Rack is the brainchild of longtime skiers Pat Sunde, Mark Beckler and Rob Salmonson. They apparently got tired of leaning skis against walls, only to find them always winding up on the floor. The wall-mount Rack ($59.95) is complemented by a portable beach rack (holds eight slaloms, $159.95) and an Air Chair stand ($89.95), and all are heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant.
For more information, write Tri-Ski at 224 Second, Murdock, NE 68407. Or try 402-867-2223. RS 155. – Rob May
