Category: Equipment

What Dartfish Means for Figure Skating

With the Olympic Games just weeks away we know there will be some controversy over how a judge missed something in a figure skating performance. Whilst the same thing happens with gymnastics and diving in the summer games, it is always figure skating where a judge just didn’t see something that potentially could mean the difference on who gets the gold.

This is why the Dartfish technology is worth mentioning. This computer video program can be used to analyze figure skating jumps and spins, helping judges make those extra special decisions. But more importantly this technology’s “SimulCam” and “StroMotion” features offer the advantage of giving skaters and couches the ability to compare performances in a frame-by-frame way that was never previously possible.

The SimulCam offers the ability to compare two different athletes, but over the same terrain, while the StroMotion offers a peek at precise movement, technique, execution and tactics over the same space and time. So instead of going to the tape, judges and fans can now go to the fish!

For motion information: Dartfish Web site

U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team to Catch WAVE

Snowboard teams will be using WAVE (Whole-body Advanced Vibration Exercise) technology. While it has the promise of something you’d expect to hear in a late-nite infomercial “by working out on a WAVE platform only 15 minutes a day, three times per week, users will see benefits including strength gains, increased circulation, flexibility,” etc., we say if it is good enough for those hoping for gold in Vancouver it must be good for everyone else!

More importantly, unlike those fly-by-night gimmicks, this technology is actually being used by wellness centers, universities and even in rehabilitation centers as well as fitness studios and spas. Whatever works to win gold and warm up for the big day.

Turning Tricks with Pedro’s Trixie

The “fixie” bike trend shows no sign of letting up. The bikes are lightweight, and without complex gearing fewer things can actually go wrong, making these ideal for short jaunts around town or as an alternative to driving to work. But the downside to these fixed-gear or track bicycles is that the wheels typically don’t have a quick release. This can make changing a flat tire annoying on a causal ride and a true disaster if you’re rushing to get somewhere, like commuting to work. Accessories maker Pedro’s has stepped in with a nifty multi-function tool called the “Trixie,” and this handy-dandy pocket-sized wrench is easy to carry for commuters, messengers, and racers alike.

The Trixie has a 15mm box-end wrench to get the wheel off, plus it includes a rock ring hook, which can come in handy for resetting the chain, so your hands don’t get greasy. In addition, there are 8-, 9-, and 100mm box-end wrenches, which you’ll probably never need, but having extra features isn’t something to complain about. Also included are a bottle opener, possibly something no one should be without. Best of all the Trixie can even mount directly to the frame’s water bottle cage using two butterfly screws (included), which makes accessing the Trixie a snap. So, while changing a tire is never fun, fixing it on a fixie with this tool makes it a bit easier, and with its extra function it has the tricks that we like to have turned.