The bindings are mounted using the outside of the baseplate to anchor to the board, allowing for fine tuning stances without un-strapping. A new, cushioned SensoryBed replaces the traditional rigid baseplate, providing the rider with and ultra-cush, amazingly responsive ride. Another amazing first in the snowboard world is the new Supreme Heat boot. This new women's boot uses the already proven Supreme as a platform, and has integrated heating system to keep those tootsies warm. Using a re-chargeable battery pack, these boots will keep your feet warm for up to 14 hrs on a single charge. You can even warm up your boots in the car on the way to the mountain, or unplug them in the spring. These are just a couple examples of how Burton is pushing the boundaries of the sport.

New for us this season, these boots and bindings go together like peanut butter and jelly. Northwave has been around for 15 yrs, and they've got the results to prove it. Making some of the most comfortable, and durable boots on the market, they're definitely going to keep your feet happy. Focusing on fit, comfort and performance, Northwave has developed another solid lineup for 2008. This season they've added things like, a Gore-Tex liner, to keep you dry and warm. To keep those boots attached to your board, Drake bindings. Designed to complement each other and achieve a comfortable and responsive connection. This season Drake has focused on the fine-tuning of their already great bindings. They've made their bindings lighter by injecting their baseplates with a new nylon composite, making them lighter and stronger. This is one of the few companies on the market to offer a lifetime warranty on their baseplates and heelcups. Also adding things like tool less adjustment on all their straps, making it easier to tweak when going from the backcountry to the park. You can check out the gear at http://www.drake-bindings.com and http://www.northwave.com

Another new line for us this year, this Canadian company is in its fourth year of operation. With a strong contingent of solid up and coming riders, Sapient has shown the snowboard world that they're here to stay. The boards themselves are produced in Austria, incorporate such technology as the "struct-turn" bases, edge bevels from the factory and freestyle oriented cores. New for the 2008 season is the addition of the boot and binding program, going by the name SCU (Sapient Containment Units). The program features high-end components and materials, focusing on strength and weight. You can check them out at http://www.sapientsnowboards.com

This Vancouver based snowboard company has been pumping out high end boards for 15 yrs now. Combining new processes and creative designs with hand built production capabilities, the 2008 lineup is breaking new ground. One of the stand outs is the new Chris Dufficy pro model. Using a freestyle core profile which allows greater flex between the bindings, and a stone ground sintered base, this deck will perform from the backcountry booters to the late night urban sessions. Drawing inspiration from Duff's caffeine addiction, his board incorporates a real coffee bean into the core. Another new model to watch for is the Forecast. The result of a collaboration by the entire team, this high end freestyle board features color changing inks and multiple piece die cuts in the base. 

Have a look at their website for more info http://www.option-nfa.com

Conceived in 2004, The Artec Project started as a sub series of Elan Snowboards. In the last three years they've been turning heads with cutting edge technology such as their patented Omega sidecut. Now, after being launched as an independent snowboard company and with former pro-shred Blaise Rosenthal at the helm, they are poised and ready to prove that they're a contender. Wasting no time, Artec quickly snatched up a solid crew of talented professional riders. Names like Gabe Taylor, Laura Hadar, Nima Jalali, and Jake Devine were chosen to represent a company focused on pushing the boundaries of freestyle snowboarding. The 2008 collection will feature 8 models to meet the demands of a wide range of freestyle riders. The Gabe Taylor pro series and the Laura Hadar endorsed "vixen", are just a few of the highlights. This is definitely a company to watch for in the future. http://www.artecsnowboards.com