Giving it max hiking power just got easier with Zhik's new Carbon PowerPads
by Zhik 16 Feb 2021 22:10 PST
Zhik Powerpads - Carbon pad © Zhik
Zhik's PowerPads® have been completely re-engineered, to create a first-of-it's-kind, ultra-light, carbon fibre hiking pads system, providing both outstanding support as well as integral flexion with your movement in the boat.
In a collaboration with flexible carbon fibre experts Carbitex, the internal carbon pads use AFX™ technology which enables 'asymmetric flexibility', so that the pads will mould around and move with the sailors leg across the range of hiking movement.
These stiff, weight saving pads are enclosed within new seamless, 3D knitted PowerPads® compression sleeves, designed to aid blood flow, muscle performance and recovery when hiking hard. The sleeves hold each carbon hiking pad securely in place and are made with a high stretch, air-permeable knit which makes them cooler to wear under a wetsuit or waterproofs.
Considerably lighter than traditional hikers, the combined effect is a low profile, clutter-free design, reducing bulk, promoting faster, free movement onboard and enabling you to hike harder across all conditions.
Increasing your hiking power for longer means increased righting moment, maximising boat speed against your opposition. Meanwhile, the compression sleeves work to preserve vital leg muscle power whilst the carbon pads minimise the load on your legs.
Zhik has a long established association with the Australian, Danish and NZL Sailing teams, and these elite Olympic level athletes provide the perfect testing platform during their campaigns for the Games. During COVD times, Zhik has taken advantage of it's local partners and there will be athletes using PowerPads at the Tokyo Olympics.
Top level hiking is never a passive activity. The dynamic stiffness of the carbon in these PowerPads gives the ultimate connectivity with rigid support, yet the asymmetric flexing is amazing! The pads remain contoured to your legs throughout the full range of kinnetic hiking movement.
Drue Kerr, Zhik's Design & Production Manager adds, "Zhik has provided its Olympic athletes with bespoke high performance kit, catering to their individual needs and performance requirements for Tokyo. This technology is now filtering down into new ranges, like Powerpads, which we are launching to sailors this spring."
Additional EVA foam pads are supplied, to customise the fit of the PowerPads to your boat's side decks and create your optimum hiking position across sailing conditions.
Available from Zhik dealers from March/April 2021 www.zhik.com/dealers
RRP: €129.95; £114.95; US$129.99; AUS$179.95; NZ$199.95
Colour: Grey
Unisex Sizes M, L, XL
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