Ski touring skis · Test magazine 2024
Tech talk with Justus Specht, HEAD DEUTSCHLAND
Marketing & Product Manager Winter Sports · Print page 67
Who is Justus Specht? Winter Sports Marketing & Product Manager at HEAD Germany
Justus Specht is Winter Sports Marketing & Product Manager at HEAD Germany and has been responsible for winter sports marketing in Germany since 2020. A keen ski tourer, he uses the Crux 93 Pro himself. In his interview for the BACKLINE 2024 test magazine, he discusses the development goals, construction and material choices behind the new HEAD/TYROLIA ski touring collection.
Specht cites growing interest in ski touring as the starting point. The development goal was a lightweight setup combining uphill and downhill performance. The collection centres on the Crux touring skis and Almonte pin binding. According to Specht, the Crux Pro models feature triaxial carbon fabric wrapped around a 3D-milled wood core. Omitting the top sheet exposes the carbon and saves material. He also highlights torsional stiffness, edge grip and an optimised flex pattern as construction features.
On sustainability, he points to recycled materials and states that all plastic parts of the Almonte binding are made from recycled or bio-based material. He lists nine models with waist widths from 81 to 105 millimetres for the first season, with ongoing development planned. According to Specht, testing opportunities include events such as the Freeride Testival and partner mountain schools, including Blue Mountain Spirit near Rosenheim.
What was the inspiration and objective for Head in developing the new touring ski series?
Seeing how many skiers have discovered ski touring in recent years was a great inspiration for the development of the new HEAD/TYROLIA ski touring collection. With our products, we aim to offer the highest quality and optimal material for ski touring. We pursued a clear objective: to develop a very lightweight setup that meets the highest demands in every discipline. A central premise was to achieve maximum performance with minimal weight. We have achieved this goal. Crux offers a lightweight carbon and full wood construction that, together with the new Almonte binding, fulfills all prerequisites for outstanding uphill performance. At the same time, the construction ensures top performance on the downhill and instills confidence in every situation.
What special design features characterize this new touring ski series?
The triaxial carbon fabric of the Crux Pro models immediately catches the eye, as it is visible along the entire length of the ski through the omitted top sheet. It provides increased torsional stiffness, improved edge grip, and reduced weight – in short, it offers advantages in every respect. The carbon encases the 3D-milled wood core, further saving weight, optimizing flex behavior, and ensuring a high-quality feel.
What role do eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes play in the production of the new touring ski series?
We are continuously striving to further develop ourselves and our products with regard to environmental friendliness and sustainability. Our new touring ski collection increasingly focuses on recycled materials such as aluminum and plastic. One example in the touring collection is the Almonte pin binding, where all plastic parts are made from 100% recycled or bio-based material. With the Crux Pro models, we have also managed to make the top sheet redundant, leading to significant material savings during production.
Is there an opportunity for customers to test the new touring skis before purchasing?
Our new models can be tested on various occasions. Firstly, we are personally present at various test events, such as the Freeride Testival, where we present our collection. Secondly, HEAD cooperates with mountain schools like Blue Mountain Spirit from the Rosenheim area, which have a fixed stock of Crux products available for local tests.
Are there plans to further develop or expand the new touring ski series in the future?
First and foremost, we are naturally focusing on a successful first season with the Crux/Almonte touring setup. We are therefore directly offering a broad lineup with 9 different models and waist widths ranging from 81 to 105mm. In the future, the series will be continuously developed to maintain our high standards in product development.
