Ispo Summer 05 -- show highlights

NOTE: This is the second column in a two-part series on the Gear Junkie's trip in early July to the Ispo Summer 05 industry trade show in Munich, Germany.

As one of the world's largest outdoors and fitness-sports exhibitions, the Ispo trade show brings together a diverse group of international companies to provide a peek at worldwide recreational trends. Indeed, at this year's summer show, held July 3 - 5 in Munich, Germany, exhibitors from 46 countries were present, and only a small percentage of companies on the show floor were American. The following are some of my top product picks from companies scattered all around the globe.

-Wave Pillow
It's a bummer, but dedicated surfers must get out of bed before the sun rises to check wave conditions online, as the surf is often best as early as 5AM. The Wave Pillow is a regular plush and padded pillow that interfaces to an Internet-connected computer to check wave conditions automatically. Each morning, the pillow connects to the Internet to read wave-buoy websites from beaches all over the world. It vibrates if wave conditions at your beach are good, and it is still and silent if the waves are small or the wind is bad for surfing. If the waves are really big, it vibrates strong to shake even the sleepiest surfer from slumber. ($99, www.wavepillow.com)


Wave Pillow

-Handytrim
Cross a yo-yo with a gyroscope, throw in some artsy aesthetic, add a fitness theme and you have the Handytrim, a strange little workout device made by Xcise Sports Group. Comprised of two metal rings, some cord and an aluminum disc, the Handytrim employs several Newtonian bylaws to create a spinning, pulling, centrifugal-force-wielding contraption that can be used to work out muscles throughout the arms and upper body. Essentially, Handytrim users grip a ring in each hand and begin spinning and pulling the cords until the center disc jumps into its rhythm. At full spin, the device provides several pounds of pressure to tension against with each pull of the ring. There are at least five exercise regimens the company has built around this odd and effective workout toy. ($36, www.handytrim.com)


HandyTrim

-Kilowatt Sport
Powergrid Fitness calls itself a leader in the development of videogame-based exercise equipment. Until the Ispo show, I'll have to admit, I was not aware videogames could provide a workout. But the Kilowatt Sport does just that, as it is a device that forces videogame players to stand, push, pull and grunt their way on a virtual playing field. It is compatible with PS2, Xbox, GameCube and computer-based videogames. While the $1,200 Kilowatt Sport is made primarily for health clubs, the company has plans to release a personal videogame-workout device this autumn called the Exer-station, which will weigh just 15 pounds and retail for about $200. (www.kilowattrocks.com)


Kilowatt Sport

-Twinskates
The Twinskates by Reflex are stubby little water skis with a length of just 39 inches, a width of 12 inches and a deep side-cut to allow for quick carving in the wake. The short, fat design is made for jumping, rail-sliding and other stunts. The ski's inherent float and stability will also make them attractive to beginners. ($590, www.reflexworld.com)


TwinSkates

-MountMaps
Remember those pop-up books from your childhood? MountMaps brings the pop-up concept to ski resort trail maps with its namesake product. The pocket-size brochures open to reveal a 3D map of the ski area, complete with printed trail names, chairlifts and other details you'll need to navigate your way through the mountains at massive ski resorts. The maps are topographically accurate, waterproof and durable, as they're made of recycled plastic. The company has created 3D maps for two major European resorts, but plans are to expand globally and sell the concept to ski hills around the world. ($4, www.mountmaps.com)


MountMaps