The heart of FloSki's high performance system is
the hydro-dynamic stablization (HDS) shock absorbing device. Created by former NASA engineer and ski instructor, Adrian Floreani,
it comprises a super-thick puncture-proof urethane sachet containing a half-pound (226 grams) of nickel-plated
lead shot, air and synthetic oil. It is extremely
tough and will withstand even the most powerful misplaced pole plant, the most disastrous collisions, the toughest treatment.
Mounted
on the tips of skis and snowboards, the HDS radically cuts down the vibrations that cause ski and board edges to repeatedly
break loose from the snow. Less contact means less control.
It ensures that more of the ski edge maintains pressure on the snow; more constant edge contact translates
into smooth carving, with greater control particularly during high speed, high-G turns on crud.
Skis and boards
initiate turns more quickly with less effort because the total effective side-cut is much greater than that of conventional
equipment. You will be in full control when other riders are nervously skittering on the brink of wipe-out.
Less chatter also means
less muscle fatigue, allowing you to ski longer in tough conditions. (See table for endurance comparisons.)
As proof of their effectiveness, early prototypes were used to
break two world records in speed skiing and snowboard racing, plus many other medals in World Cup and professional racing.
Unfortunately, their success drew the ire of competing brands, which claimed the HDS gave an unfair performance advantage so they
are no longer FIS race legal.
The HDS can be easily installed
in minutes on the front / rear section of any ski or snowboard.
Deciding which is the best option for you
The
chart below shows how adding the HDS dampening system to your conventional skis will improve their performance. They won't
be as hot as a dedicated FloSki, but they will much more dynamic than they are now.
On-snow success with HDS
The HDS system has been tested in numerous Europa
Cups, World Cups, World Championships, speed skiing competitions, and professional racing such as King of the Mountain Downhill
as well as in the Olympics.
Aspen speed skier Jeff Hamilton won the overall World Speed Skiing Championship in
1995 using HDS mounted on his skis.
Switzerland's Ursula Bruhin set a world record using the HDS in 2001 at
the FIS GS Snowboarding World Championships in Italy, coming from a start position of 64th to win. No one has ever won coming
from such a high starting position. One can imagine the extremely rutted, bouncy conditions of that course.
Laurie
Graham Flynn, also using HDS's, beat Phil Maher in a MCI pro series downhill event, winning $150,000 for team Canada.
Felix Belcheck used HDS's during the King of the Mountain Downhill series
to win $250,000 in prize money.
Mark Fawcett, champion snowboard racer has taken first place five times between
1996 and 2000, using HDS.
More than 10 other World Cup gold medals
have been won by numerous athletes using HDS.
What other skiers and snowboarders say about the HDS
"We've seen a lot of gimmicks
and gadgets in the Waxroom over the years, but nothing has raised more eyebrows than the Flo HDS, a dampening device you attach
on the tip of your skis. One World Cup racer is excited about them, Patrick Jerbyn of Sweden is getting FIS approval to use
them in World Cups, and did use them in a pair of Europa Cup super G's - which he won handily, one by half a second and
the other by a full second."
Ski Racing the WAXROOM, Skiing Magazine Test
"The Flo HDS mounts directly to a ski's top skin, and the
former rocket scientist (seriously) who invented it says it works through a principal of physics called inertial stabilization.
I didn't break out the slide rule to test a pair, just slapped them on my skis. And without citing a scientific formula,
I can say this: They worked! My skis entered turns more easily, with less chatter, and felt comfortably quiet overall. They
will noticeably dampen most skis. Snowboarders used them in the Nagano Olympics."
Michel Miracle, Equipment
editor Skiing Magazine, US
Ski Team
"Dear Adrian, we have had good results with Zack Crist racing the Flo HDS. He won a Super
G in France and made 5.9 FIS points. We would need more Flos as soon as possible."
Thomas Karlsson,
coach, US Ski Team, Stockholm,
Sweden
"Dear Adrian, Patrik [Jarbyn] informed me quite some time ago about your new revolutionary
product. As you know he tested it at the Swedish Championships last month, which resulted in an unexpected gold in Giant Slalom
besides a gold in Downhill. Please let me know as soon as possible of your interest in continuing to work with Patrick.
He is very excited about HDS and is keen to get started."
Claes Elefalk, IMG
"I just wanted to let you know how impressed
I was with the Flo HDS. When I first read about your product I was skeptical. Eventually I decided to give them a try and
I only wish I had done it sooner! After my first run, I knew I was in for something great. Without any practice, my skis
suddenly were behaving much more predictably. No chattering or sliding. My skis stayed on track and hooked up and turned like
never before. I won the GS Nationals and I directly attribute it to the HDS. Then I put the HDS on my super G skis
and they helped me to another podium finish. They virtually stopped my skis from chattering. Thanks again. I think they're
great!"
Doug Tucker, Masters National GS and Combined Gold Medal & Bronze Medalist Super G and Slalom.
"I can't say enough
about the performance of my skis mounted with HDSs . It seems like a simple thing, but wow, what a difference! I
have Rossignol bump skis and the HDSs made them stable like downhill skis. I set my personal land speed record with
confidence I've never felt before on any skis. But the most amazing thing is, the skis are even better now in the bumps
with the HDSs. Thanks for giving me a wonderful breakthrough after 20 years of skiing. Best of luck getting this great piece
of equipment to the unaware (so far) public.
