Skiers and snowboarders have always had a tough time seeing eye to eye on much of anything. Both groups share a love of fresh powder of course, and they each enjoy gliding down the slopes at breakneck speed. But aside from that, there is little else to unite these two competing factions.
However, if there is one thing that skiers have always been a bit jealous about, it is how comfortable snowboarding boots are compared to the ones they are forced to wear. Thankfully, a new product that recently launched on Kickstarter promises to ease this pain forever, and give skiers and snowboarders one more thing they can agree on.
MadJacks is a special adapter that has been designed to connect to the bindings that you already have on your skis, giving you the ability to use snowboard boots rather than the more uncomfortable and rigid ski boots. The system reportedly offers the same level of control that skiers have come to expect, but with the improved fit and feel that snowboarders have enjoyed for years.
The motivation behind the design of the MadJacks is three-fold. First, the product addresses issues with pain that many skiers are forced to deal with while wearing their boots. Secondly, the MadJacks system allows them to maintain a high level of performance without sacrificing comfort, and finally it offers a more affordable solution to traditional ski boots as well.
The system costs just $199 and since it utilizes less expensive snowboard boots, MadJacks owners could potentially save hundreds of dollars.
At its most basic level, MadJacks combines elements of a standard snowboard binding and properties from a ski boot, creating a hybrid of both. This results in a binding that accepts snowboard boots, but can — at least in theory — still provide the same level of performance that skiers expect. On top of that, those rare winter athletes who enjoy both sports can use the same boots no matter how they decide to shred the slopes.
In launching the Kickstarter campaign, MadJacks Snow Sports hopes to raise $85,000 to get its system into production. If the firm achieves that goal, it will ship this new ski binding in November 2017 at the $199 price mentioned above. Pre-orders are being taken now for just $149, however, so any skier looking for more comfortable boots for use next season, can order now.
Find out more on the official MadJacks Kickstarter page.
