Spyder Takes on Wind Tunnel Testing in Prep for 2010 Olympics

May 14, 2009

Text taken from Daron Rahlves' website: http://tinyurl.com/q77zxm

Spyder came out to the San Diego, CA Low Speed Wind Tunnel to test their latest materials for speed suits and ski cross pants.  Jake Zamansky and Steve Nyman were the two USST athletes who traded off every 5 mins testing at 30,40,50,60 and 70mph.  The goal was to see which material gives Spyder the best advantage in aerodynamics.  This is difficult testing, but test after test helps reduce variables in a controlled environment.  For a consistent test, a bike seat was used in the tunnel for easy repeatability and a high body position.  That exposed more material and it was easier to duplicated every time.  The techs running the test used video monitors and drew outlines of the guys to make sure they were in the same position each time.  Nyman also tested the pants Errol Kerr and I used for ski cross last season and some new proto types.  Thanks buddy!  We've got more speed for passing and pulling away from our competition on the sx track.  You can see he rocked the Spyder stealth to complete his look.  Watch out for him to bust out the half shirt next year on the podium.  Marco, where were you?  You owe these boys. That skin tight suit of yours will be faster than ever. Spyder's commitment in testing like this is the reason they're the world leader in ski competition.