February 16, 2004 – At ISPO Winter 2004, February 14, 2004, Exel introduced an exciting XC ski pole innovation. The new racing pole, C1 Raptor World Cup will significantly improve skier performance. The project began in 2002 and the new pole has been developed in co-operation with top Exel skiers from different national teams.

Revolutionary Raptor basket The C1 Raptor World Cup pole brings an innovative new basket to the market. The tip and the basket are positioned forward from the centre point of the pole shaft, whereas traditional designs position the tip and the basket behind the centre point. Thanks to the new design and shape of the Raptor basket, the skier achieves a firm grip directly in the beginning of the pole thrust as soon as the tip touches snow. The new Raptor basket provides a better grip, longer pole thrust, and more efficient power transmission. This is complemented by its aerodynamic design. The new Raptor basket is available in two versions, one for hard packed snow and other for softer snow.

More distance with each pole thrust Thanks to the new positioning of the spike, the pole thrust is significantly longer, as the grip is held to the very end of the pole thrust. Now that the spike tip is located at the front of the pole shaft, the skier achieves about 1,5 cm more distance per each pole thrust. For example, during the final 100 m sprint before the finish line this will give about 0.5 meter advance to the skier with C-1 Raptor poles when comparing to the traditional poles. Also the push force is released from the pole in the skiing direction and so brings the skier faster forward.

Additional benefits The power transmission can be used more efficiently, thanks to a new bending direction of the pole shaft. When the skier leans on the pole, the shaft bends into a different direction compared to traditional poles. At this phase energy is stored in the pole shaft. During the pushing phase the shaft straightens and the released energy takes the skier forward more efficiently.

The new C1 Raptor World Cup also incorporates a new C World Cup strap with durable ultralight construction. The supportive straps are positioned under the palm and base of the thumb, which enables a more effective pole thrust. The straps are attached to the side of the grip and transmit the power directly to the pole shaft. The strap is also quick and easy to adjust.

For more information: Contact Mike Doble at Roces Canada Ltd., Barrie, Ontario. 1-800-461-6420