Folio Sample:
SKI MOUNTAINEERING SHOVEL
Date: 2006
Client: G3 Genuine Guide Gear
Challenge: To design a lightweight, compact, guide-specific backcountry shovel that strengthened the brand's shovel line, and filled a gap in the market.
Solution: The SpadeTech shovel introduced such qualities as toughness, versatility, packability, and reliability into a single shovel package that has proven to be a favourite among mountain guides and backcountry skiers alike.
Working with mountain guides, we were able to isolate issues that were not being addressed by the current avalanche shovels on the market.
By minimizing the blade depth and angle with respect to the shaft, we were able to, not only make the shovel extremely easy to stow and access, but turn it into a versatile tool for ski mountaineering where chopping cornices, steps and platforms are daily tasks.
The rounded leading edge of the blade ensures that a rescuer's energy is effectively located at the point of incidence on densly consolidated avalanche debris, regardless of penetration angle.
Blade shape was determined by the needs of the winter mountaineer. Reliable snowpack stability is essential, so we ensure that the shovel was capable of creating the smoothest snow pit and column walls found in some of its bulkier cousins.
The minimalistic asymmetric T-grip handle minimizes grip fatigue by providing a positive texture and ergonomic grip.
Responsibilities: (With the highly-talented G3 Engineering Team) Expert Interviews, Problem Definition, Research, Conceptual Development, Prototyping, Testing, Material Specification, Process Specification, Graphics
