Burton x FYi x fragment = [ak]457

Introducing (officially) [ak]457.

What is it? A joint collaboration between Burton Japan, FYi, and fragment... [ak] 457 can be best described as technical equipment for mountain enthusiasts. It's Function with a capital F. It's pure backcountry gear. And like many of the best things in life, it's only available in Japan...

The purpose built [ak] Guide Jacket returns in 2010, with a special limited production run for Japan. We designed this jacket specifically for the working pro's that spend 100+ days a year guiding the rest of us to the goods. A very small number of the uber-technical guide jackets have hit Tokyo.. and will be very hard to get ahold of without some serious underground connections.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for the 457 program (you have to realize that we are working over 2 years ahead of what's hitting the marketplace). The 2011 line is already locked, and we're deep into 2012 currently. Many good things to come... stay tuned to frequency 457.

TR

[ak] underground - [P]Al Lande

Our Pal, Alan Lande, waving to the camera on a recent visit to the Achenbach zone.

PAL is a Whistler O.G., and is still charging!

TR

FYi - Hong Kong

The second stop in [ak] development... [hk].

On tour with Andrew 'bugi' Burke.

TR

FYi - Shanghai

It's always a massive shock to bounce from Pemberton B.C. to one of the most populated places on the planet. This time it's Shanghai China. We are here this week working on 2012 Burton [ak].

TR

[ak] underground - Jeff Pensiero

Jeff is the owner/operator of Baldface Lodge. Kind of a hippie-cowboy-sledneck-snowboarder/rural business owner. My kind of peepl! Always great fun to hang with JP...

Peepl and their pets tend to share the same characteristics...

Alvie & Jeff Pensiero.

Have you been to Baldface yet?

Call JP direct at (250)354-7927, tell him FYi sent you, and he'll give you a discount.

TR

Baldface 2010 - the yeti returns

Once again, Palmer and Alison West hosted the team Yeti session at Baldface. Pyrotechnics were toned down this year, although JP is still stressing damage to the sauna from an OC Yeti attack. Fortunately we were the only group at the time, so JP didn't have to spend time apologizing to other guests (or shooting them with his potato gun).

Despite some instability in the snowpack, we had great conditions, and found great lines throughout the trip!

Another epic session, and great time had by all. Props to Palmer for pulling this crew together every year!

More baldface highlights to surface in another post at a later date.

TR

Terje

2010 [ak] Hover reviewed

An on-point review of the 2010 [ak] Hover jacket, by the folks over at Easyloungin

I'm stoked to see this jacket resonate with the backcountry 'apparel-needs-to-be-equipment' crowd. The 2010 Hover is my all-time favorite [ak] jacket, to date. It was designed with on-snow performance and function as the sole objective, ...for backcountry sledneck guys like Chappy. You can see his FaceTube video review below, or click the Easyloungin link above for a more in-depth written review.

In summary, this jacket is sick. Lots of lurkers and good banter over at Easyloungin too. Ck it.

TR

Takashi Sato @ FYi

Takashi Sato from Burton Japan was in B.C. this week, visiting FYi, to work on AK457. Takashi-san is responsible for development and production. We reviewed the 2011 samples, and kicked off design and development for 2012.

We spent a day product testing at Whistler. Here, Takashi is taking in the great B.C. views in December.... 'ummm, I don't see anything'.... Exactly, that's the view of B.C. in December.

There currently is no further information available on AK457. It's so underground we can't even confirm that it exists.

Maybe it doesn't...

TR