Ride Engine started the hard shell harness revolution three years ago and for 2019 has developed an entirely new underlying technology. Combined with new wings for their surf foil and innovative panel layouts to increase flexibility in their line of wetsuits, the team at Ride Engine has an exciting new 2019 range in store for all watersports and wind fanatics.
THE ORIGINATOR OF THE HARD SHELL HARNESS CONCEPT, FOR 2019 RIDE ENGINE HAS DONE AWAY WITH HEX CORE AND INTRODUCED THE PRIME SHELL. HOW DOES THIS NEW CONSTRUCTION DIFFER FROM HEX CORE AND WHAT DIFFERENCES MIGHT CURRENT RIDERS NOTICE THE MOST?
The Prime Shell is an entirely new build. Compared to its predecessor, the original Hex Core, the Prime Shell is completely different from the ground up. The new construction is a proprietary layup called Shell Skin. The Shell Skin is something that we have been developing for the past two years while other brands were rushing to catch up and build their own hard shell imitators. This new construction process gives the shell added durability in the form of: UV resistance, impact strength, abrasion resistance, as well as water and tear resistance. Not only will the Shell Skin give you new, added durability to extend the life of your harness for years, it also improves the overall fit and function of your harness. Enhanced ergonomics ensure that you get the maximum support where you need it””it’s the most comfortable Ride Engine harness ever.
DID ANYTHING ELSE CHANGE IN THE HARNESS LINEUP, INCLUDING THE ELITE?
Yes. The Elite series has also received the upgraded Shell Skin technology, however, now the Shell Skin is laminated over the premium carbon that customers have come to expect from Ride Engine. This provides the pinnacle of stiffness and durability inside the RE range.
YOUR BAG/LUGGAGE LINE HAS BEEN GROWING SINCE THE BRAND FIRST LAUNCHED IN 2015. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST SELLERS IN THE LINEUP AND WHY? ARE THERE ANY NEW ADDITIONS FOR 2019?
The Tactical Trolley was far and away our best-selling board bag and it’s still going strong. It’s the lightest and most utilitarian board bag on the market. Without additional and stupid unnecessary features, this bag has stayed light and durable and just gets the job done sans all the neon everyone else is forcing on the customers.
RIDE ENGINE INTRODUCED THE FUTURA FOIL TO THE MARKET LAST YEAR. HAVE ANY DEVELOPMENTS BEEN MADE TO YOUR FOIL PROGRAM FOR 2019?
We sure did! The foil range inside of RE has grown and progressed quite a bit. New for 2019 the wings have received a construction upgrade to make them more beautiful and more efficient. Last year we offered two wings inside the foil line up and now we are offering five. We have added the Manta 76 and 84 wings and these are going to be the wings that surfers and SUP customers are most excited about. They are wings with lots of lift and yet can still hang at high speeds. They are an amazing upgrade for anyone who rode the Futura foil last year.
RIDE ENGINE HAS STEPPED UP ITS OFFERINGS IN THE WETSUIT AND IMPACT VEST CATEGORY. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST SELLING FEATURES ON THESE ITEMS?
Our wetsuits have received an overhaul from last year’s offerings. 2019 has some amazing suits in store for the customer. With a great new paneling layout our suits have been strategically made to ensure the largest range of mobility and flexibility. We have stuck with Neospan, limestone-based neoprene, to maintain our eco-friendly approach to building suits while still retaining the flexibility and fit that everyone has come to love. We have a new Thermolux Poly Fleece liner that holds in more heat and is softer to the touch than our previous versions.
We have been receiving some great reviews on new products such as our Empax impact vest and new 2019 Neoprene Hoodies. All of these items have been meticulously designed to give the rider a better experience. The Empax Vest is a slightly different breed as it has small segmented areas of foam in a larger thickness. These isolated areas of 20mm foam provide great flotation, impact protection and mobility. We also used wineskin neoprene on the lower half to ensure that the vest stays down where it should be.
As always, we have a full range of men’s and women’s wetsuits coming down the pipe that will keep everyone looking crisp and sharp, and once again without the neon and tribal symbols.
