US and Canadian skiers get smart armour

[Jared Moya]

A futuristic flexible material that instantly hardens into armour upon impact will protect US and Canadian skiers from injury on the slalom runs at this year's Winter Olympics.

The lightweight bendable material, known as d3o, can be worn under normal ski clothing. It will provide protection for US and Canadian skiers taking part in slalom and giant slalom races in Turin, Italy. Skiers normally have to wear bulky arm and leg guards to protect themselves from poles placed along the slalom run.

Skiwear company Spyder, based in Colorado, US, developed racing suits incorporating d3o along the shins and forearms and offered members of the US and Canadian Olympic alpine ski teams the chance to try them out several months ago. "Now they love it and won't ski without it," claims Richard Palmer, CEO of UK-based d3o Labs, which developed the material.

Although the exact chemical ingredients of d3o are a commercial secret, Palmer says the material is synthesised by mixing together a viscose fluid and a polymer. Following synthesis, liquid d3o is poured into a mould that matches the shape of the body part it will protect.

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[lifehacker]

I like the spider-webs on the suits. Anyways it looks awesome. Any chances of the suits being able to stop bullets in the future?

[mountain_rage]

I wonder how well it would work as a cup, probably be a hell of alot more comfortable. Hell build it into underwear just in casse.

[Auggie2k]

Look's like something straight out of X-Men.

[black_magiic]

I wonder how well it would work as a cup, probably be a hell of alot more comfortable. Hell build it into underwear just in casse.

that would be the best invention ever. My cup for umping baseball is so uncomfortable. I wish I could have something like that.

[lifehacker]

Wonder how much those things actually cost...

[kokanezub]

i had a cup for football and it felt like a fuckin thong untill i baught the two strap one!

[zarquon]

Think ill get me one of those and take up some vigilante crime fighting.

[shawners]

More then likely they will release it. They always build something or make something to improve athlete conditions and they give it away to them to be a marketing device. Spin the buzz about it and people will flock to buy it. Plus they need to wear it during training for the games. Determine the speeds as well as getting use to the movements in it. Im sure they make them with each country logo on it.

[B@lle]

future spiderman! wohoo