November 1998

L.L. Bean and snowboarding? Admittedly the idea takes some getting used to. But riders who have tried the new L.L. Bean boards, very good riders, have had nothing but praise for the company’s newest line.

Terry Plum, who ranks in the top 10 worldwide in pro-boardercross, tested Bean’s New Kildy-Flex Snowboard over a period of several days last season. “The system makes for possibly the best flex I’ve ever realized on a board—this board hooks up and goes where you tell it,” said Plum. Not only that, 7 other testers, both pro and amateur, also tested L.L. Bean’s Kildy-Flex board. Among the words they used to describe the board were “unbeatable stability,” “true carving power,” and “an effortless cruising board that turns on a dime.”

L.L. Bean is one of a select few companies licensed to incorporate the breakthrough Kildy-Flex technology into their snowboard line. This patented system combines two interdependent structures. The top deck applies pressure to the “four corners” of the board to maximize contact with the snow, even in the roughest, iciest conditions. The two structures flex independently, isolating the rider from vibration and creating maximum rebound out of turns. The Kildy-Flex system was designed by Olympic snowboard racer Mike Kildevaeld to isolate the rider from negative vibration without absorbing positive energy created in a turn.

All L.L. Bean boards come direct from the company and are delivered right to your door. Prices range from $599.00 for the board alone, to $650.00 for a standard set of board, strap bindings and boots (a savings of $154.00 over individually bought components) and $850.00 for the top-of-the-line Step-In Set, including Airwalk Explore Step-In Boots and Quad Step-In Bindings (savings of $123.00).

For the beginner to advanced rider, L.L. Bean’s New Glade board does it all. When 19 independent riders, from beginner to expert ability, tested the board last season, with no knowledge of the price or performance level of the board, the compliments flew:

• “Excellent! I was pleasantly surprised with how well the edges held on ice and hardpack. (It) inspired confidence.” Erica H.—intermediate rider.
• “Very good. Riding this board helped improve my turns and allowed me to carve in situations where previously I had been unable to.” Zully A.—1st year rider.
• “The edge holding capabilities were fantastic, yet the board was forgiving in bumps. I could make this board snap me out of turns like a race board. I loved it!” Tom B.—Professional Snowboard Instructor.

This is pretty remarkable feedback when you consider most riders thought this was a new high-end board that would be in the $450.00 plus price range. When they found out the L.L. Bean Glade Snowboard had all the features of higher-priced boards; lightweight wood core, Triaxial-braided fiberglass cap, full-wrap carbon-steel edge, P-Tex 2000 sintered base and rubber foil dampening, and was just $299.00, they were completely floored. L.L. Bean also sells the Glade Snowboard in the Standard Set, for $399.00 (a savings of $103.00), and the Step-In Set for $599.00 (a savings of $72.00).

Kids who are ready to ride can get started with L.L. Bean as well. The Kid’s Blast Snowboard is a soft-flexing, easy-turning board made especially for smaller riders. Foam-core fiberglass sandwich construction makes this board lightweight and durable --more-- and the carbon-steel edges hold on ice and remain sharp. The Blast Snowboard sells for $149.00 and a complete kit sells for $249.00

L.L. Bean’s new 1998 Winter Sports catalog includes a full assortment of gear and apparel for snowboarding and other winter activities. To order products, or ask for your free catalog, please call 1-800-809-7057, or visit www.llbean.com.

L.L. Bean, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and retailer of quality gear and apparel for outdoor sports for the whole family. The company was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Freeport, Maine.