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So there’s been an explosion of women specific products within the last few years. Finally almost all companies have women’s boards/bindings/boots! I realize that some companies have been offering them for quite some time while others have just jumped on the bandwagon. This of course is great, female riders now have almost as many choices as the guys do. Everyone has a different style or preference when it comes to their gear and now they can find products that fit them best instead of a one-size-one-color fits all type of product.

Interesting thought, when I bought my first setup I bought a pair of yellow airwalk boots, because they were basically the only women’s boots avaliable at the time. Seriously, I rode those boots, my sister had the exact same pair, as did two of our girlfriends. Basically every girl that rode at our resort had the same pair of boots. I can actually remember coloring the logos blue on mine so that I wouldn’t get them mixed up with anyone else’s boots. How ridiculous is that? Now we all ride different brands and styles based on the kind of riders we became. So every year I get excited when more new women’s products come out in the industry, eeeee so exciting! ha.

BUT there’s one trend in women’s gear that I have to call out. There’s several companies out there that are putting a product out in a pink colorway and labeling it as a women’s product just for the color. I’m not talking about B4BC here, that’s a totally different thing and I support them completely. What they’re doing is amazing. No I’m talking about the companies who put out a pink product just because sterotypically girls like pink, so girls will buy it right? hmm, maybe? I’m talking about products that are labeled women’s products when they are exactly the same as men’s products, only pinker. Example A – http://business.transworld.net/2009/02/18/betty-rides-launches-new-accessories/, the pretty betty snowboard tool. Kuu, Dakine, Burton, etc. have been putting out this exact same tool for years and years now, but wait…Betty Rides made it pink! that must mean it’s made especially for women! Look I’m not trying to hate here…I’m just saying, put the marketing money that you’re spending on those lame-o products into actually developing products that really make a difference in women’s riding. Whether or not my tool is pink or black or yellow will not make a difference to me. But having boots or outwear that are tailored to a women’s shape and style will make a difference.

Maybe you disagree, how do you feel about the current status of women’s products within our industry? Or if you don’t care…that’s cool too.