Thread: Gaper Rods

Sitting here with some friends trying to figure out what that contraption is that hooks from your ski boots and up to your butt. Looks like some type of suspension device? Seen every now and then on some gaper skiing down the hill. Searching google for "gaper rods" didn't turn up any results...

i've seen them as well.
not sure what they are called, but i think that they are supposed to alleviate some of the pressure that is placed on the knee while skiing.

but they do look weird.

Here you go: http://www.cads.com/.
I confess that I tried them once (full disclosure, I worked for a guy who knew the guy who developed them and wanted an opinion) and they do in fact take a big load off your thighs and knees. However, they limit your range of motion and independent leg action. Plus I was petrified of getting cornholed by those rods.

Brought to you by the makers of.......

Run bike must be super sick on the downhills

Talked to an older gentleman at Fernie using this device. It actually works as intended and it enabled him to continue skiing in his old age.

I see way too many of these rod thingys at the Beav. And also Bogner onesies. Guess it comes with the territory...

a friend's dad had to start using them after double knee replacement

Originally Posted by Sparwood Dave

Talked to an older gentleman at Fernie using this device. It actually works as intended and it enabled him to continue skiing in his old age.

I thought they were called "Volants"

I think the inventor lives at or near Vail so you do see lots of them.

They have Steady pimping them on their website too.

If it's either use them or never ski again I'd have a pair too, along with the customized pants. Just don't get behind a 4-some in lift line with them... tough on the chairlifts.

Originally Posted by Sparwood Dave

Talked to an older gentleman at Fernie using this device. It actually works as intended and it enabled him to continue skiing in his old age.

Good factual point. When I am 70 and both knees are shot, I hope there is an upgraded version to use with no external cables. They are basically elastic suspension for people who cannot support their weight in a bent knee stance. Hell, at my rate I might need them when I am fifty.

What happened to "die young and leave a good looking corpse"? The term "golden years" should be changed to "gaper years".

Not the most informative web site. Do they require special pants or a waist harness of some sort? How do you sit on a lift?

The reality is skiing is a sport that you do for fun, and as a lifestyle. No skier is as badass as a navy seal and there is no reason to die doing it. I ski the toughest back country shots I can, sometimes solo, but I hope to ski when I am older. Please remember, the old people you mock are not feeble by decision, their body has let them down. I salute the old people I see still out there getting after it. When you get a little maturity and grow up you might get it.

ZGjethro skis with gaper rods.

When you are so old it hurts to walk from your bed to your bathroom and then getting up off the shitter is tough duty -- and you STILL go ski most every day, that makes you a badass, not a gaper.

At least that was the story of the two guys I've talked to who were using the springy things.

Originally Posted by ZGjethro

The reality is skiing is a sport that you do for fun, and as a lifestyle. No skier is as badass as a navy seal and there is no reason to die doing it. I ski the toughest back country shots I can, sometimes solo, but I hope to ski when I am older. Please remember, the old people you mock are not feeble by decision, their body has let them down. I salute the old people I see still out there getting after it. When you get a little maturity and grow up you might get it.

I believe in a thing called dignity , I would rather not ski then be forced to use shit like this.

Originally Posted by toast2266

ZGjethro skis with gaper rods.

Grow up dumb ass.

Originally Posted by Jay P

I believe in a thing called dignity , I would rather not ski then be forced to use shit like this.

So if you fuck up your knees by charging hard will you be happy ice-fishing in your 50's or 60' or skiing with a high-tech system that lets you go all day? I see old timers up on the mountain having a great time.

That's the great thing about skiing, you CAN do it into old age and still feel the thrill we do now.

Originally Posted by ZGjethro

The reality is skiing is a sport that you do for fun, and as a lifestyle. No skier is as badass as a navy seal and there is no reason to die doing it. I ski the toughest back country shots I can, sometimes solo, but I hope to ski when I am older. Please remember, the old people you mock are not feeble by decision, their body has let them down. I salute the old people I see still out there getting after it. When you get a little maturity and grow up you might get it.

Excellent post! We take better care of ourselves now and can enjoy our sports later in life than ever before. CADS, while they might look odd at first glance are keeping people skiing and loving it that would not rather be anywhere else doing anything else, just like most of us. So this winter lets all give them some room and respect, as long as they stay the fuck out of the way!!!

I'd ski in a Kraftmatic adjustable bed if that was the only way I could get out

Originally Posted by Lelandjt

What happened to "die young and leave a good looking corpse"? The term "golden years" should be changed to "gaper years".

Not the most informative web site. Do they require special pants or a waist harness of some sort? How do you sit on a lift?

I skiied some runs with this guy at Fernie. At the bottom of the hill the carbon rods come off and slide inside the carbon ski poles. Reassemble at the top. Each operation takes about 30 seconds to a minute
No special pants required and basically invisible when not in use.

Originally Posted by I've seen black diamonds!

I'd ski in a Kraftmatic adjustable bed if that was the only way I could get out

  QFT   

Crampedon skis with gaper rods too.