Burton CO2 & Herman Miller Aeron - Separated at Birth?
mike lewis
- April 14 2009
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Inspiration can come from anywhere. In fact, your next great idea might be sitting right under your ass. While most R&D takes place in the lab and out riding, Burton’s design team was struck by the design elements of the Herman Miller Aeron chair and incorporated some of its driving ideas into the CO2 binding ($390).
According to a Fast Company article:
By applying parallel design elements to the company’s 2009 CO2 board bindings, Burton took imitation and flattery to a new altitude.
(A) SPINE
Constructed out of injection-molded thermal plastic, the stiff core of the CO2 mirrors the Aeron’s Y-shape back design. By attaching at four points, the spine provides additional strength and gives the binding a tight rack-and-pinion feel.
(B) MESH
The Aeron’s signature webbing helps the CO2 reduce weight and creates a form fit to the boot. It also serves as a contact point, which helps transfer energy from the rider to the board. More energy, more speed, and more comfort make boarders want to stay on the mountain longer.
(C) FRAME
Before the CO2, high-back bindings were built symmetrically and didn’t compensate for the snowboarders’ angled leg stance. The result: an occasional, painful “calf bite” after heavy landings. Following the Aeron’s attention to ergonomics, Burton tweaked the frame 7 degrees, which increased closeness to the leg and, mercifully, muzzles the bite.
(D) DIAL
Extreme adjustability separated the Aeron from its competition. Burton took note and added a dial to let riders determine their own angle of forward lean, which force knees to bend. The bent-knee position increases stored inertia and adds speed when going into turns. Test riders rave about the heightened responsiveness.
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