energear is a new textile printing process that Schoeller Technologies first presented in July 2011. The Swiss fabric specialist, which brought us coldblack technology (see below), is now raising the profile of its latest innovation. If we get down to the science, energear is based on the capacity of certain minerals to reflect ‘Far Infrared Rays’, and thus return the energy radiated by the body back to it.
As the graphic from Schoeller explains:
(A) Far infrared rays are emitted by the body and reflected back from the textile
(B) Breathability remains in place
According to Schoeller, all living beings constantly radiate energy into their environment in the form of Far Infrared Rays. A titanium-mineral-matrix designed especially for energear ensures that part of the body’s own Far Infrared Rays are reflected back to it.
This additional energy, in turn, can lead to enhanced performance and the avoidance of premature fatigue, improved regeneration, shorter warm-up for physical activity and an increase in balance and concentration as well as wellbeing.
Andrea Meier, a nurse and successful bike racer and member of the soq.de Speedzone Team, tested the first shirt with energear print technology, without knowing what she should be looking out for. Her conclusion was, “I wore the test shirt during a 4-hour basic endurance interval training session. One thing I noticed: it was easier and quicker to warm up during the training sessions. I felt more powerful with the shirt.
“Sometimes I have difficulties during the warm phase, but it was really super with the shirt. During technique training on the mountain bike, I was able to cope well with the tricky stretches.”
The first energear apparel will be coming onto the market in spring 2012.
coldblack
Schoeller’s coldblack fabric technology, which was showcased at Interbike last year, is building momentum and now features in apparel from a number of leading brands. According to Schoeller, whether in the city or the mountains, more and more riders are wearing apparel with coldblack. For Interbike 2011 a number of brands have licensed coldblack and have the innovative fabric on-show.
Interbike 2011: company booths with coldblack fabric
Carvico: #1139
Endura: #23087
Eschler: #2129
Gore Bike Wear: #16057
The North Face: #22141
Louis Garneau Sports: #5039
M.I.T.I: #2122
Hincapie: #16047
Pearl Izumi: #20035
SLS Tri: #5149
Pegasus Performance: #34080
Schoeller’s coldblack fabric reduces the absorption of heat rays and therefore tangibly improves heat management. In practice, this means that the user perspires less and therefore loses less liquids and vital minerals (e.g. magnesium, potassium). A fluid loss of 2% of body weight due to perspiration can reduce performance capacity by up to 20% and therefore, stamina and concentration slump.
Those who perspire less feel better and remain fit for longer. Professionals athletes, such as Peal Izumi triathlete Paul Ambrose supports this. “My Pearl Izumi P.R.O. kit helps to prevent overheating during a race. I can concentrate completely on getting ahead as quickly as possible,” Ambrose said.
Light coloured garments reflect the sun’s rays and therefore absorb less heat. In contrast, dark fabrics normally absorb the rays and heat up. The coldblack technology reduces the absorption of sunlight; consequently, dark colours, in particular, heat up less. The result is better heat management, as fabrics with coldblack remain cooler than the same material without the finish.
