We took note of PIQ before when it joined up with Mobitee to track golf games. This time the sensor slips into a strap that fits any ski boot. Once on, skiers have real-time access to their stats in the new Rossignol and PIQ app, available on iOS and Google Play. PIQ’s waterproof, ultralight sensor is one of the smallest available, while still incorporating more range than some others. It measures speed, jump height and air time, amplitude, trajectory, and G-forces, and connects to your smart device with Bluetooth. If you don’t want to bring your phone along, PIQ’s sensor will save your runs.
The PIQ app scores your runs and lets you see your best turns and jumps, comparing them with other skiers, including pros. A little bit of competition goes a long way toward improvement in a sport. App users can challenge each other, regardless of distance, which is a new and interesting addition to online sport tracking.
The president and co-founder of PIQ, Cédric Mangaud, sees the writing on the wall. He said in a statement, “As of today, we cannot imagine running without connected objects or apps, it will be the same in a few years’ time for skiing.”
At the least, other sport apps may want to make sure direct user to user challenges are included as an option. The Rossignol PIQ pack comes with the multisport sensor, a charger that will work with other PIQ gear, the ski strap, and a connection code, all for $150 until January 12, 2016. This deal is currently available through PIQ, and will soon be available through Rossignol. Of course, the beauty of PIQ is that if you already have the sensor, you just need to buy the strap for $50.
