ion-mask™ surface enhancement crosses over from military to mainstream
Modesto, CA- With each pair of Hi-Tec shoes produced, there are certain features and benefits that we include that give something more. Key components can make a company stand out from the rest and Hi-Tec shoes have never offered a shoe that didn’t offer that something extra to golfers of all levels.
Hi-Tec has done it again offering a first in golf footwear. Working with P2i, Hi-Tec has developed the ability to incorporate cutting edge technology in waterproofing into the 2008 Golf Collection. Adopted from military products used in the toughest of environments, Hi-Tec is proud to be able to introduce ion-mask™ to the golf industry
Hi-Tec Sports USA, Inc. has joined forces with P2i, pioneering the introduction of their groundbreaking ion-maskTM technology to the footwear industry. ion-mask™ is a patented plasma-based technology, originally developed for military clothing to repel chemicals and protect soldiers from chemical attack. It permanently alters the surface of a product at a molecular level to repel water and other liquids – which are forced to bead and simply run-off. So no matter how wet the terrain, the shoe is still dry.
This breakthrough surface enhancement technology creates an invisible polymer mask that binds to the surfaces of any three-dimensional object, without affecting the look or feel. And with minimal consumption and negligible waste, ion-maskTM is one of the most climate-friendly footwear technologies available.
The Hi-Tec Ladies Fusion Collection is the first golf shoe ever to feature ion-maskTM technology. As we move forward with our newer shoes, ion mask™ will have a prominent spot in both the men’s and ladies offerings as well as some of our accessories.
Waterproof
The plasma process enables polymers to infuse to the shoes/boots on a sub-microscopic scale. This means that every single fiber is given a layer of water-repellent polymer only molecules thick.
Hydrophobic
Furthermore, the ion-maskTM process means the fibers on even open-weave materials become repellent, and therefore non-absorbent.
Breathable
Enhancing every fiber, not just the outer layer, means the entire shoe inside and out is treated. This eliminates the need for a waterproof membrane, or “bootie construction”, so the shoe is as breathable before the process as after.
Lightweight
The shoe is also lighter, approximately X grams for a 9, than its membrane equivalent. In fact, unlike a membrane construction, the treated shoe will not gain weight when used in wet conditions as the material no longer retains water.
Stay-Clean
ion-maskTM enhancement also helps to keep footwear cleaner longer. Like water, the treatment helps to repel dirt and therefore reduce staining.
Environmentally-friendly
Only tiny quantities of chemicals are needed, with minimal waste, so the ion-maskTM process is also highly-efficient compared with traditional methods such as dip application (DWRs) or membrane technologies. Equally, the process is activated at room temperature (unlike membrane technology which is formed at 320º F) making it one of the most climate-friendly footwear technologies available.
For more information, contact Molly Meade at molmeade@comcast.net.
Discover more online at www.hi-tec.com/ion-mask.
Contact:
Molly Meade
617-678-6778
molmeade@comast.net
