Technabob » extreme http://technabob.com/blog Cool Gadgets, Gizmos, Games and Weird Science Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:00:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Dare to Be the Ammunition for the Human Slingshot? http://technabob.com/blog/2011/10/26/the-human-slingshot/ http://technabob.com/blog/2011/10/26/the-human-slingshot/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:30:35 +0000 Hazel Chua http://technabob.com/blog/?p=71402 I admit, I am not the very daring type. I always chicken out when it comes to doing stuff that’s even just slightly scary–like ride a roller coaster, for example. That just isn’t me. But if you’re the type of person who enjoys being hurled around in the air, then you might want to fly to Utah so you can give the Pope family’s human slingshot a shot (sorry, couldn’t resist!)

Human Slingshot

You might find it strange that there are two posts connected with some bungee cords put up somewhere in Hobble Creek Canyon in Utah. But once you see people actually using the getup, then you’ll understand.

The human ammunition-to-be is strapped into a harness and pulled back by an ATV before being launched mercilessly into the air. It’s scary, it’s crazy – but it’s also great fun for those who are up for an adventure.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Even just watching the video made my stomach queasy. Looks cool, but it’s still something I don’t think I’ll ever try.

[via The Awesomer]

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2011/10/26/the-human-slingshot/feed/ 0 Liquid Image Impact Goggles for Off-Roading Record Video in 1080p http://technabob.com/blog/2011/01/14/liquid-image-impact-video-goggles/ http://technabob.com/blog/2011/01/14/liquid-image-impact-video-goggles/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:52:15 +0000 Shane McGlaun http://technabob.com/blog/?p=47422 The gang over at Liquid Image has been making goggles for scuba diving for years that have a camcorder inside, and they have a line of goggles just for skiing and other snow sports that have a camcorder as well. The latest new goggles from Liquid Image are for those off-road types.

impact tb

The goggles look like the average goggles that a person on a dirt bike or ATV would wear to protect their eyes with the notable exception of the camcorder between the eyes. That camcorder has a 136-degree field of view so it sees all the rider sees. It camera records at 1080p resolution 30fps video glory.

liquid image impact series black

If you want slow motion playback you can get 720p resolution with 60fps. The camcorder can also shoot 12MP still shots and the content is stored to a microSD card. The goggles ship with a 4GB card and support up to 32GB cards. Pricing and availability are unannounced at this time, but if you’re interested, you can contact the Liquid Image sales department at sales(at)liquidimageco.com.

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2011/01/14/liquid-image-impact-video-goggles/feed/ 0 Scarpar: the Anywhere Board http://technabob.com/blog/2009/04/15/scarpar-the-anywhere-board/ http://technabob.com/blog/2009/04/15/scarpar-the-anywhere-board/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:50:27 +0000 Lambert Varias http://technabob.com/blog/?p=11539 The people behind Scarpar wanted to “extend the snowboard season” which they say is quite brief in Australia. Some say that the skateboard was made so that surfers could still surf even if waves were flat. Will Scarpar be the next step in boarding?

scarpar 1

The Scarpar runs on two tracks and is powered by a four stroke engine. The board that you see above and in the video below is a prototype, so expect the design to change when – and if – the product is released. Braking and acceleration are controlled by hand. I’m no engineer but I think that’s where things might go horribly wrong. Skis, surfboards and skateboards are more or less directly controlled by our bodies; for a board that can go as fast as 35 mph (60 kph), a controller malfunction – or mistakenly activating accelerate instead of brake – will probably lead to some serious injuries. Unless of course the controls are intuitive; like grip the controller tight to accelerate and relax to brake.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Scarpar Pty Ltd originally planned on releasing their board this year, but due to financial constraints – in their words:”Blame Wall Street!” – they had to move the release date to 2010. While I’m content with watching other people perform extreme sports, I think the efforts of the people behind Scarpar will lead to more user-friendly all-terrain pedestrian transports. So to all inventors and engineers out there: these guys are onto something! Forget the Segway, work on the Scarpar!

[via Gadget Grid]

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2009/04/15/scarpar-the-anywhere-board/feed/ 3 Powerizer Leg Springs: Perform Superhuman Feats http://technabob.com/blog/2007/07/16/powerizer-leg-springs-perform-superhuman-feats/ http://technabob.com/blog/2007/07/16/powerizer-leg-springs-perform-superhuman-feats/#comments Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:41:32 +0000 Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2007/07/16/powerizer-leg-springs-perform-superhuman-feats/ These crazy-looking contraptions strap on to your legs and feet, letting you fly high into the air and perform crazy stunts.

powerizer 1

The spring-loaded PoweriZers amplify the pressure of your jumps enabling you to perform death-defying feats of athleticism.

powerizer 2

Now I don’t need to tell you this, but bouncing ten feet in the air on something that combines a pogo stick and stilts isn’t for everyone. PoweriZer’s makers assume that you’re a) physically fit; b) have impeccable balance, and c) aren’t afraid to break a few bones while you learn how to use them.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

You might recognize the PoweriZers from this slick insurance company commercial that was in heavy rotation last year…

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

If you’re up for the challenge, they’re available purchase from PoweriZer online. Models range from $329.99 to $429.99 a pair, and must be purchased based on the wearer’s body weight.

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