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686 Signs Shuan McKay and Austrian Marco Feichtner in Europe

Shaun McKay

IRVINE, CA—May 23, 2005—686, division of Westlife Distribution U.S.A. LLC, is pleased to announce the addition of Shaun McKay to the international pro team and Marco Feichtner to the European pro team.

“I’m incredibly hyped on Shaun,” says Kristin Cusic, marketing manager for 686, “He’s a hard-worker, amazing rider, and has been a solid force on the snowboarding scene for the last few years. He’s one of the most devoted guys in the business and is an awesome fit for 686. We couldn’t be happier.”

Shaun McKay broke onto the professional snowboarding scene through magazine shots and consistent video parts. The 24 year-old Washington native learned to snowboard in 1994 and grew up riding Snoqualmie Pass.  Shaun’s riding style is influenced by heavy-hitters like Jamie Lynn, Nicolas Muller and Gigi Ruff.  He’s not your typical contest guy, and prefers shooting photos, filming standout parts, or slaying the backcountry.  Shaun is currently filming with Neoproto for the new video, Some Kinda Life, due to premiere in September.  When he does compete, McKay usually ends up on the fun side of the contests—this season he won “Biggest Hip Jumper” at the TransWorld SNOWBoarding Team Challenge. 

“I am happy to be working with everyone over at 686,” says Shaun. “They make a super good product that works well and looks good. The designers and everyone involved at 686 love snowboarding, and that makes a big difference with the product and the brand.”

Marco Feichtner

Marco Feichtner a.k.a. “Fitchl” (pronounced “fitchel”), comes straight from the hills of St. Gallenkirch in Austria, home of the famous Silvretta Nova ski area. Marco started riding in 1993 at the tender age of ten when most of his buddies were queuing up in tight suits at the slalom race starting gates. He quickly perfected an impressive freeriding and freestyle background and started making his way into the competitive Austrian scene. He broke out with the Pirates crew in 2003, appearing in Shoot Your Friends,and opening 2004’s Pirate Radiowith a stunning part where he systematically destroyed every booter to bits. The 23 year-old Austrian is a powder addict but most of all wants to have fun each and every time he rides. Lately he’s been spotted working on his rail skills in the streets of St. Gallenkirch.

“Marco absolutely kills it,” says Cusic, “He’s a European phenomenon and we’re stoked to have him on the 686 program. He’ll be a great contributor to our team for many years to come.”

“All I can say is that I’m super excited to be a part of the 686 program because the clothing rocks and the people are great! I’m really looking forward to getting a lot of work done together,” says Marco.

Shaun McKay is also sponsored by K2 snowboards, Thirty-Two, Etnies, Dragon, Defcon, Active Ride Shop and Airblaster.

Marco Feichtner is also sponsored by Santa Cruz snowboards, Level, Dee Lux and Spy.

By: Press Release

argh

Just when I thought McKay was keepin' it "real" by rocking K2 outerwear. He would have fit better on the Earth or Holden team imo. heh

mgineering.net

yeah sure...

Id say rocking k2 outerwear is just about the absoloute opposite of "keeping it real". 686 has a sick product and a top notch team plus with 686s heavy marketing he will likely get alot more exposure than with earth or other similar outerwear brands.

.

tru dat

mckay.

can't wait to see more of this guy.

Allow me to further reiterate

Allow me to further reiterate my comment. When I said "real", I meant it along the context that not too many people know about the K2s outerwear program, and he would have only given K2 outerwear more exposure next season. 'cause dude's getting increasing coverage, you cant deny it.

"the absolute opposite" you say? WTF does that mean?

I didn't and don't have anthing negative to say about 686. In fact, I do agree with you on the quality of their products. I still remember when Etree was on the K2 team, it was all good back then, it's all good now. But your point on 686's heavy marketing/exposure is uncorroborated. If you'd kindly pick up your May issue of TWbiz mag, you'll see that both Holden and Earth got more exposure than 686 this past season.

Nevertheless, I have no doubt that it was the best decision for the parties involved, and especially for Shaun. Good luck to all.

mgineering.net

I am the TM of k2 and I feel

I am the TM of k2 and I feel it was the best decisoin for shaun to sign with 686..It will do good things for him and his career...

got'cha back

good job runke...way to stick up for ya boy...good for shaun too

\_www.romesnowboards.com_/

686

it seems to me that 686 is signing riders who are already riding for dragon so they can promote the dragon/686 combo outerwear and goggles next year. now they have mckay, ahlund, and englesmen. possibly ryan thompson is on dragon now that version kind of died. just my 2 cents.

Yeah

Yeah, I think Ryan Thompson is on Dragon too. Too bad about the Version team, they were solid. Although when was the last time you saw Jeremy Jones or Hebbell wear goggles? hehe.

I wear a pink Version SR5 that the ladies seem to drool over, when I can't find my Fuse Regulators.

mgineering.net

Thanks

to all our "insiders" and users who sound off on stuff like this. That's what makes this site the truth.

686

686 isn't really known for their team. it seems that they have a team just because it is what a snowboard company does. they are known for their really solid product line and designs. not a bad problem.

holden and earth probably want to stay away from k2 riders. the stigma with that brand is not the most positive. plus if your not mickey's friend i doubt you will get on his team. earth and holden take enough heat for being owned by K2, sharing riders would only cause more problems.

k2 also seems pretty lost in the team department. cutting solid american riders and stepping up euro's, they really are struggling for an image as well. marketing and art direction are also pretty poor. they can't decide if they should be big mountain or if they should be jibber. in the end they are just main stream closeout product for chainstores like EMS and Garts so it really doesn't matter.

Conjecture.

Conjecture. That word pretty much describes your whole comment.

It makes sense to have a rider to represent your target demographic. K2 is a worldwide company, so why not sign European pros? And good ones at taht. Eero and Wille are both solid riders with their own images. And just because solid "american riders" are no longer with K2, and i'm assuming you're reffering to Parka and Kooley, it doesn't mean they were "cut". If they had a better offer presented by another company, why not take it? Which is the reason my this thread was started in the first place...McKay taking a better offer with 686.

If you wan't to take a cheap shot at K2's marketing without anything to back up your claim, take it up w/ Runke :P

And what's wrong with their art direction? It is poor compared to what? Because that word "poor" is relative my friend. I think their art department is doing a stand up job, granted it's not as "artsy" as a Capita or an Endeavor, but that's like comparing apples to oranges. Their 05/06 line is insane, but you'd have to have seen it first hand before making your judgement on that.

mgineering.net

i stand corrected!

you are 100% correct.

K2 is doing an amazing job at everything.

i bet their sales are up 30% this winter.

Good Job K2!

great team, amazing marketing, and art direction that is 2nd to only Capita and Endeavor. Two companies who run on less money then k2 pays their female pipe slayer...

sigh

It's always sad to see a discussion prematurely end with the inferior retorting with sarcasm.

mgineering.net

686

If K2 is such a sellout chain store company why is it the 3 biggest in the world and 4th in the US>>> Why did 2 of our riders both Gretchen and Leanne win awards at last years Transworld RIders Poll Awards.... And why did our "euro" pros' like wille get 2 more coveres this year including the most recent cover of TWS biz...As well as finish 10th on the exposure meter for the season,....You clearly have no idea about K2. What do you think of Ride??? because K2 owns them as well....K2 is involved with both MDP producions and Neoproto crews. I myself have been riding a snowboard for over 12 years and I guarentee that everyone at our office can most likely ride better than you...So if you want to be a bitter core small brand guy that is fine...

I love the smaller brands rome, capitia etc and all those dudes are my friends. but only morons get into this corpo, fight about shit. The people involved in snowboarding love snowboarding and that is it...

Oh yeah on the earth /holden thing...both Planet Earth and I would love to have joined riders, IT just has not worked out at this point...But by far the companies get along great and would love to work with mutual riders.

Runke

i would expect a more intelligent reply from an employee of K2...

amazing what money can buy.

also amazing what money can't buy, and for you it sounds like brains.

keep up the good work.

glad that you and all the k2 employees are such sick riders.

sounds like you are the bitter one my friend.

ROadkill

I just think you have no grounds for research on hating on a big comapny...Do you think that Rome or Capitia or any other small brand would not want to grow and be one of the bigger brands in the biz....I am sure if you asked anyone they would love to grow sales as that is the goal for anybrand...

The only thing I am bitter on is negative people that knock people's hardwork, team riders giving it all for the brand they love and a marketing/product and sales team that have comitted there life to make something great...

I am really curious who you are....Maybe I know you? maybe not, but would love for you to reveal your self,,,,oh yeah nice car..

End yourself.

Come on bro. Just give it up, throw in the towel, and say uncle.

Because frankly, in this industry people get along much better than you think, rival companies co-exist despite the fight over market share. Why? Because in the end, every legit company does it because the love snowboarding. And if you can profit from it in the process why not? Capitalism is what makes America...America.

And I never said K2 was the best at everything. They're better in one area while another company is better in another, give respect where it is due. You seem to have only negative things to say about a company that has been around for 3x as long as all these "core" brands. In fact, the K2 Zepp has been around longer than most other companies.

I hope you are better at shredding, than you are at having intelligent, adult discussions.

mgineering.net

Hey RUnke

if K2 is so great why did they stop paying a certain rider who is now in Santa Cruz for a couple months and almost go to court over his contract...

real companies honor their contracts and pay their riders.

and i stand by my comments.

K2's ad's suck

their image is lost.

they were once a "core" brand back in the 90's.

to quote a great movie...

"live in the now"

get a clue. k2 sells product at sportsmarts, EMS, Garts, and all the other chain stores.

they hold minimal market share in core shops and are losing sales at about 15-20% a year.

Why all the edit?

Say what you have to say, and leave it.

No matter how many times you edit your comments; it will not sound any better, and you will still come off as a stereotypical, arrogant i'm-holier-than-thau-because-i'm-core prick.

I like your GT2 though, pretty rad. Personally, I think the price for replacement ceramic rotors do not justify the improvement in resisting brake fade compared to similarly designed two piee floating rotor set. You should try driving the GT2 on the infield course that intergrates 3/4 of the oval at California Speedway, use that bad boy the way it was intended. Lift throttle oversteer on Hoosier's, are you kidding me?!

We should get together sometimes to swap stories. I'm sure you have many.

mgineering.net

isn't that the point.

news flash hot stuff.

when you are "core" in any genre you are entitled to have an arrogant i'm-holier-than-thau-because-i'm-core prick attitude.

lame

I see you come unarmed in this battle of wits. So I am going to do you a big favor and grant mercy. Exposing you for the fraud poseur you are was never my intention, but in this case it the damage was self inflicted, sorry.

Stay cool, and have fun this summer guy. Don't drive your Porsche too hard.

mgineering.net

battle of wits...

i am simply pointing out k2's faults.

and you are calling me a poseur?

k2 didn't pay a rider.

k2's sales are slipping.

k2's brand lack's direction.

k2 is losing core market share and to make up for it discounting product in bulk orders to chain store outlets.

what do you have to say about that?

Team riders

I would love to know the exact info you know on the kooley situation...I think Kooley is the best guy around..I have nothing but respect for him and think he is amazing snowboarder...If that is how you feel about K2 please let me know what you would do with the brand to improve it...

Last on the team rider thing...He was paid and we agreed upoon amount with his managment company. I am not happy loosing him but it was out of my control...I think you should now all the fax prior to baggin on something

Whoa

Quite a heated little discussion going on over here. Thanks for keeping it civil guys.

Rad for Shaun

that rocks, he is a cool kid. get him on a real board and he will be all set!

employeees

It seems the only ones defending k2's 'honor" are a couple of employees or affiliates. interesting. don't you guys get sick of fighting the same battles over and over? k2's image (for lack of a better word) within the hard core snowboard community (those of us who are into it enough to actually spend time on sites like these) is that over a giant corporate pirahna with bad marketing and team direction to say the least. Any employee that argues against that has ZERO credibillity.

Defense rests.

Sure I spin to win, but I only spin my snowboard not the facts.

I absolutely love discussions like this, because in the process I can see how narrowminded and elitist some of you "core" riders are. I have my opinions, just like you have yours. But I don't confuse opinions with facts, which some of you seem to do on a regular basis.

Furthermore, we "defend" our position only because you are the ones doing the attacking. We give credit where credit is due; if another company has better marketing, better art direction, or a better team, we will have no problem acknowleding them. The opposition on the other hand loves to hate, hate, and hate. And it's strange that K2 seems to have done nothing right, and everything wrong in your opinion.

Don't think just because I ride K2, that I am not receptive to other companies contribution to snowboarding. Unlike you, I actually think before responding with a cliche comment on the faults of company X or coporation Y.

Have fun with your friends.

mgineering.net

narrowminded...

are you f-ing kidding???

holy crap.

i hope k2 pays you a s**t load of money to spew this crap.

give me a friken break man.

i would rather buy a burton then get paid to ride a k2.

and that's saying a lot.

I guess I spoke too soon

Relax dude...it's only snowboarding

not after

not after drinking all day and playing golf...

Thanks.

Yes, it's only snowboarding.

Too much negativity, not enough love.

Thanks for the unique forum format Pancho!

mgineering.net

same argument

narrow minded? not at all elitist? maybe.

some of us 'core' minded riders can clearly explain our position, others use the words "gay" alot (i like to think i'm of the formers colors)

we can form a valid opinion for why will we never give K2 a break, k2 can never deserve my business, and by holding that stance i might open myself up to "narowmindednes"s criticsim, but it isn't. That criticism implies that by holding that view i would be missing out on what k2 has to offer, and in my opinion, snowboards are basically snowboards and K2 is just as good as anything else out there from a performance etc perspective, but i'm still not buying it. i'm sure you have encountered every reason i have for not being a fan of giant corprorate conglomerates or money leeching "salters" so lets not get into that. (unless you want to)

you explanation that ":you are defending because we are atacking" is sort of self evident. you hear some K2 is crap slanged your way and you raise your hackles, perfectly acceptable. but realize: we don't care, you work for the company! what else could you say? giving credit where it is due is a seperate issue.

Where do I begin?

There is so many contradictions in your comments that I don't even know where to begin. I think you are better suited for the core audience of Deluxe-SC friend.

I think in the end it's just a few guys arguing against each other. It's not going to make a difference, especially for you because, yes, you guys are narrowminded.

I don't work for K2, I have no associations with K2. I buy their products because they haven't failed me yet. My other board is a 156 non-swallowtail Capita Unorthodox by the way.

I haven't had this much fun in a while.

Have fun this summer.
Don't change.
Keep it touch.
Best Friends Forever.

xoxo

mgineering.net

deluxe-sc

no thanks, that site is full of teenagers, so hardly any discussions are worthwhile, thats why i'm not there anymore, its just aggravating. why don't you point out my contradictions if they exist? most of that post involves me assuming you worked for k2 so a lot of it is moot

and i assumed you worked for k2 since you (0r mgineering anyway) always has the inside scoop and new stuff previews, and you always defend them so vehemently. i still don't 'get' the narrowminded thing, are you narrow minded because you're not a fan of Lamar or Firefly snowboards? (i'm guessing) Its easy to accuse someone of being narrowminded when they don't agree with you.

topic exhausted

Everyone has there opionens...to me the topic is exhausted...More power to everyone for being individual's I look forward to debuting other topics on the site.. Pancho, thanks for giving the snowboarders of the world a place to bitch and vent...

As for this one I am over it

No, thank you

This site is dope because of its users. I was really stoked to see how this one little press release sparked so much debate about riders, companies and the snowboarding industry in general. As long as everyone expresses their opinion respectfully and keeps it clean, these forums are a great outlet for people to say how they feel. I look forward to the next one...