DEFLEXION Technology from Dow Corning Signs Two Brand Ambassadors, Action Sports Athletes Xavier de le Rue and Matt Crowhurst

MIDLAND, Mich., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DEFLEXION™ technology from Dow Corning is teaming up with action sports athletes Xavier de le Rue and Matt Crowhurst to demonstrate how DEFLEXION™ technology can be used by impact protection apparel designers to create tailored, customized impact protection gear for action sports athletes. DEFLEXION™ technology, a patent-pending silicone-based impact protection textile, will be incorporated into impact protection apparel specifically designed and customized for Xavier's and Matt's specific needs. Both athletes will be involved in the design of their protective gear from start to finish, helping to select and position the right combination of materials from the DEFLEXION™ product range.

Being both flexible and breathable, DEFLEXION™ technology gives athletes the freedom of movement and comfort they need, without compromising on the level of impact protection provided. DEFLEXION™ materials are designed to provide impact protection in wet, hot and cold conditions, whilst remaining flexible. DEFLEXION™ impact protection textiles can be easily cut into different shapes, built up in layers and applied exactly where impact protection is required. This means that athletes like Xavier and Matt can have protective garments and equipment that are comfortable to wear offering the right level of protection and freedom of movement.

Established members of the action sports world, Xavier has made his mark as a successful competitive snowboarder, winning multiple Free Ride World Championship™ titles, Snowboard Cross World Championship™ titles and X Games™ gold medals. Matt takes his board to the water and has been competing and coaching in the wakeboarding world at the highest level for more than 15 years.

"Proper protection is important in every sport yet impact protection equipment options for wakeboarders remain fairly minimal, which is why I'm thrilled to be participating in the DEFLEXION™ Ambassadors program," said Matt Crowhurst, professional wakeboarder and DEFLEXION™ Brand Ambassador. "With DEFLEXION™ technology, athletes will experience a shock-absorbing defense system that allows them to perform with confidence."

"When I'm on a mountain, I'm focused on being creative in my approach to a run, while at the same time tuning in to the nature and power of what surrounds me," added Xavier de le Rue, professional snowboarder and DEFLEXION™ Brand Ambassador. "Wearing customized impact protection materials that incorporate DEFLEXION™ technology gives me the freedom of movement, agility and confidence to test my skills in any situation I face."

DEFLEXION™ shock absorbing textiles are available in different thickness, weights, flexibilities, and levels of impact protection, offering designers many options to create protective gear for a vast range of uses and applications.

"We're delighted to be working with these two experienced athletes. Matt and Xavier will experience first-hand the benefits of DEFLEXION™ impact protection technology," said Liz Mallen, Business Development Manager for Dow Corning. "We are working with Matt and Xavier right now to understand their individual needs and build DEFLEXON™ technology accordingly into their protective gear, giving them the comfort and protection they need."

DEFLEXION™ technology has become a protective textile of choice for leading active apparel designers. In November 2010, DEFLEXION™ material was featured in sailing gear made by marine apparel brand Henri Lloyd for use by competitive sailors and nautical enthusiasts. Most recently, DEFLEXION™ material was featured by Scott Sports in its new line of winter sports gear, announced in February 2011. Among other applications DEFLEXION™ technology is also featured in protective equipment made by Rukka for use by motorcycle riders.

DEFLEXION™ brand will be present at ISPO Munich, January 29 to February 1, 2012 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Germany. Visit the DEFLEXION™ brand booth in Hall C2 at stand C631 to meet the DEFLEXION™ brand Ambassadors to hear how they have been experiencing DEFLEXION™ impact protection materials.

Look for more to come from Xavier and Matt as they work with DEFLEXION™ technology on customized impact protection solutions for their action sports activities.  [http://vimeo.com/29966081 and http://vimeo.com/31652948] For more information, visit www.deflexiontechnology.com.

About DEFLEXION™ technology from Dow Corning
DEFLEXION™ brand from Dow Corning (www.deflexiontechnology.com) offers a range of impact-protection technologies that allow for the easy creation of high-performance protective apparel and equipment. DEFLEXION™ technologies focus on providing comfort, fit, freedom of movement and, due to the unique stability of silicones impact protection over a broad range of temperatures, DEFLEXION™ products are able to achieve high levels of protection when cold, hot and wet, while remaining comfortable to wear. DEFLEXION™ technology was selected as one of the most innovative fabrics of 2010 by Future Materials in their annual "FM 100" article, which ranks the year's most innovative materials.

About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company's Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

SOURCE Dow Corning