The annual business trade show for snow sports manufacturers, the SNOW SPORTS Joint Exhibition, was held again this year from Tuesday, February 16th to Wednesday, February 17th at Pacifico Yokohama. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of exhibitors was limited and the event was compact in size due to infection prevention measures, but there was still a solid lineup of noteworthy new models and popular items. The STEEP editorial team spoke to manufacturers they were interested in about topics of interest
[Exhibiting manufacturers]
ILP Ltd., Act Gear Co., Ltd., VIST JAPAN Co., Ltd., VOLARE, MDV Sports Japan Co., Ltd., Elan Japan Co., Ltd., Ogasaka Ski Sales Co., Ltd., Kibou Foods Co., Ltd., Creator Kuen Osaka Co., Ltd., Create Associates Co., Ltd., KEM Co., Ltd., K2 Japan Co., Ltd., J Create Co., Ltd., Shinano Co., Ltd., Swallow Ski Co., Ltd., Duke Co., Ltd., Fullmarks Co., Ltd., Material Sports Co., Ltd., Yamamoto Optical Co., Ltd., Yoshikawa Co., Ltd., Rexam Co., Ltd.
Let's take a look at the topics for next season that the STEEP editorial team heard about at the exhibition venue.
When I stopped by the booth, GEN rider Noriyuki Sasaki was there, wearing his boots. He talked about the heavy snowfall in Hokkaido, the evolution of gear unique to a legendary skier, and the roots of his riding style, and there was no end to the interesting topics. He also told me about the new line of models coming out next season
R&D multi flex " is the debut work of the "dotJP" label, which adheres to the commitment to JAPAN MADE.
A new label has been born from the domestic brand "Gen FACTORY," which makes boots tailored to the shape of Japanese feet! The boots unveiled this time as part of the "dotJP PREMIUM LINE" are the "R&D multi flex." "R&D" normally stands for research and development, but GEN has taken the R&D to mean riding and development. This new product, born from a hands-on approach of "riding and developing," is an all-mountain boot that showcases Japan's excellent manufacturing spirit and technical capabilities
❖ JCreate Official HP http://jcreate-corp.co.jp/
We also received this from ICELANTIC JAPAN's Executive Advisor
Although they weren't exhibiting this time, ICELANTIC's 2021-22 catalog was also available, so be sure to grab it! Check out the catalog for details on next season's models. It's already available on their official website. https://icelanticskis.jp/catalog/2021-2022/
Sales representative Tomoya Takahashi spoke to us at the Rexam booth. POMOCA, a sticker brand that STEEP is interested in, will remain unchanged for next season. DYNAFIT SKI has added a new 95 size to its BLACKLIGHT line (the black model in the photo below)
Introducing the "RADICAL PRO," a lightweight model that combines the gliding and climbing capabilities of the HOJI model!
The current HOJI series features a model in which both the buckle and power belt are loosened simultaneously when switching to walk mode, allowing for a single action to switch between climbing and gliding modes, but the newly announced "RADICAL PRO" is a lightweight version of this.
The bellows make the material stiffer, but allow the upper shell to flex when leaning forward, and the tongue has been changed from a single-layer structure to a two-layer structure, allowing for precise adjustment of softness and flex. While light materials usually result in stiffness, the material and structure have been used to overcome this weak point, resulting in a boot with firm flex.
❖ Rexxam official website https://www.rexxam.com/
The K2 booth, with its woody atmosphere, was packed with popular powder and freeride brands such as K2, LINE, and FT. There were many trending items, and the booth was bustling with visitors as many buyers came
A new 92mm width has been added to the "RECKONER"
The popular RECKONER series, which is versatile enough for everything from powder to park, now features the RECKONER 92 (light blue board on the right) and the RECKONER 92 ALLIANCE (red board on the right). The graphics feature roses
Limited series collaborations with famous artists are going strong!
In recent years, K2 has been focusing on collaborations with famous artists and limited edition series. Following the global release of "Jeremy Dean x K2" (the yellow board on the left in the photo) on November 28th, the long-awaited collaboration with Geoff McFetridge, "K2 Skis x Geoff McFetridge" (the yellow-green board in the center left of the photo), was released on January 16th. This model is the most popular and is said to be performing very well.
These series are not released all at once, but are released rhythmically in a steady stream, creating a constant sense of excitement as to what's next. Amazingly, a new limited edition model was announced in a timely manner even during this exhibition.
Limited edition MINDBENDER in collaboration with Sean Pettit released on February 17th!
The Mindbender108Ti skis and Mindbender130 Burst boots, a collaboration with Sean Pettit, a team rider who has been a leader of K2 ski for many years, will be released on February 17th and were unveiled at the venue
The skis incorporate the traditional flavor of K2 from around 1998, and are a confident product that has raised the bar even further. The MINDBENDER is a popular model that can handle everything from packed snow to powder, offering outstanding performance and comfortable turns. The boots feature a solid 130 flex and a K2-like fit
❖ K2 Japan official website http://www.k2japan.com/
MDV Sports Japan handles Volkl, Marker, and DALBELLO. During the exhibition, another STEEP reporting team was in Tomamu, Hokkaido, taking photos with three MDV team riders (Kazuya Furuse, Hidemitsu Okada, and Mirai Nakagawa). When we visited the booth, we heard about the topic of next season, and the following was also mentioned
KRYPTON
releases the "KRYPTON 130 TIID" for a fun and fun ride
DALBELLO has undergone a minor change. LUPO has been narrowed down from nine items to five, targeting a more core demographic. What's interesting is the development of KRYPTON. KRYPTON has been a line for some time, but the newly announced "KRYPTON 130 TIID" pictured here features a unique three-piece construction with tech holes. It focuses more on gliding than walking, and there is no longer a walk mode. It was created in response to the desire of athletes who want to walk a little in the DUKE PT and then pursue hard gliding. The women's version is the "CHAKRA."
Marker is doing great with DUKE PT. SQUIRE is changing the model
Marker bindings, including the DUKE PT, have received overwhelming support and are continuing to perform well. The SQUIRE has undergone a complete model change. Aimed at beginners entering freeride, the heel itself is now larger, and the cup opening is wider, making it 30% easier to step in. Additionally, anti-ice rails make it easier for boots to remove snow
Volkl ski focuses on "M6 MANTRA"
VolKl has released their sixth generation model, the M6 MANTRA, for next season, which you shouldn't miss. The top has a tailored carbon tip woven into it, making it an interesting ski that allows you to change the torsion and flex depending on how the carbon fibers are woven
❖ MDV Sports Japan Official HP http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
BLACK EDITION added to "RIPSTICK"
96 and 106, refined for even higher quality
When you enter the ELAN booth, the first thing that catches your eye is this black ski. The popular freeride ski "RIPSTICK" is ELAN's signature ski. This versatile model is appealing because it can be used on the slopes and in the mountains. A new model, the BLACK edition, has been added. With its calm and chic appearance, it is likely to be popular with adult skiers
❖ Elan Japan official website http://www.elanjapan.co.jp/
Six of the 12 models in the BLASTRACK lineup have undergone major changes, with one of the six undergoing a complete model change. Five of the remaining models have undergone design changes, with the internal structure and specifications also being updated
Weighing just 1,290g per rod! Surprisingly light and a prestigious design, the BLAZER LT is a confident new model that showcases OGASAKA's technological prowess
Among the many advancements, this is the one we recommend the most. The ultra-lightweight touring model "BLAZER LIGHT" (photo left) of the BLAZER TOUR series has undergone a full model change and debuted as the "BLAZER LT" (photo right). The BLAZER TOUR was originally developed for touring, but with the aim of making it enjoyable for people who don't climb mountains as well, the gliding performance has been significantly improved. The company is confident that this is a product that breaks the reality that there have been few skis that pursue lightweight design but still offer a great deal of enjoyment
Each ski weighs just 1,290g (160cm). It's so light when you actually hold it in your hands! Even at the test rides that have already begun, some riders were skeptical, wondering, "Is this really okay for skiing?", but once they actually tried them out, they were surprised, saying, "Yes, it's really fun to ski." The waist width is 87mm, making it easy to ski on packed snow on the slopes, and you can enjoy it in any situation, from light powder to spring snow. It's perfect for skiers who have been doing basic skiing up until now and find heavier skis difficult due to their age or physical condition
The big fat "SILVA" with a 132cm waist
is gaining popularity this season in powder snow.
"SILVA," which made a sensational debut in the 20-21 season, continues to be offered. It has been well-received by users. Not only does its asymmetrical appearance make a striking impression, but it also showcases Ogasaka's technical prowess. It's the first BLASTRACK to feature a full rocker bottom shape, ideal for riding in deep powder. The rocker shape itself has a side curve when angled, allowing for comfortable edge-to-edge skiing even when the powder ends and you emerge onto groomed snow
❖ Ogasaka Ski Sales Official Website https://www.ogasaka-ski.co.jp/
summary
There were concerns about whether the event would be held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but the fact that it was able to go ahead without incident is a source of great joy for both the snow industry and the users who ultimately benefit. At the venue, many people, including exhibitors, dealers, media, and other related parties, were engaged in passionate discussions around the new models. It was also striking to hear conversations like, "People who love snowboarding are going to snowboard, they're interested in new things, and they want good things."
With the season in full swing, test ride events are being held by various manufacturers. This is the perfect opportunity to see, touch, and test drive the new models. Be sure to check out a test ride event.
*Product sales and specifications are subject to change without notice from 2021-2022
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