SKI SHOP VAIL is a renowned ski pro shop that focuses on freeriding. The high-quality selection, carefully selected by staff with extensive expertise and experience on snow, has earned the shop the trust of many users. From among the selection, store manager Ikeda has carefully selected the skis he most highly recommends this season
SKI SELECT 5
1. Perfect for those looking for a board that can do anything
ARMADA | ARW 106 UL Review
This season, a lightweight model, UL (Ultra Light), has been released in addition to the "ARW106" model. This can be thought of as a thinner version of the extremely light JJ UL (Ultra Light) board from ARMADA's popular Zero series. Originally a women's board, it is available in sizes up to 188 so that men can use it as well, and in fact, more men are purchasing it
It's a very lightweight board with just the right amount of bounce, making it perfect for riding anywhere. It's perfect for those who want to ride in powder, those who want a light, slightly thicker board, and those who want to use it in the park or for free runs. It's a board that's easy for anyone to ride, regardless of their technical level
If you're considering buying another board, this is a good choice if you currently have a big fat board that's designed specifically for powder, and you want to get into powder, but you want a board that can do more than just powder. Or, if you currently have a slightly thinner board, and you want another one, but you're a bit scared of powder-specific boards, so you want a board that's thick enough to do everything, this is also recommended. In other words, it's perfect for people who want a board that can do everything with just one board
With a board this light, you won't have any trouble in the backcountry (BC). It has a slight rocker, so the effective snow contact area is a little short. I'm not sure if that's a concern, but some people use boards with a strong rocker in BCs, so I don't think it's a problem
◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shop/shopdetail.html?brandcode=000000003395&search=ARW+106+UL&sort=
② Those who want a smooth ride while still being light and who are particular about their riding will be satisfied
DPS | PAGODA TOUR Series Review
153, 163, 171, 179, 184cm | D=132-100-117mm (179cm) |
150,650 yen
DPS previously had a lightweight touring series called TOUR1, but last year they changed to the PAGOTA series, and this model is still in use this year. Compared to the TOUR1, the boards are much firmer and more stable. What's best about them is that they are extremely light for a board of the same width. I recommend them to people who want a light board for climbing, but also want a solid glide. I think these boards will satisfy people who want a light board with good glide
There are several thickness variations within the same PAGOTA series. The thickness will vary depending on the intended destination, the time of year, and the type of snow you will be skiing on, so you will need to choose the thickness that suits your individual preferences. Another unique feature is that the shape varies depending on the length
The widest model, the 112, and the mid-range model, the 100, have "RP" at the end of their model name, and this type has a 15m radius and a very narrow side curve, making them easy to turn. In contrast, the 106 and 94 have "C2" at the end, and with a 19m radius, they are better suited to making large turns. We often consult with our customers to determine the length they'd like after asking them what their purpose for going into the mountains is and how they plan to play
DPS may be a brand that is suitable for people who are a little picky about their bikes. The price including the bindings is over 200,000 yen, so it is a brand chosen by people who are looking for something a little more luxury, or who want to try riding a DPS bike someday
◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003446/ct562/page2/order/
3. A masterpiece by Eric Pollard that will make your powder fun come true
season.｜Forma ratings and reviews
SEASON is a new brand started by Eric Pollard, formerly of LINE, who went independent to create what he wanted to create. It was originally scheduled to be released next season, but due to overwhelming inquiries, it was suddenly released this season. Like the "SAKANA" and "PESCADO" boards from LINE, this board is also a swallowtail, Eric's favorite. The swallowtail provides a stable tail for easy riding and makes it easy to lift the top, making it great for powder skiing
The width is 118mm. As Eric said, "The Forma is designed for playing in powder," and it is suited to powder, but when you attach the bindings, you realize that it is a little heavier than the SAKANA or PESCADO, and is very sturdy. I think it's well thought out
I think this is a really fun board for people who want to put their foot down firmly and ski at high speed in powder. In that sense, it may be difficult to handle if you don't have some riding skills. Even our staff can tell from touching it in the store that it's a really great board. Our staff often say "It's really good," and it has received very positive reviews from users
Even if you have no experience in powder riding, if you have done alpine or basic snowboarding and have solid skiing skills, I think you can do it. Those without the skills might have a bit of a hard time because they will lose to the snowboard. It doesn't have to be deep powder, but as long as it's knee-deep, you can still have fun
As a special Vail bonus, this board comes with a tune-up at the end of the season!
◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shop/shopdetail.html?brandcode=000000003530&search=season&sort=
④120mm fat and so light! Stable and well-balanced
ATOMIC | BENTCHETLER 120 Review
Chris Venturer's signature model is extremely popular and continues to be available this season. It's a fairly wide board with a center width of 120mm, but it's incredibly light for its width and length. Lighter boards tend to flap around, but this one feels very stable, and even on hard runs, you don't feel the flapping that you'd get on a thicker board. I think it's a very well-balanced board
It might seem like a bit of courage to try something this thick, but even if your primary goal is to ski in powder, I think these skis are also great for when you want to have some fun with the terrain or even try out the park. Some people have even taken 10m kickers with these. The tip and tail are flexible and responsive. This fat ski is great for a variety of purposes, not just powder skiing
I think it can also be used on groomed runs. It can also be used on soft, fluffy snow in the dead of winter. Since the center is quite far from the center, it's better to position the bindings a little further back for normal skiing. The manufacturer's recommended position makes the board very easy to turn, so if you primarily ski forward, it's better to lower it by about 2 cm. This year, Google Soc and other products have released this design, so it might be interesting for those who want to have a collection of this design
◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003421/ct562/page3/order/
5. A butter knife with a new feel that lets you lick powder like you're surfing
RMU | SR126 BUTTER NIKF Review
It's been a hot topic among our staff, and everyone is saying, "I wonder what it's like? I want to try it." It was announced in April, and was designed by Wiley Miller for fun. It was inspired by surfing and was created with the concept of riding powder like surfing. It comes in one size with a waist width of 126mm. The wide top provides buoyancy, and the asymmetrical sidecut allows you to lick the snow surface like a butter knife. It has great flex and rebound
Although it is a powder-specific board, I recommend it to anyone looking for a board that is easy to maneuver in powder. The deeper the powder, the more it shows its true value. It's not very long, so in terms of maneuverability, I think this length and thickness are good for maneuvering and having fun
◆Online shop here
https://vail.white-cliff.net/shopdetail/000000003692/ct459/page1/order/
summary
All five of the skis we've selected are very interesting. Above all, it's important to choose the right ski for your purpose. If your choice of skis doesn't suit your purpose, you might not enjoy the experience. Of the five skis we've selected, I think the ARMADA ARW106UL is the easiest for entry-level skiers who want to enjoy powder for the first time. It's a ski that's designed for half powder and half slopes. If you're looking to enjoy powder more and are looking for your next ski, I think the BENTCHETLER 120 is an easy choice as your first ski dedicated to powder. It's also reasonably priced
VAIL's online shop also features reports on actual riding experiences by VAIL's proud professional staff, including Kentaro Tsuda and Simon Fujita, so be sure to check those out as well. Of course, if you come to our store in Kanda, our experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have, so be sure to stop by!
VAIL ONLINE SHOP
https://vail.white-cliff.net/
The person who taught me
Manager Makoto Ikeda
He is 37 years old and has been working at SKI SHOP VAIL for nine years. He mainly does installation work and is knowledgeable about binding functions and compatibility. He can also provide customer service in English and French, so even if you are not good at Japanese, please feel free to visit us
Information
SKI SHOP VAIL
VAIL is a pro shop located in Kanda, Tokyo. It boasts the largest selection of freeskiing and backcountry skiing items in Kanda! With a wide selection from major brands to core brands, the shop is packed with popular and rare products from over 100 brands across two floors. Thanks to the knowledgeable and experienced staff who provide accurate advice, VAIL has a large fanbase
http://www.shop-vail.com/
[INFO]
Kimura Building 1F, 2-1 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5577-6411
(Business hours) Weekdays 11:30-20:00
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:30-20:00
[Brands we carry]
Atomic, Salomon, Majesty, K2, Line, Rossignol, Armada, Volkl, Head, Faction, G3, Dynafit, DPS, Moment, FT, Dalbello, Oakley, Smith, Giro, POC, Hestra, Sweet Protection, Norrona, FW, Teton Bros, Patagonia, Peak Performance, and many more
Click here for VAIL's recommended boots and bindings
