We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they've been using this winter.
This time, we looked at the skis, boots, and bindings used by Toru Kawaguchi, who mainly does filming on big mountains in Hokkaido and Canada.
Toru Kawaguchi, 37,
has been competing in freestyle skiing contests both in Japan and abroad since his 20s, while also leaving behind videos with his friends in "mighty jamming film works." Filming led him to venture into the backcountry, and his fascination with snowy mountains and nature led him to travel to mountains all over the world. He is currently filming with "Heart films." He is an active THE NORTH FACE athlete and is involved in the production of VECTOR GLIDE skis, while living a sustainable snow lifestyle in Hokkaido.
Toru Kawaguchi's setup
Skis: VECTER GLIDE FLOWVER 180cm (140-117-135) '22-23 model
Boots: K2 MINDBENDER 100 '21-22 model
Bindings: MARKER KING PIN 13 '21-22 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
VECTER GLIDE FLOWER
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★☆☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★☆☆
Hard pack: ★★☆☆☆
Park: ★☆☆☆☆
Moguls: ★☆☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Situations in which it is often used:
I mainly use it in the backcountry, from powder conditions in the dead of winter to the granular snow season in spring.
Review:
These surf-like skis allow you to glide smoothly over the natural terrain of snowy mountains. With their highly maneuverable and lightweight construction, they are a product that anyone can enjoy.
Boots Review
K2 MINDBENDER 100
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Lower shell: ★★★☆☆
Upper: ★★☆☆☆
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★☆☆
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★★★
Touring: ★★★★★
●How easy is it to use the walk mode function?
It has a simple structure, so it is easy to operate and there are probably few problems.
●Situations in which you usually use them (season, location, conditions, etc.):
I ski in these boots all year round.
●Review
I choose boots with a soft flex. They allow me to use my ankles and provide good maneuverability, and the boot last width is set fairly wide, so they feel comfortable to wear.
Binding Review
MARKER KING PIN 13
●Impressions are rated on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★☆
Reliability: ★★★★★
Usability: ★★★★☆
Lightweight: ★★★★★
Climbing mode change operation: ★★★★★
Heel lifter operation: ★★★★★
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★☆☆
Hard pack: ★★☆☆☆
Park: ★☆☆☆☆
Moguls: ★☆☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Comment on how to use the walk mode function:
The binding itself is very lightweight, so you can walk easily on snowy mountains.
●Situations in which it is often used (time, location, conditions, etc.):
I use it in the backcountry.
●Review
I like how lightweight it is. It's easy to operate and moves quickly in the backcountry. It's also highly reliable as a pin binding, so you can use it with confidence.