We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they used to the fullest this winter.
This time, we looked at the gear used by Taiyo Nakanishi, who mainly skis in Hokkaido and leaves behind a legacy of film and photography.
Taiyo Nakanishi, 43 years old
I am a skier. I mainly ski in the Sapporo area, mainly for filming videos and photographs, and for events.
Instagram> Taiyonakanishi
Taiyo Nakanishi's setup
Skis ①: 4FRNT Renegade 191cm (138-122-131) '21-22 model
Skis ②: 4FRNT HOJI 4-LOCK 184cm (128-112-120) '21-22 model
Boots: TECNICA COACHIS 130 '21-22 model
Bindings: MARKER KING PIN 13 '21-22 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
①4FRNT Renegade
●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: ★★★☆☆
Frequently used conditions
: January to March
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain range, etc.): Backcountry areas throughout Hokkaido
Conditions: Powder
●Review
features: These skis have a fast initial speed and are simply fast.
Handling: They are easy to handle considering their width and length, and you can ski at high speeds even in tight tree runs without any problems.
Ride: The skis run smoothly even in deep powder without slowing down.
Weight: Considering their length and width, I think they are light skis.
Favorite points: You can enter at top speed from the first turn, even in the deep conditions of Hokkaido's high season. There's no doubt that these skis are designed specifically for powder, but they can also handle a variety of conditions, such as crust and wet snow, that you'll encounter in the backcountry. Recommended for skiers who want to ski at high speeds and take free lines through deep powder.
②4FRNT HOJI 4-LOCK
●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: ★★★★☆
Frequently used conditions
: December to June.
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain range, etc.): Teine Highland, Rusutsu Resort, and other ski resorts, as well as backcountry areas throughout Hokkaido.
Conditions: All conditions.
●Review
Features: Lightweight and easy to handle.
Operation: The tail is stiffer than previous models, providing strong grip throughout the latter half of the turn.
Favorite Points: This single ski can handle all conditions, from backcountry areas to groomed ski slopes at ski resorts, rough afternoon runs, and off-piste areas. The lightness of the ski not only makes it easy to climb, but also to easily switch turns using uneven surfaces off-piste. This ski is
especially recommended for skiers who can handle a variety of conditions with a single ski.
Graphics and Other: The 4-LOCK system, designed by HOJI, is simply outstanding. The tail features a hole specifically for POMOCA to secure the seals, preventing them from slipping or peeling off while climbing. It also allows for shorter seals than usual, reducing weight. The seals won't come off even when the ski is inserted tail-first into the snow when waiting. It's a small thing, but it's truly appreciated for being able to relieve stress on the mountain.
Boots Review
TECNICA COACHIS
●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 to use the walk mode function
Although the walk mode is included, I don't use it. I want to avoid problems such as forgetting to put it back on while skiing.
● Frequently used situations (time, place, conditions, etc.):
All seasons, all conditions
●Review:
I've been a loyal TECNICA member for over 10 years. It's evolved every year, and in recent years I've come to trust it so much I've had no trouble finding more.
The walk mode switch lever has been updated, but I don't use it so I can't comment on how easy it is to use.
It has vertical and horizontal rigidity, allowing you to transfer power to the board firmly even on rough runs, and even when charging at high speeds, you can always transfer power to the board as you want, so you don't feel uneasy.
It's moderately soft, so I like the good balance that allows for smooth movement even in powder. I recommend it to those who use tech bindings and want to use them in a variety of situations on the mountain or at the ski resort.
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: ★★★★★
●Usability of the walk mode function Comments:
You can easily switch between walk mode and alpine mode with just one lever.
● Frequently used situations (time, place, conditions, etc.)
December to June, all conditions
●Review:
This model has an improved grip. There's no more false release, so you can use it with confidence on a variety of snow conditions.
The toe pieces no longer get clogged with snow, so you don't have to worry about stress on snowy mountains. It's said that separate types have better transmission, but I have no problems with this. I
especially recommend it for those who mainly ski in the backcountry and occasionally on the slopes.
Photo / Yasushi Shimanuki