We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they've been using to the fullest this winter.
This time, we'll be looking at the gear used by Hidemitsu Okada, who is involved in a variety of activities, including backcountry skiing, competitions, and filming.
Hidemitsu Okada, 32,
is currently active in the backcountry scene in Hokkaido. He placed 3rd in the JAPAN FREERIDE OPEN 2022.
Set up by Hidemitsu Okada
Skis: VOLKL REVOLT104 184cm (132-104-122) '22-23 model
Boots: DALBELLO KRYPTON 130 TI ID '22-23 model
Bindings: MARKER DUKE PT16 '22-23 model
Ratings and reviews for each gear
ski reviews
VOLKL REVOLT104
5 levels of impression of hardness (★1=soft←→★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale:
Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Usually used conditions:
When it snows above the shins, I use the REVOLT 121. I also use these skis in all other conditions, whether on backcountry or slopes.
●
The ride quality far exceeds what you would expect from the 104cm width spec. The best feature of this ski is the exquisite depth of the rocker. It creates buoyancy in powder, allowing for stress-free gliding. It also makes butter tricks easier. Rest assured that the depth of the rocker does not cause any flapping when gliding. This is one of my favorite skis. I recommend the binding mounting position.
boot reviews
DALBELLO KRYPTON 130 TI ID
●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: ★★★★☆
● Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
I never ski with any other boots. I use them in all situations.
Review:
You can ride powerfully without hesitation. The heat-moldable liner provides a perfect fit and warmth. I think these are the best freeride boots for use with tech bindings.
binding review
MARKER DUKE PT16
●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: ★★★★★
●Comments on the Walk Mode Function:
Of course, the "KINGPIN," a model from the same brand that is more specialized for hiking, allows for quicker mode changes, but even with the DUKE PT, I never felt any stress attaching or detaching the toe pieces. There's also almost no worry about snow clogging the snow.
● Common situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
I use the DUKE PT when I'm mainly doing tricks or in situations where I need a strong grip on hard snow.
●Review
When climbing, it has the comfort of a tech binding, and when gliding, it has the same great gliding feeling as a JESTER.