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 Goro Ikeda, who is based in Sapporo (Jozankei) and Nayoro (Piyasiri).
Goro Ikeda, 42 years old
A telemark skier active mainly in the backcountry of northern and central Hokkaido. He skis on a variety of mountains, as well as in parks and on the street. He posts videos mainly on Instagram.
Instagram: @golow1000
Goro Ikeda's setup
Skis ①: WAPAN I (I) 180cm (148-122-135) '22-23 model
Skis ②: WAPAN RO (Ro) 181cm (136-105-126) '22-23 model
Boots: Scott Voodoo 130 '21-22 model
Bindings: 22designs AXL '21-22 model
Evaluation of each gear
Ski Review
①WAPAN I
●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: ★★★★★
●Usual usage situations:
From the beginning of the season (mid-December) to late February, mainly in the high-altitude backcountry in the northern and central Hokkaido areas (especially in deep snow), and on the slopes on days with heavy snowfall.
This review
is primarily based on use in deep snow. When switching skis with telemark skis like mine, the weight of the ski is concentrated on one point, resulting in a deeper sinking than with standard alpine bindings. With this i (I) ski, when the ski sinks into deep snow and the top of the board encounters resistance, the tail sinks in faster than with a standard ski and bites into the snow, giving you a stronger sense of buoyancy in the first half of the turn. Even when transitioning into a turn, you can maintain that buoyancy.
Rather than pivoting, you can ski with tail control, maintaining buoyancy even on slopes with many consecutive turns. Also, because the speed doesn't drop, the impression is that the tail is more centered and uses the rear, giving the ski a strong surf-like feel. The
solid camber underfoot and the listed 20m radius make the lightness of the turn less noticeable, allowing for consistent turning arcs and a truly enjoyable ride on groomed slopes first thing in the morning.
②WAPAN RO (Ro)
●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: ★★★★★
●Common usage situations
: Used throughout the season (backcountry and on slopes).
●
I used it throughout the review season. It offers outstanding maneuverability from backcountry to on-piste skiing (post-piste, powder, uneven terrain, etc.). The nose itself has a slightly stiffer flex, so you can ski without tip shaking even on packed snow or icy surfaces. Even in powder, the skis offer excellent maneuverability, with the softer camber and high-quality running surface making ski control extremely easy, while also promoting stability and landings on natural hits and shooting runs.
Boots Review
Scott voodoo
●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: None
Touring: ★★★★★
● Commonly used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
Backcountry skiing in central and northern Hokkaido at altitudes of 1,000 to 1,700 meters during the high season.
●How easy is it to use the walk mode function?
The shoe itself is very lightweight, provides a good hold in walk mode, and has a wide range of motion, making it very easy to operate (walk in).
●Review:
Telemark boots themselves have the image of being soft and difficult to maneuver, but the VooDoo's two-stage hold system (inner and shell) provides a firm hold while remaining comfortable like a trekking boot, reducing stress on the lower body while hiking. Even on the slopes, the boots reduce twisting and distortion during turns, improving maneuverability and making them easier to maneuver. The highback also provides a firm hold on the heel-free boots, making landings during jumps a challenge, allowing you to jump over large gaps and kickers without worry.
Binding Review
22designs AXL
●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: ★★★★★
●Situations in which it is often used (time, location, conditions, etc.):
All-around use outside of parks during the season.
●Comments on how the walk mode works:
The skis and boots feel like one piece, making it very easy to walk in. However, the connection between the ski and bindings is weak and causes some wobbling during kick turns.
●Review:
As well as being able to adjust the strength when heeling up, the boots have a firm hold, so they don't wobble around in the bindings (a common problem with heel-free boots), and they're easy to turn and stable.
Even when hiking, the heel lifter now has two levels, allowing you to select the lifter that suits the slope, reducing stress when walking and improving operability.
