Photo/Masaru Kikuchi
Riders themselves 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 Takashi Endo, who is based in Zao, Miyagi and is also active as a coach for the national mogul team.
Sho Endo, 32,
former member of the Japanese national freestyle ski moguls team. He currently manages a sports facility and coaches the Japanese national moguls team.
He aims for smooth riding.
Instagram: @shoendo7
Endo Takashi's setup
Skis: Vector glide intimacy SE 188cm (140-110-130) '22-23 model
Boots: ATOMIC HAWX ULTRA 120 '22-23 model
Bindings: Marker Jester release value 13 '22-23 model
Ratings and reviews for each gear
ski reviews
Vector glide intimacy SE
5 levels of impression of hardness (★1=soft←→★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
5 levels of suitable scenes
Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★☆☆
Touring: ★★★★ ☆
Frequently used situations
Time: All seasons
Location (slopes, courses, ski resorts, mountain areas, etc.): All
Conditions: All
●Review
While it has a sense of stability, its excellent maneuverability is attractive. The performance that can be operated according to the intended image allows for a wide range of sliding, such as carving firmly and sliding depending on the situation. Especially since the binding position is closer to the center, you can hardly feel the weight when swinging. I especially like the stickiness and suppleness of the rocker in the nose and tail.
boot reviews
ATOMIC HAWX ULTRA 120
●Five levels of impression of hardness (★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.)
Season: All seasons
●Review
: The most important thing about these boots is their lightness. Despite their lightness, they are packed with the benefits of alpine boots. They move flexibly, allowing for smooth load distribution. Because they are light, they are easy to climb, even when jumping or hiking up with a backcountry without any issues. They are comfortable and provide a firm hold. You can enjoy both skiing and climbing.
binding review
Marker Jester
●Impressions are rated on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Usability: ★★★★☆
Lightness: ★★★★☆
●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.)
Time: All seasons
Conditions: Backcountry, from powder to groomed surfaces, and from bad snow to moguls.
●Reviews
One thing that can be said in common under various snow conditions is that the Jester is reliable in its ability to handle flex and twisting. It doesn't feel heavy. There is a certain amount of height from the snow surface, so it feels easy to step on the skis. I like the secure feeling of the boots snapping into place when putting them on. The overall simple color scheme leaves a good impression and doesn't get boring.