With spring approaching, manufacturers are announcing new models for the 2024-25 season one after another at exhibitions and test ride events. We spoke to Ogasaka Ski, a long-established Japanese manufacturer with a long history and high technical capabilities, about the BLASTRACK skis at JSP SNOW EXPO JAPAN 2024 (held February 13-14, 2024 at Pacifico Yokohama)
For the 2024-2025 season, the components and balance of six models have been changed!
For the 2024-2025 season, the six models in the BLASTRACK lineup have undergone changes to the materials used in the internal structure of the skis, resulting in a new balance. While the external shape, such as the outline of the shape, remains unchanged, the internal tuning has resulted in a significant update to the handling and ride feel
When we asked Kinoshita, a member of the BLASTRACK development team, about the changes to the components, he revealed that they are primarily glass fiber. BLASTRACK's development engineers consider the components to be the second most important material after the ski core. Compared to the current model, next season's model uses glass fiber that is slightly stronger in the bending and twisting directions
This is because, as a manufacturer, they are always striving to improve the performance, stability, and enjoyment of skiing. By changing the material, they test performance and riding comfort on the snow every day, and the conclusion they came to is to use strong glass fiber for next season
Also, in early spring, the snow inevitably becomes loose, so to allow skiers to enjoy the season for as long as possible, the rigidity of the skis has been increased to ensure stability even on rough runs, allowing them to enjoy skiing with confidence. Increasing the rigidity naturally affects maneuverability, and generally makes it slightly more difficult to initiate turns, but with BLASTRACK, maneuverability is still important, even while increasing the rigidity. To achieve this, the balance has been changed. Because the way a ski flexes changes depending on its thickness, it is said that adjusting the thickness of the skis in parts is an effective way to change the balance. By making such exquisite adjustments to the balance, the desired ride feel for each model has been achieved
At first glance, it may seem like the only change is the graphics, but the internal tuning has been updated, making the 2024-2025 model even more advanced. We asked him to introduce some of the most noteworthy models from the 2024-2025 season
The fully redesigned "MASSIVE106」
The MASSIVE106 is a highly popular version of the MASSIVE116, which is easy to handle even in deep powder, but with a narrower waist and a mid-fat profile of 106mm, making it our top pick for the 2024-25 season
This all-mountain bike can be used for everything from powder to backcountry, carving on the slopes, and park riding
The reason for this full model change is that the flex balance has been revised, with increased rigidity especially in the nose. Changes to the construction materials have also been made, providing high stability and maneuverability even on rough runs and hard snow surfaces. In powder, the skis offer solid buoyancy while still allowing for quick turns, making them ideal for tree runs after a snowfall. On packed runs, the skis offer high-speed, sharp turns, making cruising down the slopes a joy
The graphics are also based on snowy mountains, with a soft and gorgeous texture. This one ski can be enjoyed in all sorts of situations over the long season, making it perfect for the most demanding skier
The reborn BLAZER series has improved precision for even greater applications
The BLAZER series consists of three models: the all-round "BLAZER," the "BLAZER TOUR" for touring skiing, and the even lighter "BLAZER LT." All three models have undergone a full redesign for the 2024-2025 season. The graphics have been completely redesigned, but the internal structure has also undergone major changes. While the outline of the shape remains the same as previous models, the internal components have been changed and the flex balance adjusted. This has resulted in a change in the ride feel
Featuring a 97mm waist width and a long nose, the BLAZER is an all-rounder that can handle everything from slopes to backcountry, powder to groomed runs, and now it has better edge grip and stability at high speeds. Now you can fly with confidence in a variety of situations, allowing you to enjoy more aggressive skiing than ever before
The "BLAZER TOUR" is lightweight yet more stable, preventing the skis from flapping even on rough slopes and improving the comfort of the skis. It combines the maneuverability and gliding performance that are the mission of a touring model at a high level. Furthermore, the ultra-lightweight "BLAZER LT" has increased grip underfoot and improved power transmission for improved control. While retaining the benefit of its surprising lightness, which makes it less tiring to climb for long periods of time, it has also achieved a welcome evolution with improved gliding performance
「FARTHER now available in a new length of 178cm
The classic BLASTRACK model "FARTHER" is a masterpiece that the development team has been putting their all into. It was extremely well-received last season, with everyone naming it "the bike they want to ride." The 2024-2025 season model adds a new size of 178cm
There is a lot of confidence that this bike will be easy to ride in the coming spring, when there will be little snow, from bad snow to granular snow. In fact, the FARTHER was apparently the most popular model at the Dream Gate test ride event held in Naeba on March 17th and 18th
Check out BLASTRACK's backcountry poles
One of the hot topics for the 2024-2025 season is the backcountry poles, which were developed in collaboration with the prestigious pole brand SHINANO
The first feature is the T-glip grip. It fits naturally to the palm of your hand, making it easy to grip, and the wide T-shaped surface makes it easy to transfer force, making it extremely easy to climb. It is said to be stress-free even after two or three hours of continuous climbing. It has a three-section structure, and all three sections are made of high-strength aluminum, making it extremely durable. The locking section is a fast lock, making it easy to use, and it combines reliable strength with convenient lightness. Of course, when you're ready to ski, you can fold it up compactly and store it in your backpack
If you have BLASTRACK skis, you'll definitely want to get matching poles
BLASTRACK 24-25 New Model TEST RIDE
BLASTRACK's annual test ride event for next season's 2024-2025 models started on February 15th, but there are still more locations where it will be held after this. All of these are chances to test ride the hot new models for free. All test rides are free. The event times vary at each venue, so please check the official website
| Event Schedule | venue |
| March 23rd (Sat) - 24th (Sun), 2024 | Madarao Kogen Ski Resort |
| April 6th (Sat) - 8th (Mon), 2024 | Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort |
| 2024 ・March 21st (Thursday), 28th (Thursday) , April 4th (Thursday) | Sapporo International Ski Resort |
| April 12th (Friday) - 14th (Sunday), 2024 | Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort |
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https://www.blastrack.jp/news/
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Official website: https://www.blastrack.jp/
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