SMITH Hidemitsu Okada x Ayana Onozuka | SKIER'S TALK ROOM -Let's talk about gear-

"Let's talk about gear. It might help you get better quickly."

Everyone has their own way of improving at skiing. While hard practice is of course important, using your favorite gear will also help you improve. So how do you choose your gear? We gathered together some of the most skilled riders at the forefront of skiing, from various manufacturers, to answer this question

This time, we spoke with Hidemitsu Okada and Ayana Onozuka, two familiar faces from STEEP, about SMITH goggles. They will tell us about the benefits of SMITH goggles, which can be used in even harsher natural environments, such as backcountry and freeriding

I want more people to know about the quality of Smith goggles - Hidemitsu Okada

Ayana Onozuka (hereinafter Onozuka): When I started competing in the US, the helmet I had been using was against the competition regulations, so I bought a Smith helmet there. After that, with support, I also started using goggles, first the spherical lens "I/O", then the flat lens "SQUAD", and now I use the magnetic lens-interchangeable "SQUAD MAG".

Hidemitsu Okada (hereinafter Okada): I've been using Smith goggles since I was in the fifth grade of elementary school, so to me, they're the only goggles I have. In the backcountry, I use the "4D MAG," which has a lens shape somewhere between spherical and flat, giving me an overwhelmingly wide field of view. It makes it easy to see my hands and chest, making it easy to prepare my gear. When skiing, the information I get from my field of vision is important. It helps with risk management. But when I'm skiing on the slopes, I use the cool-looking "SQUAD MAG."

With MAG, you don't need spare goggles - Ayana Onozuka

Onozuka: The great thing about MAG is that you can change the lenses with just one touch, so you don't need to carry a spare pair of goggles. You can change the lenses while wearing the goggles, and the locking mechanism means there's no need to worry about the lenses coming off due to impact.

Okada: It's also easy to wipe the lenses when it becomes difficult to see.

Onozuka: Because they're Asian fit, the frames fit my face perfectly and the base of my nose doesn't stand out. I also like the wide field of view and the sharpness of the ChromaPop lenses.

Okada: High-contrast lenses for overseas markets tend to have darker colors. In that respect, ChromaPop is suited to Japanese eyes.

Onozuka: Chroma Pop now comes in Storm Amber lens color. It's clear but slightly yellowish, which is really convenient when the weather is bad.

Okada: Yes, that lens is revolutionary. If you have a photochromic lens, you can use it in a wide range of weather conditions, but when visibility is poor, like in a blizzard, you should use Storm Amber.

Onozuka: I used to use clear lenses when visibility was poor in the halfpipe, but the light was too bright. Since Storm Amber came out, this has been my only choice.

Okada: There are even models that come with spare lenses. So I recommend the photochromic and storm amber combo model. Even though they are expensive, I think they're worth the price. I want more people to know about the quality of Smith goggles.

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Text＝Chiho Kuriyama

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