GREEN.LAB– Latest Models & Catalog | Brand Introduction –

The roots of GREEN.LAB

In 2004, GREEN.LAB was founded in the Minehara Plateau of Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, by Jiro Nakayama, who had been living a farming lifestyle in the mountains and centering his life around skiing on the local snow-covered mountains in winter. The impetus for its creation was a simple question about the resources right at his feet

Forests cover approximately 78% of Nagano Prefecture's land area. While many of these planted forests, including cedar, larch, and cypress, require thinning, they are not being fully utilized. The realization of these untapped resources led to the creation of snowboards. Turning their backs on the industry's reliance on imported timber, they create wood cores directly from the forests of Shinshu (Nagano). This practice is at the root of GREEN.LAB 

This is how "YAMAKI WOODCORE" was born. It is a wood core made from 100% domestic wood, mainly larch from Shinshu and cypress from Minami-Kiso. Cypress is lightweight and has a flexible rebound force, making it less tiring even during long rides. Larch is slightly denser and contributes to edge grip. GREEN.LAB understands these characteristics and uses them selectively for each model, carefully designing the riding feel of each. Furthermore, the fact that all products are produced in reliable domestic factories is another commitment that they will not compromise on

Utilizing thinned timber contributes to forest management, reducing CO2 emissions and preventing landslides. Properly maintained forests store plenty of snow, nurturing the powder snow of the next winter.

Forest management through the utilization of thinned timber and the practice of a sustainable lifestyle are the consistent philosophies that run through all of GREEN.LAB's products. Participating in this cycle through snowboarding—that is the essence of GREEN.LAB's "grassroots movement that makes the mountains happy."

Only 150 snowboards are produced worldwide each season, and each one is engraved with a serial number. These snowboards are far removed from mass production and are delivered from the mountains of Shinshu

Topics from the brands featured on the 26th and 27th

A completely new model "AK420" by Atsuhiko Kudo

The "AK420" is a completely new model that debuted in 26-27. The shape and artwork were created by Atsuhiko Kudo, a snowboarder based in Iwate who has been involved with GREEN.LAB for many years. Unlike commercially available boards, this is a board that embodies the rider's own will

It features a distinctive proportion with a short length of 151.5cm and a wide nose of 315mm. The shape is directional tapered, and it incorporates a rocker in the nose

This combination allows the significantly upturned nose to generate buoyancy in deep snow, while the tapered tail reduces contact with the snow surface, resulting in lighter and quicker turn transitions.

While the GRASSROOTS and daidarabocchi in the same lineup have a 20mm setback to ensure solid buoyancy, the AK420 has a 0mm setback and a more centered design. As a result, it can be handled naturally even with a forward stance, making it easy to use in a wide range of situations, from groomed slopes to the backcountry.

A versatile short fat snowboard that handles nimbly from groomed slopes to tree runs. The AK420 seems poised to open doors to skiing experiences you've never seen before

The wide-body powder skiing machine "GRASSROOTS 156"

With a waist width of 274mm, the number alone should convey the direction this board is designed for. The "GRASSROOTS 156" is a model in GREEN.LAB's lineup that maximizes the smooth "surface" of powder riding

The combination of a longer nose rocker and a wide waist creates a unique floating sensation, making the entire board seem to float on the snow. The shape is a double rocker with a 20mm setback.

Compared to the daidarabocchi 159.5, which also uses a double rocker and has a strong "don't sink" feeling, allowing the board to catch the snow even in deep powder without getting buried, the GRASSROOTS has an even wider waist, making it easier to gain buoyancy even at lower speeds. This board's unique specifications will broaden your riding possibilities.

The artwork was created by OZ-Otou-Yamaguchi Keisuke. He is a Nagano-based artist who is active on the world stage and is a highly skilled artist who also designed the poster for the Japan premiere of the film "Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning"

The "daidarabocchi 159.5" is an evolved version based on the Roots Mountain

The "daidarabocchi 159.5" is based on GREEN.LAB's standard model "Rootsmountain 157.5," but with further improvements in both buoyancy and maneuverability

By widening the waist by 1cm compared to the Rootsmountain, the contact area with the snow is increased, resulting in improved buoyancy. Furthermore, extending the nose by 2cm and making it sharper enhances gliding performance while reducing the amount of snow that digs into the surface. The shape is a double rocker + 20mm setback, and the basic design is the same as GRASSROOTS

However, the sidecut features a multi-radius design with 9/8.7/8.4/8.1 (a shape combining multiple radii of curvature), allowing the radius to change naturally from the entry to the exit of a turn. This gives the board a wide range of capabilities, from sliding control on gentle slopes to carving on steep slopes

The artwork is by ASA3000. Based in Omachi, he is an originator who works across the globe, creating live paintings and murals in various locations such as Brazil, India, and the United States. ASA3000's bold graphics make the artwork stand out even more in the field

This board is perfect for a wide range of riders, from those who want to go all out and attack the terrain to those who want to relax and cruise through the powder 

Reasons for repeatedly choosing GREEN.LAB

The riding experience provided by the cypress wood core is difficult to convey numerically, but it is undeniably present. Despite being lightweight, it has a responsive rebound that returns smoothly to pressure, and the board doesn't offer unnecessary resistance to your movements. Even in wet or heavy snow, the edges don't catch too much, and the feeling that the board moves naturally without having to use brute force directly contributes to reducing fatigue during long rides

The graphite sole (a custom-made sole from ACT GEAR with a 15% graphite content) is another noteworthy feature from a practical standpoint. It prevents dirt from adhering due to static electricity and provides excellent wax adhesion and durability

The reduced maintenance burden throughout the season is actually a significant advantage for weekend riders. The rust-resistant, domestically produced stainless steel edges also contribute to maintaining condition in adverse spring conditions

Given that it's a limited edition of only 150 pieces worldwide, comes with a serial number, and features a domestic wood core, graphite sole, and stainless steel edge, the price level is not particularly high for a product like this

It's like acquiring the entire philosophy of craftsmanship rooted in the mountains and forests of Shinshu. That's why I repeatedly choose GREEN.LAB

26-27 Digital Catalog

BRAND info

GREEN.LAB

HP URL:http://www.greenlab.jp.net/

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