For free-roaming powder, choose BLASTRACK "ROC 100" or TESMA SKI "FLIPPER"? │26-27 New Model Comparison

The differences in the "feel" and "character" of skis cannot be fully understood from the spec numbers alone. This is the depth and enjoyment of choosing skis. Therefore, we've picked out two similar 26-27 model skis to highlight. Let's explore their individual characteristics based on user test ride reviews. Which one will you choose?

BLASTRACK “ROC 100” or TESMA SKI “FLIPPER”?

These two machines, with their unique structures and concepts, offer a completely new sensation even with powder

Model	D (Dimension)	R (radius)
ROC 100	D = 132 - 100 - 123 mm	R = 15.1m (176cm)
FLIPPER	D = 133.5 - 109 - 123.5 mm	R = 21m (178cm)

"ROC 100" is this kind of ski

The ROC100 is a new addition to the ROC series, which belongs to the core all-mountain category of BLASTRACK. It incorporates the powder riding performance cultivated in the brand's iconic ROC118 into an easy-to-handle 100mm waist. It features maximum buoyancy thanks to its full rocker structure and excellent trick performance. It can handle a wide range of conditions, from groomed snow to ungroomed terrain and spring snow, and can be enjoyed from surf-style riding to cruising on the slopes

Three people took a test ride. First up was Junichi Sato from "Parr Mark." He seemed impressed by the excellent handling after his test ride

Perhaps due to the flex balance, there's little power loss, and you feel like the power is being transferred firmly. The stability during turns and the ability to turn regardless of speed are also good.

You can carve along the radius, and you can also rotate and control it freely. I felt a high degree of freedom, playing around by hitting the terrain and walls. There

was almost none of the feeling of the tip becoming unstable when hit in hard snow, which is common with full rocker skis. The tail also has good edge grip, and you can ski with the feel of a carving ski.

The buoyancy is reliable, and it should be fine up to knee-deep powder. Above all, the swing weight is light, and the handling is incredibly nimble! It's easy to ski, so you don't get tired, which is great. It can handle a wide range of conditions, from groomed to ungroomed to sidecountry, so I would recommend it to anyone looking for a ski that can do everything. I think it's a ski that even someone trying full rocker for the first time can ski without feeling any discomfort.

Next, we have the impressions of user Yukihiro Fuyama

Despite its unusual design with a full rocker and 100mm waist, the ride is supple and smooth, without fighting against the snow surface. While there isn't much strong rebound, the tip and tail flex smoothly, resulting in smooth turns.

Although acceleration is modest, you can slide, carve, and turn with the edges in response to changes in the slope, and you can control

the board quickly and with light force, allowing you to appreciate the advantages of a full rocker. The edges grip well even on hard-packed snow, providing a sense of security. In fresh snow, it feels like you're sinking the board slightly and sliding while turning. It looks like it would be fun in powder and comfortable for tree runs.

On the other hand, the lack of stability characteristic of a full rocker might be a concern for those unfamiliar with it. I think it's best suited for people who like quick board control, sliding in powder, and the feel of a full rocker.

Finally, here is a comment from user Hiroshi Owada

It's very straightforward and easy to handle. It's easy to use, lightweight, and seems versatile and practical. With a 133mm tip, it should be good in powder as well. It's a little wobbly at high speeds, but stable. I would recommend this ski as one that can handle groomed slopes, powder, and sidecountry – perfect for those who want to do it all

"FLIPPER" is this kind of ski

Designed to suit the soft, deep snow of the Niseko area in Hokkaido, this ski pursues a three-dimensional skiing experience that goes beyond simply floating. The design generates buoyancy through length rather than width, and the flexible tip and gentle radius create a unique, smooth glide. It also features propulsion that utilizes the flex of the ski surface and a turning-like turning motion. The powder-specific waist is 109mm

The FLIPPER, with its "Shikerepeni Yellow" color named after the Ainu word "Shikerepeni," meaning phellodendron tree, evokes Ainu culture. Yu Oya of "Knot MOUNTAIN Gear" tried it out

"Swimming through the snow like a dolphin"—I was completely captivated by this entirely new sensation. As I surrendered myself to the deep snow, the moment my skis and my center of gravity synchronized with the snow, I experienced a freedom of movement I had never felt with skis before.

The secret to this不思議な感覚 (mysterious feeling) lies in the unique design of these skis. Although they are often thought of as telemark skis, given the image of their creator, world-renowned telemark skier Minoru Takanashi, who lives in Niseko, they are actually a ski that you should try with alpine skis, as they

embody the essence of skiing—controlling the skis by shifting your center of gravity. While most modern skis offer an automatic feel where the skis do the work automatically when you press down, the Flipper is the complete opposite. You can enjoy a manual feel, feeling the snow under your feet and enjoying the control. It's more like "riding" than "pressing down."

The bottom has a solid metal core, while the flex softens beautifully towards the edges. This structure creates a comfortable propulsion, like being pushed by a wave while surfing, the moment your center of gravity shifts perfectly into place.

Looking only at the large R number, you might imagine a difficult-to-handle, straight-line ski. However, when you actually ride it, those concerns are pleasantly dispelled. The combination of length and the supple grip underfoot creates a harmonious flex and tilt, allowing you to carve arcs exactly as you intend with surprising ease.

Unlike typical fat skis that rely on power to traverse the snow, the three-dimensional movement of floating out of the snow with the flex you apply is truly a 3D thrill. Because it allows for a comfortable line-taking style that's close to sideways riding, I highly recommend this ski to snowboarders who used to be skiers.

What we learned from the comparison

BLASTRACK and TESMA SKI. Both are purely Japanese brands that know Japanese snow inside and out. Both boards share the common feature of allowing you to freely play in powder and on terrain. The ROC 100 allows you to enjoy quick movements such as pivots and presses, taking advantage of its full rocker. On the other hand, the FLIPPER takes advantage of its length and soft flex to enjoy a flowing ride while digging into deep powder. Which one will you choose if you're diving into powder this winter?