If you're looking for style, should you go for the WAPAN "RO" or LINE "PANDORA 106," or perhaps the VECTORGLIDE "INTIMACY SE×JS"? │26-27 New Model Comparison

The differences in the "feel" and "character" of skis cannot be fully understood from the specifications alone. This is the depth and enjoyment of choosing skis. Therefore, we have picked out three notable 26-27 model skis that are similar to each other. Let's decipher their individual characteristics based on user test ride reviews

WAPAN "RO" or LINE "PANDORA 106"? Or perhaps VECTORGLIDE "INTIMACY SE×JS"?

These three bikes are versatile freeride bikes with a waist width of 105-106mm. While all of them have a strong freestyle element..

Model	D (Dimension)	R (radius)
RO	D=136-105-126mm	R = 19m (181cm)
PANDORA 106	D=134-106-125mm	R = 18.4m (183cm)
INTIMACY SE×JS	D=137-106-120mm	R = 22.7 m (180 cm)

"RO" is this kind of ski

The "RO" is an all-mountain model with a center width of 105mm, positioned between the 122mm powder freeride model "I" and the 90mm freestyle and park model "HA". It features a combination of rocker and camber, and a small radius of R16m for easy handling. It's versatile enough for groomed snow, powder, parks, and tree runs, allowing for playful riding. Its lightweight design also makes it suitable for long spring tours. Three graphic options are available

First up was Tatsuya Fujita from "Ski Pro Shop Azumino," who took it for a test ride. He seemed to have a good idea of ​​where he'd like to ride it

Wapan, a Japanese-made all-mountain freeride board. What immediately catches the eye is its impactful graphic design. The Japanese patterns drawn by Japanese artists are very delicate and beautiful. Yet, the riding feel is pop American? Lightweight and easy to handle, anyone can enjoy riding the Wapan RO (mouth).

The brand's atmosphere may give the impression that it is for advanced riders or a bit of a niche brand, but this extremely lightweight board is actually recommended for beginners and intermediate riders as well. You can ride it on a whim and it's perfectly fine.

The waist of around 100mm is a volume zone where various manufacturers compete, so each company's board has its own unique riding feel, but this board with its straightforward riding feel is a broad board that allows riders to find their own way to enjoy it, regardless of their skill level or how they use it.

Personally, I would like to play with the RO in the light snow areas of Hokkaido, Tohoku, and northern Nagano prefecture, or on backcountry touring in early spring!

It seems that the striking Japanese patterns resonated with the sensibilities of user Yuta Nakazato

My first impression of these skis is that they are lightweight and easy to handle, with no sharp edges, making them intuitively easy to ride. However, even after riding them for a while, that initial impression remains.

I think they are designed more for freeriding on groomed slopes and park riding rather than high speeds or competitive scenes. They have a solid construction and feel tough enough to withstand hard use on rails and other tricks in the park. I felt they are suitable for freeskiiers who want to have fun skiing, mainly in the park and freeriding.

Because they are lightweight and easy to handle, I think they can be used by skiers of all skill levels.

The Japanese-style graphics really appeal to Japanese sensibilities. I think these are worth buying just for the design. Because they don't have any sharp edges, I think they are perfect for people who want to enjoy a well-balanced experience.

"PANDORA 106" is this kind of ski

LINE's women's freeride line, PANDORA, transcends the boundaries of traditional women's-only skis, evolving into an all-mountain model that can be intuitively handled by skiers of a wide range of skill levels. While the slimmer models like the 85, 92, and 99 are suited for on-piste conditions, the 106 is the most powder-oriented in the series, prioritizing buoyancy and stability. With its light and agile handling, it's suitable for everything from everyday use to deep snow. Its neon-city-inspired design is also a distinctive feature

Keiji Takagi of OFF-1, who test-rode this product, gave it high praise, saying, "It makes skiing more fun."

Despite its 106mm waist, it offers incredible grip, light handling like a twin-tip, and a glimpse of Kabukicho scenery descending upon the snow (lol).

Neither too stiff nor too soft, it has just the right amount of flex, responding well in both relaxed and firm positions, while the smaller radius provides a sharp grip underfoot.

As a directional board, the center-mounted design and rocker make for a light swing, smooth slides and precise maneuvers, and I felt absolutely no stress.

Buoyancy is also excellent. Overall, it's easy to handle and recommended for resort-oriented riders and those looking to try fat snowboards. Especially for those who have previously ridden park-oriented twin-tips, this board offers a ride that feels like a twin-tip with added freeride capabilities, making snowboarding even more enjoyable.

User Shintaro Furuya calls the machine "Haruyuki's strongest machine."

Perfect for those who want to enjoy skiing on spring snow or who want a single ski that can handle anything. It's also a great choice for your first pair of fat skis.

The nose and tail are slightly soft, but the underfoot is firm and provides stability even at high speeds. It's incredibly fun to bounce and charge through soft, bumpy slopes, adapting to the terrain!

It's not the lightest ski to handle because of its size, but it seems capable of decent use in the park as well. With just this one ski, you're sure to have a great companion from the start to the end of the season!

"INTIMACY SE×JS" is this kind of ski

The "INTIMACY" is themed around "the possibilities of lines born from an intimate relationship with skis." In contrast to the powder-specialized "GENIUS" and the park-oriented "BUTTERKNIFE" in the same fat ski category of VECTORGLIDE, the INTIMACY is a standard model that can handle any scene. This model retains the versatility of the regular model, but as a "Special Edition" supervised by riders, the finish and material balance have been optimized, allowing you to enjoy free expression while drawing sharper lines

Comments from Masayuki Saito, a user who test-drove the car and has already placed an order

My absolute favorite skis have been updated this season, and I've already tried them out and pre-ordered them!

The dimensions are perfectly balanced, meeting all the demands of freeriding, from aggressive riding to jump tricks using the terrain.

The carving performance is outstanding. The feeling of firmly gripping the edge from the nose and angling during turns is pure bliss. I absolutely love how the swing weight is surprisingly light, allowing for buttering movements and park riding with ease.

This latest model has evolved to have a softer flex. The underfoot is firm, while the nose and tail are more flexible, making turns easier and allowing for freer movement.

The graphics, a collaboration with Jazzy Sport, are also cool! These are the best skis that let you feel the beat and vibe of music.

What we learned from the comparison

The RO is lightweight and highly maneuverable, making it easy to enjoy everything from tree turns to tricks. The PANDORA 106 offers a good balance of buoyancy and stability, making it a reliable all-rounder that performs well in any condition. On the other hand, the INTIMACY utilizes its softer flex to create your own unique lines in turns and tricks. The freedom to move around, the freedom to ride in any condition, the freedom to express yourself—even though it's all freedom, how you enjoy it depends on the rider