Different ways to "play" in the field. 4FRNT "HOJI" or BLIZZARD "CANVAS 108"? │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?

4FRNT "HOJI 4-LOCK" or BLIZZARD "CANVAS 108"?

With a waist width of around 110mm, what are the different approaches to riding offered by these two playful freeride bikes?

Model	D (Dimension)	R (radius)
HOJI 4-LOCK	D=128-112-120mm	R = 30m
CANVAS 108	D=139-108-127mm	R = 18m (180cm)

"HOJI 4-LOCK" is this kind of ski

The 4FRNT "HOJI," a hybrid model combining freeride and touring, is a signature model named after legendary skier Eric "Hoji" Hjorlefsson. At the top of the "ERIC HJORLEIFSON COLLECTION," which consists of four models for different purposes, it's a "dream powder ski" that can handle long climbs while offering stable performance regardless of snow conditions

The person who test-rode this model was Naoki Hara of "VIVOBAREFOOT," who is a big fan of the same model

The tail has good stiffness, and it's impressive how it holds on even in the latter half of a turn. It's strong underfoot, and allows for smooth control of the tip and tail. In addition, it has strong torsional rigidity, making it easy to maintain stability and weight retention when edging. It has solid rigidity and torsion underfoot, while the tip is somewhat flexible and the tail is stiff. I felt that the center-driven flex balance is a characteristic feature.

The R value is high, but its variability is a key feature, and it gives the impression that you can freely control it from short to long depending on how you operate it. At low speeds, it's loose and easy to handle, and it's easy to turn, while at high speeds the rigidity of the center comes into play, providing stability to the line and holding on in the latter half of the turn.

Furthermore, it can be moved quickly and nimbly in powder and on terrain, and on rough snow surfaces, it absorbs shocks with the entire board while maintaining stability, making it a highly adaptable and capable ski whose behavior changes greatly depending on the snow quality and conditions.

Based on a full rocker, it generates buoyancy while following the snow surface, and it's impressive that it feels like the entire board, not just the nose, is on the snow surface. I felt that the tail had a smooth release.

The swing weight is extremely light, giving it a nimble feel that belies its length. Once you start skiing, the rigidity underfoot is effective, eliminating instability and resulting in a solid, stable ride. I was particularly impressed by the quick initial acceleration; it accelerates naturally without needing to push hard, and I especially like how easy it is to pick up speed even on gentle slopes.

I recommend it for backcountry skiers who enjoy powder and changing terrain and snow conditions. On open slopes, it's easy to carve big, high-speed turns, and in trees and complex terrain, its lightness and high maneuverability allow for a high degree of freedom in skiing. Rather than focusing on carving with strong edge grip on groomed snow, I felt that the true performance of this ski is best brought out by a style of skiing that changes depending on the snow surface conditions.

"CANVAS 108" is this kind of ski

The CANVAS series is a new addition to BLIZZARD, emerging in a different context from the titanium-based, high-rigidity freeride boards that BLIZZARD has traditionally excelled at, and taking on a new realm of playful freeride. Along with the 100 and 118 center width models, the 108 is the core model, designed to ensure buoyancy in powder while also accommodating terrain play and aerials. It delivers a smooth and highly free ride, treating the snow surface as a canvas. This board symbolizes the shift towards freeride that emphasizes play and is positioned as a new cornerstone for the brand

Ria Yoshida of "Paddle Club" calls the model a "rising star."

While it has a substantial weight, the rigidity of the center provides stability, and the flexibility of the top and tail coexists in a well-balanced manner. As a result, you feel the stability from the weight while maintaining high maneuverability, allowing for deep carving even at high speeds and adapting to various terrains. Overall, it's a high-spec board.

Although it's on the longer side, it's easier to maneuver than its radius suggests, and it's easy to handle with smooth sliding at the start of turns. The camber underfoot provides clear edge grip, allowing you to confidently push down even on uneven terrain. In the latter half of a turn, as the edge grip loosens, the tail becomes easier to move, highlighting its high level of control.

In powder, it has high buoyancy, with the top naturally lifting, and the turn exit is smooth, resulting in superb maneuverability.

While it has a freestyle-oriented concept unlike anything before, it's a rising star model that retains the stability and sharpness that are characteristic of Blizzard.

User Junichi Wada seemed surprised by the discrepancy between the product and the brand image

I do freeride and even do cliff jumps in the Hakuba backcountry. For someone like me, the "Canvas 108" gives the impression of being a highly maneuverable, versatile model with great freedom of movement.

First of all, it was easy to handle despite being on the wider side. It has a decent level of stability and seems capable of handling any terrain, jumps, or situation. The brand's "Rustler" has the ability to push through any rough terrain, but this feels like a softer version of that. However, this one is far easier to handle. It's easy to turn and you can carve with it. It seems like you can have fun skiing both on and off the groomed slopes. It's

a refreshing change from Blizzard, which has a strong image of being stiff. The name comes from how to have creative fun on a snow surface that is likened to a pure white canvas. It seems especially suitable for people who want to use it all-mountain rather than just for specific terrain, and for those who only own one pair of skis.

What we learned from the comparison

These two playful skis are perfect for everything from groomed snow to powder, navigating resort terrain, and backcountry tours. The HOJI 4-LOCK features a full reverse camber design with Multi-Radius Rocker for buoyancy and pivot performance, plus a unique 4-LOCK system that makes it suitable even for uphill riding

On the other hand, the newly released CANVAS 108, with its twin-tip design and lightweight construction, is strongly geared towards freestyle riding, allowing you to freely enjoy slashes, smears, and airs. Which one best matches your riding style and preferences?