Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear about the skis, boots, and bindings that Kenji Kono, who mainly operates in Nozawa Onsen, uses.
Kenji Kono, 39 years old,
is a former member of the Japanese national ski cross team. He serves as the chairman of the Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association and is also the development manager for Vector Glide. During the green season, he promotes outdoor activities such as SUP and tree camping, and continues to convey the charm of Nozawa Onsen throughout the four seasons.
Kenji Kono's setup
Skis: Vector glide Cordova Metal 190cm (120-85-110) '22-23 model;
Boots: Omnis pro F120 '22-23 model;
Bindings: Marker JESTER 16 ID (release value 10) '22-23 model
Setup Review
The metal embedded in the skis dampens vibrations, and stability increases with speed. Even in situations where the skis would normally chatter at high speeds, they offer exceptional stability, feeling as if they're glued to the snow. These skis inspire absolute confidence on hard-packed snow.
The boots have a softer upper shell compared to the lower shell, allowing for a wide range of motion while maintaining sharp turns. Therefore, they're a versatile boot that adapts well to various conditions, including backcountry skiing. I ski in a variety of situations, from groomed slopes to the backcountry, but I use these boots year-round.
The bindings offer excellent hold and allow for beautiful ski flex, so I use JESTER bindings for all my skis except in the backcountry.
Evaluation of each gear
Ski Review
Vector glide Cordova Metal
●Please rate the perceived stiffness on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★★☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★★☆
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
Powder: ★★★☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard Pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★☆☆☆☆
Moguls: ★☆☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★☆☆
Boots Review
Omnis Pro
●Impression of hardness on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→★5=hard)
Lower shell: ★★★☆☆
Upper: ★★★★☆
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard Pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★☆☆
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: ★★☆☆☆
● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
All times of year, locations, and conditions. Omnis Pro only throughout the season.
Binding Review
Marker JESTER 16 ID
● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★★
Lightweight feel: ★★☆☆☆
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: None
●The situations you frequently use (season, location, conditions, etc.):
ski slopes, groomed areas, sidecountry
