We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they've been using to the fullest this winter.
This time, we looked at the skis, boots, and bindings used by Masahiro Yamaki, aka "Yamaki-X," who travels around the world skiing big mountains.
Masahiro Yamaki, 46,
lives in Sapporo but is an all-conditions, all-area skier who wants to ski anywhere he can, including ski resorts, rural areas, and mountainous regions across the country. He launched his apparel brand, " New Ski Style ," during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's creating a buzz among fans.
Masahiro Yamaki's setup
Skis: BLIZZARD HUSTLE 11 180cm (139-112-129) '22-23 model
Boots: TECNICA COCHISE 120 '22-23 model
Bindings: Marker KINGPIN 13 (release value 12) '22-23 model
Setup Review
BLIZZARD's HUSTLE skis are a cross between a lightweight ski that's simply light and a solid, heavy ski that feels sturdy and powerful. They're not only lightweight, but also offer excellent swing balance when worn. As for the boots, I recommend them for those who enjoy backcountry skiing, which requires long walks, but also want to make speedy turns on steep slopes. They're easy to put on and take off, and incredibly comfortable while wearing them. Stress-free riding is important on long climbs, and I think this model excels in that area. The KINGPIN can be switched to walk mode with a single action, making switching from gliding mode to walk mode extremely easy. Raising and lowering the heel support is easy, but removing the skis requires two actions, which can be a bit of a hassle
Evaluation of each gear
Ski Review
BLIZZARD HUSTLE 11
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★☆☆
Park: ★★★☆☆
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Usual conditions for use
: Primarily used for powder skiing with climbing. From the start of the season to the big slopes in spring. Highly versatile, it can be used throughout the season.
Boots Review
TECNICA COCHISE 120
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Lower shell: ★★★★☆
Upper: ★★★★☆
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★☆☆
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: ★★★★☆
●Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
This pair of skis can handle a wide range of situations, from skiing on the slopes to backcountry skiing. It's also great for the rugged night skiing at Sapporo Bankei Ski Resort!
Binding Review
Marker KINGPIN 13
●Impressions are rated on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★☆
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Usability: ★★★★☆
Lightweight: ★★★★☆
Climbing mode change operation: ★★★★☆
Heel lifter operation: ★★★★★
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★☆☆
Hard pack: ★★☆☆☆
Park: ★☆☆☆☆
Moguls: ★★☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
● Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
Widely used from slopes to BC
