Let's hear from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Ayana Onozuka, a mother of one who is still an active skier in the FREERIDE WORLD TOUR, about her favorite skis, boots, and bindings.
Ayana Onozuka, 34,
is a bronze medalist in the women's HP at the Sochi Olympics. Currently, she competes on the world stage with FREERIDESKI and, even as a mother of one, continues to push herself hard as a top skier. In the summer, she trains with SUP, and in the winter, she is involved in a wide range of activities, including promoting HP, training the next generation of skiers, and giving lectures at local elementary schools.
Ayana Onozuka's setup
Skis: ATOMIC Bent 110 180cm (133-110-124) 2022-2023 model
Boots: ATOMIC RED STER STI 130 2022-2023 model
Bindings: ATOMIC STRIVE 16 (release value 10 used) 2022-2023 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
ATOMIC Bent 110
●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: ★★★★★
●Frequently used situations
: Powder also used in FWQ HAKUBA
●Review:
The Benchtler series will be adding the 110 next season. In terms of ride comfort, it feels like it's right in between the previous 120 and 100, and it seems to be quite versatile. Until now, the 100 could be used for grooming and park riding, while the 110 felt a bit more suited to powder riding, closer to the 120. Also, a new binding called STRIVE will be released next season, and although it is considerably lighter than the previous STH, it has the same solid feel as the STH. To be honest, I'm riding a board that's quite over-specced for a woman. So, I think women should go down one size. The binding position is set to the manufacturer's recommended center position.
Boots Review
ATOMIC RED STER STI 130
●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.):
I use this model throughout the season when there are no skinning hikes.
●Review:
I've been using this model and flex for races, pipes, and up until now. However, the flex is quite stiff for most people, so if you choose this model, you might want to go for a lower flex. The reasons for choosing this model are its excellent responsiveness during turns and stability when landing jumps. The direct feedback to the skis, characteristic of racing boots, makes it easier to handle even in challenging snow conditions.
Binding Review
ATOMIC STRIVE 16
● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★★
Lightweight feel: ★★★★★
Operation feel of climbing mode change:
None Operation feel of heel lifter: None
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★★★★★
Moguls: ★★★★★
Touring: None
● Common situations where it is used (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
Throughout the season, excluding when taking photos.
●Review
: It combines the lightweight feel of SHIFT bindings with the stability of STH bindings. Despite being lighter, it provides a solid and reassuring feel in any situation. I particularly felt this at this year's FWQ Hakuba competition. In extremely tough conditions, the stability it offered despite being lighter was the best I've ever experienced with any binding. I would confidently recommend this to everyone.