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 used by Toru Kawaguchi, who primarily films on big mountains in Hokkaido and Canada.
Toru Kawaguchi, 37 years old,
has been competing in freestyle ski contests both domestically and internationally since his 20s, while also creating videos with his friends under the name "mighty jamming film works." His interest in filming led him to explore the backcountry, and he became captivated by snow-covered mountains and nature, expanding his field of activity to mountains all over the world. He currently continues to film with "Heart films." He is also active as a THE NORTH FACE Athlete, involved in the production of VECTOR GLIDE skis, and lives a sustainable snow lifestyle in Hokkaido.
Toru Kawaguchi's setup
Skis: VECTER GLIDE FLOWVER 180cm (140-117-135) '22-23 model;
Boots: K2 MINDBENDER 100 '21-22 model;
Bindings: MARKER KING PIN 13 '21-22 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
VECTER GLIDE FLOWER
●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: ★★★★★
● Common Usage Situations:
I mainly use this in the backcountry, from powder conditions in the dead of winter to the spring granular snow season.
●Review:
These surf-like skis allow you to glide smoothly along the natural terrain of the snowy mountains. With their highly flexible handling and lightweight construction, anyone can enjoy skiing with these skis.
Boots Review
K2 MINDBENDER 100
●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: ★★★★★
●Ease of use of the walk mode function
: Its simple design makes it easy to operate, and I think there will be few problems.
● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
I ski in these boots all year round.
●Review:
I chose boots with a soft flex. They allow for good ankle movement and maneuverability, and the boot's last width is set to be fairly wide, making them comfortable to wear.
Binding Review
MARKER KING PIN 13
● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★☆
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★☆
Lightweight feel: ★★★★★
Ease of operation of climbing mode change: ★★★★★
Ease of operation of heel lifter: ★★★★★
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point
scale Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★☆☆
Hard Pack: ★★☆☆☆
Park: ★☆☆☆☆
Moguls: ★☆☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Comments on the usability of the walk mode function:
The binding itself is very lightweight, so you can walk easily on snowy mountains.
● Common usage situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
I use it in the backcountry.
●Review:
I really like how lightweight it is. It's easy to handle, moves quickly in the backcountry, and is reliable as a pin binding, so I can use it with confidence.