Ski Gear Review: VECTOR GLIDE, OMNIS, MARKER | Edited by Makoto Asakawa

Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Makoto Asakawa, who continues to snowboard in Asahikawa, Hokkaido.

Makoto Asakawa's setup

Skis: VECTER GLIDE INTIMACY 188cm (140-110-130) '22-23 model
Boots: OMNIS PRO '22-23 model
Bindings:MARKER DUKE PT 12　'22-23 model

Ratings and reviews of each gear

Ski Review

VECTER GLIDE INTIMACY

●Rate the perceived stiffness on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆

●Rating the featured scenes on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★★
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: ★★★★★

● Commonly used conditions
and seasons: All seasons
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): Ski resorts around Asahikawa & Daisetsuzan mountain range
Conditions: All conditions, from groomed slopes to powder snow

●Review
Features: Available in two sizes, 188cm/140-110-130 and 180cm/137-106-120. Both offer a flexible flex derived from NaturalWood & G-FRP, making them enjoyable for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Handling: Features a well-defined nose and tail rocker. Turn entry is smooth, and the easily flexed shape allows for smooth exit at the end of turns. The board responds well to the rider's intentions, allowing for natural and intuitive control.
Riding Feel: Contrary to its freestyle-oriented appearance, it allows for aggressive carving on groomed slopes. It also offers ample buoyancy in powder snow and has elements for park riding, making it easy to adapt to a variety of terrains in the backcountry.
Weight: While the board isn't particularly light, this contributes to its stability, and there's none of the chatter typical of rocker shapes. You'll likely select bindings based on your intended use, but ideally, choose a separate type to maximize the board's flex.
Favorite features: As the name "Intimacy" suggests, it's an all-rounder that anyone can enjoy. Its exquisite balance and carefully designed shape expand the possibilities of how to enjoy skiing. I've only used the Intimacy since I got it in February of this season, which is proof that it can be used in all situations.

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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: ★★☆☆☆

●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 (season, location, conditions, etc.):
All seasons, all conditions, mainly used at Kamui Ski Links.

●Review
Features: The simple design and moderate flex make it suitable for a wide range of skiers. An all-around boot that handles various conditions from groomed slopes to sidecountry.
Handling: Power is transferred well to the skis, and the upper shell has a wide range of motion, allowing you to instantly adapt to changes in slope and snow conditions and control your skis.
Riding Feel: The well-fitting inner boot and resilient shell balance allow you to firmly mount your skis.
Weight: It's an average weight for an alpine boot. You might feel the weight a little when using it with skis like the Daymaker for backcountry trips, but in other situations, the weight isn't a source of stress.
Comfort: It's not a climbing boot with a walk mode, so it's recommended for skiers who prioritize downhill riding.

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Binding Review

MARKER DUKE PT 16

● 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.):
All seasons, all conditions, mainly used at ski resorts around Asahikawa.

●Review
Features: The system of detaching the toe piece to switch between climbing and skiing modes is refreshing. It's as light as a tech binding when climbing, and becomes a normal separate binding when skiing.
Handling: Unlike touring bindings where the front and rear are connected by a plate, the separate design allows for better board flex and utilizes the board's inherent characteristics.
Riding feel: There's a slight weight to the toe piece, but conversely, it makes it easier to drop the tip, allowing for earlier transitions in the first half of turns and easier tail sliding. Depending on the board used, it allows for easy maneuverability and a pleasantly loose feel.
Weight: The overall weight doesn't feel heavy, but the toe piece must be placed in a backpack when in climbing mode. There are two release values, 12 and 16, but the 12 model doesn't feel heavy enough to be stressful.
Fit: It's just like a normal separate binding, providing a secure hold and a sense of security. The pins are easy to insert into boots when climbing, making it easy to use even for first-time users.

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