Ski Gear Review 4FRNT,TECNICA,MARKER | Taiyo Nakanishi

Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Taiyo Nakanishi, who mainly skis in Hokkaido and creates video and photographic works using his favorite gear.

Taiyo Nakanishi's setup

Skis ①: 4FRNT Renegade 191cm (138-122-131) '21-22 model
Skis ②: 4FRNT HOJI 4-LOCK 184cm (128-112-120) '21-22 model
Boots: TECNICA COACHIS 130 '21-22 model
Bindings: MARKER KING PIN 13 '21-22 model

Ratings and reviews of each gear

Ski Review

①4FRNT Renegade

●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 conditions
and seasons: January to March
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): Backcountry areas throughout Hokkaido
Conditions: Powder

●Review
Features: Fast initial acceleration, these are incredibly fast skis.
Handling: Despite their width and length, they are easy to handle, and you can ski at high speeds even in tight tree runs without any problems.
Riding feel: The skis glide smoothly through deep powder without slowing down.
Weight: Considering their length and width, I think they are light skis.
Favorite points: Even in the deep conditions of Hokkaido's peak season, you can enter the turn at top speed from the very first turn. While they are undoubtedly powder-specific skis, they can also handle various conditions encountered in the backcountry, such as crusted snow and wet snow. Recommended for skiers who want to ski at high speeds and on free lines through deep powder.

②4FRNT HOJI 4-LOCK

●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 conditions and
seasons: December to June
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): Ski resorts such as Teine Highland and Rusutsu Resort, and backcountry areas throughout Hokkaido
Conditions: ALL conditions

●Review
Features: Lightweight and easy to handle.
Handling: The tail is stiffer than the previous model, providing strong grip even in the latter half of turns.
Favorite Points: This single ski can handle all conditions, from backcountry areas to groomed slopes within ski resorts, rough afternoon runs, and off-piste areas. The lightness of the skis affects not only climbing but also the ease of switching turns using uneven terrain off-piste.
It is especially recommended for skiers who want to handle various conditions with just one ski.
Graphics and Others: The 4-LOCK system devised by HOJI is simply outstanding. There are holes in the tail specifically for POMOCA, for fixing the skins, which not only prevents the skins from shifting or peeling off when climbing but also reduces weight because the skins can be shorter than usual. The skins won't peel off even if you insert the skis tail-first into the snow while waiting. It's a small detail, but being freed from minor stresses in the mountains is truly appreciated.

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Boots Review

TECNICA　COACHIS

●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:
Although the walk mode is included, I do not use it. I want to avoid problems such as forgetting to switch it back while skiing.

● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
All seasons, all conditions

●Review:
I've been using TECNICA exclusively for over 10 years. It has evolved year after year, and in recent years I have come to trust it so much that I have no further needs.
The walk mode switch lever has been updated, but I don't use it so I can't comment on its usability.
It has rigidity both vertically and horizontally, allowing me to transfer power to the board firmly even on rough slopes, and I feel confident because I can always transfer power to the board exactly as I intend, even when going at high speeds.
I like the good balance of having just the right amount of softness, which allows for smooth movements even in powder. I recommend it to those who use tech bindings and want to use it in various situations on the mountain and on the ski resort.

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Binding Review

MARKER KING PIN 13

● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★☆
Lightweight: ★★★★★
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:
You can easily switch between walk mode and alpine mode with just one lever.

● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
December to June, all conditions

●Review:
This model offers improved hold. Accidental releases are eliminated, allowing for confident use in various snow conditions.
Snow clogging of the toe piece is also gone, reducing stress on the mountain. While separate-type skis are said to offer better power transfer, this works perfectly fine for me. I
especially recommend this for those who primarily ski in the backcountry but occasionally use groomed slopes.

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Photo / Yasushi Shimanuki