We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they've been using to the fullest this winter.
This time, we'll be looking at the gear used by Gen Sasaki, who is based in Niseko and enjoys a wide range of activities, from park riding to freeriding.
Gen Sasaki, 26,
has been racing around the mountains of Niseko since he was a child. Utilizing this experience, he was selected as a member of the Japanese freestyle skiing team and competed both domestically and internationally. He later switched to freeride skiing and is currently active in the sport. He runs a lodging at Bongo Square at the foot of Niseko all year round.
Gen Sasaki's setup
Skis: ATOMIC BENT 110 180cm (133mm_110mm_124mm) '22-23 model
Boots: ATOMIC HAWX ULTRAXTD 130 '21-22 model
Bindings: ATOMIC SHIFT 13 MNC '21-22 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
ATOMIC BENT 110
●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 usage situations:
Mainly used in the high season (December, January, February) when there is plenty of powder snow and when the snow is loose enough for the skis to sink, in the side country and backcountry. Occasionally used in the park as well.
●Review
Rather than skis for gliding through powder, I get the impression that these skis are for freestyle movements in powder. The skis are very light and easy to handle, and they instantly follow your movements. They are thinner than the BENT120, making it easier to make small movements. I recommend these skis for people just starting out in freeriding.
Boots Review
ATOMIC HAWX ULTRAXTD 130
●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: ★★★★★
●The walk mode function
can be switched in an instant, making it very easy to use.
● Common usage situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
Use when climbing and skiing, regardless of the season.
This was my first time using boots with a
review I recommend these boots to anyone looking for a sturdy boot for both sliding and climbing.
Binding Review
ATOMIC SHIFT 13 MNC
●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: ★★★★★
●Comments on how easy it is to use the walk mode function:
It is very easy to switch from gliding mode to walking mode and vice versa.
● Common usage situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
Use when climbing and skiing, regardless of the season.
●Review
This was my first time using the SHIFT BINDING, and I was surprised at how easy it was to use. Anyone can operate it easily. Sometimes it gets clogged with snow and makes it difficult to switch modes, but once you clear the snow out, it's no problem. Before using it, I was worried that it might come off easily, but even when I tried some big jumps on a deep powder day, it didn't come off when I landed. It's more reliable than I expected.
I recommend it to anyone who wants something that's solid for both sliding and climbing.