Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Gen Sasaki, who is based in Niseko and active in a wide range of scenes including park and freeride.
Sasaki, 26 years old
, leveraged his experience of running around the mountains of Niseko since childhood to be selected for the Japanese national freestyle skiing team, competing both domestically and internationally. He later switched to freeride skiing and is currently active in that sport. Throughout the year, he runs a guesthouse at "Bongo Hiroba" at the foot of Niseko.
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
●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:
Primarily used during the peak season (December, January, February) when there is abundant powder snow and when the snow is soft enough to cause skis to sink. Used in sidecountry and backcountry areas. Occasionally used in the park as well.
●Review:
This ski feels less like a ski for skiing in powder and more like a ski for performing freestyle maneuvers in powder. The ski is very light and easy to handle, and responds instantly to your movements. Being narrower than the BENT120, it makes it easier to perform intricate movements. This ski is recommended for those just starting out in freeriding.
Boots Review
ATOMIC HAWX ULTRAXTD 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: ★★★★★
●The Walk Mode function
is very easy to use; switching to it is instantaneous.
● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
It is used when climbing and skiing, regardless of the time of year.
●Review:
This was my first time using boots with a walk mode, and I was surprised by how easy they were to walk in. They're not only great for climbing, but also incredibly comfortable for walking in places like parking lots.
I recommend these boots to anyone who wants sturdy boots for both climbing and slipping.
Binding Review
ATOMIC SHIFT 13 MNC
● 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:
Switching from sliding mode to walking mode, and vice versa, is very easy and convenient.
● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
It is used when climbing and skiing, regardless of the time of year.
●Review:
This was my first time using SHIFT BINDINGS, and I was surprised at how easy they are to use. Anyone can operate them easily. Sometimes snow can get stuck when switching modes, making it difficult to switch modes, but it's not a problem once you remove the stuck snow. Before using them, I was worried that they might come off easily, but I tried doing big jumps on a day with deep powder, and they didn't come off upon landing. They are more reliable than I expected.
I recommend them to anyone who wants something solid for both skiing and climbing.