Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Hideaki Okada, who is active in various fields including competitions and filming, mainly in the backcountry, and shares his favorite gear.
Hideaki Okada, 32 years old,
is mainly active in the backcountry scene in Hokkaido. 3rd place in JAPAN FREERIDE OPEN 2022.
Hidemitsu Okada's setup
Skis: VOLKL REVOLT104 184cm (132-104-122) '22-23 model
Boots: DALBELLO KRYPTON 130 TI ID '22-23 model
Bindings: MARKER DUKE PT16 '22-23 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
VOLKL REVOLT104
●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:
When there is snowfall above the shins, I use the REVOLT121. I use this ski in all other conditions, whether on backcountry or groomed slopes.
●Review:
The riding experience far exceeds what you'd expect from a ski with a 104mm center width. The best feature of this ski is its exquisite rocker depth. In powder, it generates buoyancy, allowing for stress-free skiing. Butter tricks are also easier. Rest assured that the rocker depth doesn't cause any chatter while skiing. It's one of my favorite skis. I recommend the binding mounting position.
Boots Review
DALBELLO KRYPTON 130 TI ID
●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: ★★★★☆
● Common usage situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
I never ski in any other boots. I use them in all situations.
●Review:
You can ride powerfully without hesitation. The heat-moldable liner provides a perfect fit and warmth. I think it's the best freeride boot that can be used with tech bindings.
Binding Review
MARKER DUKE PT16
● 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:
Of course, the "KINGPIN," a model from the same brand that is more specialized for uphill hiking, allows for quicker mode changes, but I have never felt any stress when attaching or detaching the toe piece with the DUKE PT. There is also virtually no worry about snow getting stuck.
● Common situations where I use them (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
I use the DUKE PT when I'm mainly doing tricks or in situations where I need a strong hold in hard snow.
●Review
: When climbing, it offers the comfort of tech bindings, and when skiing, it has the best skiing feel like the JESTER.