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 professional skier Tsuyoshi Kodama, who travels around the world to ski.
Takeshi Kodama, 47 years old.
Not only in Japan, but also in polar regions, high altitudes, and remote areas... His lifelong goal as a skier is to ski to every corner of the world. He has launched a project called "Ride the Earth," visiting snowy mountains around the world and publishing a photo book.
Instagram> skiertake0728
Takeshi Kodama's setup
Skis: ATOMIC BACKLAND 117 191cm (141.5-117-130.5) '22-23 model
Boots: ATOMIC HAWX PRIME XTD 130 '22-23 model
Bindings: ATOMIC SHIFT MNC13 '22-23 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
ATOMIC BACKLAND117
●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: ★★★★★
Frequently used conditions
: January to mid-March
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain range, etc.): General backcountry
Conditions: Powder, wet snow, crust, etc.
●Review
features: This is Atomic's flagship backcountry model, boasting the greatest buoyancy and maneuverability.
Handling: It's easy to control at the top and has good maneuverability, making it an easy ski to use.
Ride: The skis have tension from the center to the tail, allowing them to move smoothly, making it a ride that experts will enjoy.
Weight: It's extremely lightweight, making it a great choice for backcountry touring.
Favorite points: It's light for hiking, has excellent buoyancy in powder, and is suitable for a variety of snow conditions, so I have absolute confidence in it, especially in the backcountry.
Boots Review
ATOMIC HAWX PRIME XTD 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: ★★★★☆
● Walk mode function usability and
operability: ★★★★★
Ease of walking (range of motion): ★★★☆☆
Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
Season: December to April
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain range, etc.): BC other than ski resorts and long touring (hikes of 5 hours or more)
Condition: Any
●Review
features: This model maximizes the ski's gliding performance while also adding climbing capabilities.
Operation: Simple and easy to use, with features such as a walk mode, and a clever buckle that makes it useful for backcountry skiing.
Ride feel: Rigid yet supple. Allows you to concentrate 100% on skiing.
Weight: A little on the heavy side for dual-purpose boots.
Comfort: The inner fit is excellent, and once you wear them you'll be hooked.
Graphics and other details: A sophisticated design primarily in black. I really like it.
Favorite points: The fit is excellent, the rigidity is good, and the gliding performance will impress even experts. I'm impressed that dual-purpose boots have come this far.
Binding Review
ATOMIC SHIFT MNC13
●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 works differently from other touring bindings, so it takes some getting used to, but the operation is simple and easy. There is only one level of climbing support, but it is just the right height for climbing at an angle that doesn't tire you out, so for now I think it is simple and easy to use.
Operability: ★★★★☆
Ease of walking (range of motion): ★★★★☆
● Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
Season: November to April
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain range, etc.): All skis except for ultra-long Ruling BCs
Condition: All-purpose
●Review
features: A BC binding that allows you to fully utilize the performance of your skis and boots. Highly safe and comfortable
ride: Stability comparable to alpine bindings. It brings out the performance of your skis, making the slopes fun.
Weight: Not super light, but at a level that can be used with almost all BCs without any problems.
Fit: Easy to put on and take off, and there is little chance of slipping off, making it an excellent binding.
Graphics and other: The coloring is simple and the form is beautiful.
Favorite points: A backcountry binding that allows you to concentrate 100% on skiing. I can't wear anything else now.