Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Takeshi Kodama, a professional skier who travels the world skiing.
Takeshi Kodama, 47 years old,
has a lifelong goal of skiing not only in Japan but also in polar regions, high altitudes, and remote areas... to ski to every corner of the world. He launched a project called "Ride The Earth - A Journey of Skiing the Earth," traveling to snow-covered mountains around the world and publishing photo books.
Instagram>skiertake0728
Takeshi Kodama's setup
Skis: ATOMIC BACKLAND117 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
●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 conditions
and time of year: January to mid-March
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): All aspects of backcountry
Conditions: Powder, wet snow, crust, etc.
●Review
Features: This is Atomic's flagship backcountry model, boasting maximum buoyancy and performance.
Handling: Easy to control the tip and easy to maneuver, making it an easy ski to handle.
Riding Feel: The ski has good stiffness from the center to the tail, allowing it to glide smoothly, giving it a riding feel preferred by experts.
Weight: Extremely lightweight, making it ideal for backcountry touring.
Favorite Points: Lightweight for hiking, excellent buoyancy in powder, and capable of handling various snow conditions, making it an absolute favorite, especially in the backcountry.
Boots Review
ATOMIC HAWX PRIME XTD 130
●Impression of stiffness 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: ★★★★☆
of the walk mode function
Ease of use and operation
Ease of walking (range of motion): ★★★☆☆
● Common situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.)
Time of year: December to April
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): Ski resorts and long tours (hikes of 5 hours or more) BC
conditions: Not selected
●Review
Features: This model maximizes skiing performance while also offering climbing capabilities.
Operation: Simple and easy to use, with features like walk mode, and thoughtful buckles that are very useful in backcountry skiing.
Riding feel: Rigid yet flexible. Allows you to concentrate 100% on skiing.
Weight: A little on the heavier side for a dual-purpose boot.
Comfort: The inner liner fits wonderfully, and once you wear them, you'll be hooked.
Graphics and other details: A stylish design mainly in black. I really like it.
Favorite points: The fit is excellent, it's rigid, and the skiing performance will impress even experts. I'm simply amazed at how far dual-purpose boots have come.
Binding Review
ATOMIC SHIFT MNC13
● 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:
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 I think it is simple and easy to use right now.
Operability: ★★★★☆
Ease of walking (range of motion): ★★★★☆
● Commonly used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
Season: November to April
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): All types of skiing except for ultra-long-distance backcountry skiing
Conditions: All-around
●Review
Features: BC bindings that allow you to fully utilize the performance of your skis and boots. High safety and
riding feel: Stability comparable to alpine bindings. It brings out the performance of your skis, making groomed slopes more enjoyable.
Weight: Not ultralight, but at a level that is fine for use in almost all BC environments.
Fit: Easy to put on and take off, and accidental release is rare, making it an excellent binding.
Graphics and other features: Simple coloring and beautiful form.
Favorite points: These are backcountry bindings that allow you to concentrate 100% on skiing. I can't wear anything else now.