Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Koga Hoshino, who competes in freeride skiing competitions, films on the streets, and energetically releases his work every year.
Koga Hoshino, 24 years old
He is based in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture. He is also an international rider for Faction Skis. The videos he consistently posts on Instagram are highly popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
instagram>koga hoshino
Hoshino Kouga's setup
Skis: FACTION Mana4 184cm (144-119-137) '22-23 model
Boots: DALBELLO ILMORO 120 '21-22 model
Bindings: MARKER JESTER 16 ID '21-22 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
FACTION Mana4
●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: None
Touring: ★★★★★
● Commonly used conditions:
Powder, uneven terrain, all seasons
●Review:
It's light, thin, and easy to handle, so you can go anywhere. Personally, I find short and long turns really enjoyable.
Boots Review
DALBELLO ILMORO
●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: None
Touring: ★★☆☆☆
● Common situations where it is used (time of year, location, conditions, etc.)
: Powder, park, freeride.
●Review:
I like the feel and firmness when wearing them; they don't flap around on uneven terrain. I also like the color scheme.
Binding Review
MARKER JESTER 16 ID
● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★★
Lightweight feel: ★★★★☆
Climbing mode change operation feel: None
Heel lifter operation feel: None
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★★★★★
Moguls: None
Touring: None
● Common situations where it is used (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
Powder, park, anything.
●Review:
It's reliable in any situation, and the metal construction makes it strong enough to last for years without breaking.
I also like the color scheme.