We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they've been using to the fullest this winter.
This time, we looked at the skis, boots, and bindings used by Yuta Miyazawa, who is based in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture.
Yuta Miyazawa, 29 years old,
from Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture. He is currently based in Komagane City. He works as both a rider and a photographer.
Instagram: @yu_ta_miyazawa
Miyazawa Yuta's setup
Skis: Wapanskis I 190cm (148-122-135) '20-21 model
Boots: Salomon Shift Pro 130 '20-21 model
Bindings: Marker Jester 16 ID (release value 16) '20-21 model
Evaluation of each gear
Ski Review
Wapanskis I(イ)190 (HOKEKYO Graphics)
●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
: From the beginning of the season to spring mountaineering.
Location: Backcountry skiing, slopes.
●Review:
These freeride skis are perfect for high-speed, steep slopes.
The rockered nose and tail, combined with a cambered underfoot, provide buoyancy in powder and allow for carving on hard surfaces. The very flexible nose won't dig into the snow, even on rough terrain. The stiffness from underfoot to tail means the tail won't slip out and tip over even when leaning backward. These characteristics make deep turns easy. Even at higher speeds, the nose stays steady, providing stability for vertical lines and wide, full-wall turns.
At 2130g for a 190cm ski with a center width of 122mm, these skis are lightweight for their width and length. Even on hikes of 2500-3000m peaks like Mt. Norikura and Senjojiki Cirque, which I often climb with backcountry skis, I never felt heavy or fatigued underfoot, even after about two to three hours. This undeniable advantage doesn't affect skiing performance.
Not only is the riding feel great, but the graphics on the boards are cool, and the sophisticated Japanese patterns give them a different feel from others, making them look great in photos and videos. People who meet them for the first time will often talk to you, so the natural way they expand your circle is another attraction.
Boots Review
Salomon Shift Pro 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: ★★★★★
Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
BC, slopes, park
●Easy to use walk mode function:
Switching between walk and gliding modes is easy, and the wide range of motion makes long hikes comfortable.
●Review:
As they're originally based on alpine boots, they have a forward lean angle and are not primarily designed for walking but also for gliding, so you can transfer power to the board with confidence even on hard snow. They do
n't accidentally switch to walk mode while skiing, and you can move when you want to climb and hold on when you want to ski, so they're very reliable.
The inner skis also tend to get cold, so they're great for long hikes or when you're using a backcountry ski and often encounter crusted slopes because it's too cold, and they don't dull the feeling in your toes.
Binding Review
Marker Jester 16 ID
●Impressions are
rated on a 5-point scale: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Usability: ★★★★★
Lightweight: ★★★☆☆
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★★★★★
Moguls: ★★★★★
Touring: ★★★☆☆
●The situation you usually use (season, location, conditions, etc.)
BC, slopes
I use Day maker to check how the walk mode function works
●
Whether at a rucksack, on the slopes, or at a backcountry ski, the high rigidity allows you to push forward without any worries or release, no matter how hard you push.
By using the Daymaker when climbing, even at a backcountry ski, you can take the line you want on any slope, giving you a completely different sense of security thanks to the direct control that only alpine bindings can provide. They also don't easily come off, even when you take a big jump, except in the case of a dangerous fall, so they're very reliable.
Photo / Hiroki Hara