Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Eigo Higuchi, who is based in Nagano, about his favorite skis, boots, and bindings.
Eigo Higuchi, 21 years old,
former Japanese national team member for slopestyle. After retiring from competition, he continues to ski in parks and backcountry at ski fields throughout Japan.
Instagram:@eigorian2
Eigo Higuchi's setup
Skis: ARMADA STRANGER 172cm (138-100-120) '21-22 model
Boots: ATOMIC REDSTER STI 130 '21-22 model
Bindings: ARMADA WARDEN 13 (release value 10 used) '20-21 model
Evaluation of each gear
Ski Review
ARMADA STRANGER
●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: ★★★☆☆
● Commonly used
in all seasons. Not used in deep powder or backcountry skiing.
●Review:
The nose is almost the same width as the JJ, so the tip doesn't sink in powder. The recommended mounting position is quite far back, which helps it float in powder. And yet, with a radius of 15.2, the carving is so enjoyable that you wouldn't think it's a freestyle board. The board itself is soft, making it very easy to do ground tricks. For me, skiing has become even more fun with this board. I would recommend the 172 length.
Boots Review
ATOMIC REDSTER STI 130
●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 (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
All seasons. Not used in backcountry skiing.
●Review:
As expected of racing boots, the fit to the foot is excellent. The response during turns is great, making turns fun. The flex is also stiff, so you can attack even on rough slopes with confidence. I personally like the color as well.
Binding Review
ARMADA WARDEN 13
● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★☆
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Ease of use: ★★★☆☆
Lightweight: ★★★☆☆
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard Pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★★☆
●The situations in which you most often use it (time of year, location, conditions, etc.)
Used outside of BC (Backcountry).
●Review:
Sturdy, it won't break no matter what you do. You can ski with peace of mind as there's no risk of accidental release.