Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear about the skis, boots, and bindings used by Koji Yamamoto, who is based at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido.
Koji Yamamoto, 29 years old,
is from Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, and currently resides in Obihiro City. His home ski resort is Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort. He mainly competes in the park. He used to focus on contests, but now he mainly posts videos and still photos on social media.
Instagram:@kouji907
Koji Yamamoto's setup
Skis: Wapan HO (DARUMA graphic) 171cm (125-100-125) '22-23 model.
Boots: FT DROP KICK 6flex (90) '21-22 model.
Bindings: LOOK PIVOT 14, used with release value 5-14 '20-21 model.
Evaluation of each gear
Ski Review
Wapan HO 171 (DARUMA Graphics)
●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: None
● Common Usage Situations:
I mainly use these skis for park and freeriding between December and May. With a center width of 100mm, they can handle powder on the sides of the runs without any problems, so you can enjoy yourself all day long with these skis.
●
The most notable feature of this board is its lightness. The HO 171 weighs only 1540g per side, making it extremely lightweight and easy for anyone to handle. It responds quickly to even slight changes in foot pressure. The board has a resilient flex, providing stability, and I would recommend it to anyone who mainly rides in the park. The 2.5mm edge is very durable, making it a good choice for those who enjoy jibbing. The binding is set 1.5cm back from the manufacturer's recommended position (core center), although I have set mine 1.5cm back from the center.
Boots Review
FT DROP KICK 6 flex (90)
●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: None
● Common usage situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
December to May. I mainly use it in parks and for freeriding.
●Review:
These boots are extremely lightweight, and the wire buckles allow for easy flex, so you can always ski in a good position. I love that the Intuition liners are heat-moldable, allowing them to fit my feet perfectly. The fact that parts are replaceable is also a great advantage for users, as it means that if a part breaks, it can simply be replaced.
Binding Review
LOOK PIVOT 14
● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★☆
Lightweight feel: ★★★☆☆
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★★
Moguls: ★★★★★
Touring: None
●The situations in which you frequently use the slopes (time of year, location, conditions, etc.)
December to May, mainly parks and free riding.
●Review:
I really like using the PIVOT14 because it's reliable and doesn't release accidentally. The maximum release value is 14, but I don't have any concerns about using it. I also like that the heel piece is short, which allows me to maximize the flex on the tail side.
photo, movie / Fukui ayumi. instagram:@ayuminonon