Let's hear from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Kosuke Kusakari, who is active mainly in Okumino, about his favorite skis, boots, and bindings.
Kosuke Kusakari, 32 years old
While working as a ski advisor at the Himalaya main store in Gifu, he also shares park riding content from the Okumino area, mainly through Instagram.
Instagram:@kosk_k
Kosuke Kusakari's setup
Skis: ON3P MAGNUS 90 176cm (116-90-114) '21-22 model
Boots: GEN FACTORY FUTURE 85 '22-23 model
Bindings: LOOK P14 GW '22-23 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
ON3P MAGNUS 90
●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 scenarios:
Used at the park throughout one season.
●Review:
The deep rocker offers great freedom of movement, and the bamboo core provides a light swing weight. The carbon sheet from tip to tail provides high rebound and pop. It is extremely durable, and even after a full season of hard park riding, delamination and edge cracking are almost nonexistent. This is definitely the right model for those who prioritize park riding.
As for length, I've been using 176cm since last season. It's a little long at 11cm longer than my height, but for ON3P, which has a deep rocker range, I feel that a slightly longer length provides a better balance between rocker and camber
Boots Review
GEN FACTORY FUTURE 85
●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
● How you typically use it (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
Used for park riding throughout the season.
●Review:
These park riding boots combine different materials to achieve both cushioning and power transfer. They feature a natural angle optimized for freestyle, allowing for quick and twisting movements, making it easy to express your style. The wire buckle, adopted last year, provides a snug, comfortable fit without localized stress, even when tightened. Ideal for park riding where fit and freedom of movement are essential. The soft upper allows for easy access to the shin, making it recommended for park beginners. This is my third season wearing this professional model.
Binding Review
LOOK PIVOT14 GW
● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★☆
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★★
Lightweight feel: ★★★☆☆
Climbing mode change operation: None
Heel lifter operation: None
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★★
Moguls: ★★★★★
Touring: None
● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
Used in the park throughout the season.
●Review:
This binding is highly reliable and does its job well; it won't release you in a misunderstanding, but it will release you when a dangerous twist occurs. The heel piece is relatively heavy, but because the center of gravity is close to the heel, you don't feel the weight as much. It's also very durable and hasn't broken down at all even after several years of use.
