We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they've been using to the fullest this winter.
This time, we'll be looking at the gear used by Mikiya Tanno, who mainly works in Zao, Yamagata, and also runs a pro shop.
Mikiya Tanno, 37 years old.
In his 20s, he traveled around the country and competed in freeskiing contests both in Japan and overseas, while also working as a photographer for TLSP. He then switched to halfpipe competitions and competed in the World Cup and World Championships. He has
now expanded his field to include backcountry skiing, where he also works as a photographer.
In 2013, he opened the ski shop TRUNKBASE, and is working hard every day to run the shop and engage in his own skiing activities, in order to convey the fun and appeal of skiing.
Instagram: @mikiyatanno84
Tanno Mikiya's setup
Skis ①: LINE BLADE OPTIC 104, 178cm (132-104-123) '22-23 model.
Binding ①: MARKER JESTER 18 PRO, release set to 13, '21-22 model.
Ski ②: LINE VISION 118, 183cm (152-118-138) '22-23 model.
Binding ②: MARKER JESTER 16, release set to 13, '21-22 model.
Ski ③: LINE VISION 108, 183cm (142-108-128) '21-22 model.
Binding ③: MARKER DUKE PT16, release set to 13, '21-22 model.
Boots: K2 DIVERGE SC 120, '22-23 model.
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Skiing ① Review
LINE BLADE OPTIC104
●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: ★★★★☆
●Common usage situations:
Can be used throughout the season in any snow conditions, from the beginning of the season to the spring season.
●Review
LINE Skis, a model that is like a cross between the VISION model and the BLADE model. It's like the metal technology used in the BLADE has been incorporated into the VISION.
A freeride model that can handle any condition, from powder to hard pack. It has good power transmission and is recommended for skiers who want stability in any type of snow.
Binding ① Review
MARKER JESTER 18 PRO
●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: ★☆☆☆☆
● Frequently used situations (time, location, conditions, etc.)
All fields except BC areas.
●Review
Separate bindings allow the board to bend well, have good hold, and transmit power very well.
Above all, you can trust the bindings and push down firmly. I like the sense of security they give when jumping and gliding.
Ski 2 Review
LINE VISION 118
●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 from the early to peak season. Although it is also used on slopes, it is mainly used on ungroomed runs.
●Review:
Despite being a thick ski, it is very light. What's more, the nose floats well and it is easy to handle. Many skis lose stability when they are made lighter, but by mixing carbon and glass fiber, this ski maintains stability without sacrificing stability.
I recommend this ski to skiers who prioritize gliding performance and are looking for lightness. I personally like the overall balance.
Bindings 2 Review
MARKER JESTER 16
●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: ★☆☆☆☆
● Frequently used situations (time, location, conditions, etc.)
All fields except BC areas.
●Review
Separate bindings allow the board to bend well, have good hold, and transmit power very well. Above all, you can trust the bindings and push down firmly. I like the sense of security they give when jumping and gliding.
Ski ③ Review
LINE VISION 108
●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: ★★★★★
●Common usage situations:
Used in backcountry areas and on slopes from the beginning of the season until spring.
●Review:
It has a center waist of 108, but it has a lightweight design while maintaining its gliding performance. It can handle anything, from the slopes to the backcountry. I like the all-around aspect of this ski, which means you can use it without having to adjust to the conditions of the day.
It's a very well-balanced ski, so I use it a lot throughout the season.
Binding ③ Review
MARKER DUKE PT16
●Impressions are rated on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Usability: ★★★★☆
Lightweight: ★★☆☆☆
Climbing mode change operation: ★★★★★
Heel lifter operation: ★★★★☆
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
● Frequently used situations (time, location, conditions, etc.):
Mostly used in backcountry areas during the season.
For hard use in the mountains (skiing on hard runs, doing tricks, etc.).
●Comments on the Walk Mode Function:
When you remove the toe piece, it becomes like a kingpin, making it light and comfortable for climbing.
There is only one climbing support, but it's no problem if you're climbing on a gentle slope.
Also, when switching to Walk Mode, there's no need to change the heel piece; just raise the brake lever and step on it, which is very simple and convenient.
●Review
: This binding is my go-to for hard use in backcountry areas. I can trust the binding and push down powerfully, and it's great for tricks too.
It feels like I'm using a kingpin when climbing, and the security of a JESTER separate binding when skiing lets me express my riding style.
I recommend this binding to skiers who prioritize performance in any situation, rather than lightness
I like that it can be used on the slopes like a regular separate binding, and that I can also use it at the backcountry as if I were using the same separate binding.
Boots Review
K2 DIVERGE SC
●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.)
I ski anywhere with these boots throughout the season. On the slopes, in the park, in the backcountry, and in all fields.
●Walk mode function is easy to use.
The simple structure means it will last a whole season without any problems, even with hard use. By removing the tongue, the range of motion expands like that of a regular shoe, making it comfortable for long tours.
●
Although these boots have a review walk mode, they are made of a strong synthetic material that doesn't twist or warp. They are boots that can handle hard use like I do without any problems. They are an
all-around boot that can handle anything, whether it's hard use in the park, on the slopes, in powder, or in the backcountry.
Photo/main=KeiKarino. portrait=Takahiro Nakanishi