Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Mikiya Tanno, who mainly operates in Yamagata Zao and also runs a pro shop.
Mikiya Tanno, 37 years old
, spent his 20s competing in domestic and international freeskiing contests while also working as a photographer for TLSP (Third-Level Freeskiing). He later switched to halfpipe competitions, participating in World Cups and World Championships.
Currently, he has expanded his photography activities to include backcountry skiing.
In 2013, he established the ski shop TRUNKBASE, and is dedicated to sharing the joy and appeal of skiing through both shop management and his own skiing activities.
Instagram:@mikiyatanno84
Tanno Mikiya's setup
Skis ①: LINE BLADE OPTIC 104 178cm (132-104-123) '22-23 model
Bindings ①: MARKER JESTER 18 PRO Release value set to 13 '21-22 model
Skis ②: LINE VISION 118 183cm (152-118-138) '22-23 model
Bindings ②: MARKER JESTER 16 Release value set to 13 '21-22 model
Skis ③: LINE VISION 108 183cm (142-108-128) '21-22 model
Bindings ③: MARKER DUKE PT16 Release value 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
●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: ★★★★☆
● Common usage situations:
Used throughout the season, from the beginning of the season to the spring season, in any snow conditions.
●Review
LINE Skis: This model is like a combination of the VISION and BLADE models. Imagine the metal technology used in the BLADE being incorporated into the VISION. A
freeride model that can handle any condition, from powder to hardpack. It has good power transfer and is recommended for skiers who want stability in any snow condition.
Binding ① Review
MARKER JESTER 18 PRO
● 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: ★☆☆☆☆
● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
All fields except the BC area.
●Review:
The separate bindings allow the board to flex properly, provide excellent hold, and transfer power very well.
Above all, you can trust the bindings and press down firmly. I like the sense of security they give when jumping and skiing.
Ski 2 Review
LINE VISION 118
●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: ★★★★★
● Common usage situations:
Frequently used from the beginning of the season through the peak season. While skiing on groomed slopes is also done, it's mainly used on ungroomed runs.
●Review:
Despite being a wide ski, it's very light. Furthermore, the nose floats well and it's easy to handle. Many skis sacrifice stability when prioritizing lightness, but by mixing carbon and fiberglass, it maintains stability without compromising performance.
Recommended for skiers who prioritize gliding performance and are looking for lightness. I personally like its overall good balance.
Bindings 2 Review
MARKER JESTER 16
● 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: ★☆☆☆☆
● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
All fields except the BC area.
●Review:
The separate bindings allow the board to flex properly, provide excellent hold, and transfer power very well. Above all, you can trust the bindings and press down firmly. I like the sense of security they give when jumping and skiing.
Ski ③ Review
LINE VISION 108
●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: ★★★★★
● Common usage scenarios:
Used in backcountry areas and ski resorts from the beginning of the season until spring.
●
This is a center-waisted ski based on the Review 108, but it maintains excellent gliding performance while being lightweight. It can handle anything from groomed slopes to the backcountry. I like its all-around capabilities; I don't have to adjust to the conditions of the day, and this one ski is all I need.
It's a very well-balanced ski, so I use it quite often throughout the season.
Binding ③ Review
MARKER DUKE PT16
● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★☆
Lightweight feel: ★★☆☆☆
Ease of operation of climbing mode change: ★★★★★
Ease of operation of heel lifter: ★★★★☆
●Suitable scenes on a 5-point scale
Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
● Common usage situations (time of year, location, conditions, etc.):
Mostly used in backcountry areas during the season. Suitable for
hard use in the mountains (e.g., when skiing on hard-packed snow or performing tricks).
●Comments on the usability of the walk mode function:
When the toe piece is removed, it becomes like a kingpin, allowing for light and comfortable climbing.
There is only one climbing support, but there is no problem when climbing on gentle slopes.
Also, the fact that switching to walk mode is simple—no heel piece switching is required; you just lift the brake lever and press down—is a plus.
●Review
: When using these bindings hard in backcountry areas, they're the way to go. You can trust the bindings and push down powerfully, and tricks are no problem. When climbing, they
feel like you're using kingpin bindings, and when skiing, they have the same sense of security as using JESTER separate bindings, allowing you to perform your best.
Rather than lightness, these bindings are recommended for skiers who prioritize skiing performance in any situation.
I like that you can use them on groomed slopes like regular separate bindings, and you can go to the backcountry with the same feeling as using separate bindings.
Boots Review
K2 DIVERGE SC
●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 (season, location, conditions, etc.)
I ski everywhere in these boots throughout the season. Pedestrian slopes, parks, backcountry, all kinds of terrain.
●Ease of use of the walk mode function
: The simple structure ensures no malfunctions throughout the season, and it can withstand heavy use without any problems. By removing the tongue, the range of motion expands like a normal shoe, making long tours comfortable.
●Review:
These boots have a walk mode, but the construction is strong and they don't feel twisted or distorted. Even with hard use like mine, these boots have held up without any problems. They're
fine for hard use in the park, and they're an all-around boot that can handle anything from groomed slopes to powder and backcountry.
Photo/main=KeiKarino. portrait=Takahiro Nakanishi