article, riders share their impressions of their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we feature the gear of Allen Kajita, who is based in the Hachimantai area of Iwate Prefecture and has competed in moguls and big air, as well as shooting at freeride competitions such as FWQ and JFO, and in backcountry areas.
Aren Kajita
was born on September 13, 1985, in Takizawa City, Iwate Prefecture.
Influenced by his Swiss mother and growing up in an environment where the nearest ski resort was only a 15-minute drive away, he started skiing at a young age and became hooked on snowboarding with his father during elementary school. In junior high school, he discovered mogul skiing and competed in national competitions and the Junior Olympics. After graduating from high school, he participated in freeskiing competitions such as big air before moving on to backcountry skiing.
In recent years, he has been mainly photographing in the backcountry areas of Tohoku while competing in freeride competitions such as FWQ and JFO.
Recent competition results
2019 FWQ Hakuba 3STAR 3rd place
FWQ Kiroro 3STAR 3rd place
2020 FWQ Hakuba 3STAR 3rd place
JFO Hakuba 4th place
2021 FWQ Hakuba 4STAR 3rd place
JFO Hakuba 5th place
Instagram:@alain_natural
Allen Kajita's setup
Skis: BLACKCROWS NOCTA 190cm (140-122-134) '20-21 model;
Boots: TECNICA COCHISE 130 '20-21 model;
Bindings: MARKER DUKE PT16 '20-21 model
Ratings and reviews of each gear
Ski Review
BLACKCROWS NOCTA
●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 conditions
and time of year: All seasons
Location: Backcountry (e.g., Hachimantai)
Conditions: Powder/packed snow
●Review:
The radius is 26m and it has a full rocker. This board is truly made for powder. You can do everything from carving to sliding turns, and it has a responsive feel that allows you to turn without putting in much effort. Personally, I feel it's neither too heavy nor too light, and especially in powder, it feels like you're floating. What
I like about it is that it can handle any condition. It's a board that you can enjoy in various styles, from big turns to sliding turns. The graphics are simple and don't change much from year to year, so it's easy for anyone to accept, and I feel it's a design that can be used for a long time.
Boots Review
TECNICA COCHISE 130
●Impression of stiffness 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: ★★★★★
●The walk mode function's switching mechanism
has been improved; it's now a sturdier design with a locking mechanism instead of a lace. However, in extremely cold environments, it occasionally froze, making switching difficult. The boots still offer sufficient range of motion for walking.
● Common situations where it is used (season, location, conditions, etc.)
Season: All seasons
Location: Everything from ski resorts to backcountry skiing.
Conditions: Everything from powder to slushy snow.
●Review:
These touring boots are designed for backcountry use and feature a walk mode, but they feel quite similar to alpine boots. They are lightweight and easy to handle, and the buckles and the lever for switching to walk mode are easy to operate. The standard thermo-liner conforms comfortably to the shape of your foot. Although the flex is 130, they are surprisingly easy to put on and take off, which is a positive point.
Binding 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: ★★★★★
●Comments on the usability of the Walk Mode function:
Among touring bindings, this offers the best sense of security and operability. Since there is only one climbing support in Walk Mode, it takes some getting used to when walking on moderate slopes. It would be good to develop route-fighting skills that allow you to climb without straining yourself.
● Common situations where it is used (season, location, conditions, etc.)
Season: All seasons
Location: Everything from ski resorts to backcountry skiing.
Conditions: Everything from powder to slushy snow.
●Review:
Among touring bindings, these offer the most reassuring feel and direct control over your skis. When skiing, the ride is no different from alpine bindings. They are heavier than lightweight touring bindings, but in return, they provide a firm hold and an overwhelming sense of security.