Ski Gear Review HEAD, DYNAFIT | Yui Ohno

Photo/ Kazushige Fujita

Riders themselves share their impressions of the gear they've worn hard this winter.
This time, we'll be looking at the gear worn by Yui Ohno, a Hakuba local based in the HAKUBA VALLEY.

Yui Ohno's Setup

Skis: HEAD KORE 103W, 177cm (132-103-123) '22-23 model
Boots: DYNAFIT HOJI FREE 110 (continued model)
Bindings: DYNAFIT ST ROTATION 10 (set at release value 9) (continued model)

Ratings and reviews of each gear

Ski Review

HEAD KORE 103W

●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:
I use it all year round, all mountain, and in all conditions, and I can go anywhere with just this one bike.

The review
features that the KORE series has become even lighter since the 2021-22 model, making it lighter for touring climbs. It has a firm tension when skiing, so it's easy to ride even on hard runs without bouncing off, making it a versatile board that can be used in a wide range of situations, from powder to free runs on the slopes.

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Boots Review

DYNAFIT HOJI FREE 110

●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: ★★★★★

●How to use the walk mode function:
Raise the lever behind your calf to operate in walk mode, and lower it to operate in ski mode, making it easy to use.

● Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
All season, all mountain, all conditions

●Review:
These boots are lighter than most ski boots, helping you to conserve energy on long hikes, and with a 110 flex, they offer a solid feel when skiing. If you're looking for a lightweight TLT boot, I recommend trying them on first. I go up a half size and adjust the fit with the insole.

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Binding Review

DYNAFIT ST ROTATION 10

●Impressions are rated on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★☆
Reliability: ★★★★☆
Usability: ★★★★☆
Lightweight: ★★★★★
Operational feel of climbing mode change: ★★★★★
Operational feel of heel lifter: ★★★★★

●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale:
Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★☆☆☆
Moguls: ★★☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★

●Comment on how to use the walk mode function:
It is light, so you can easily raise and lower it using the stock.

● Frequently used situations (season, location, conditions, etc.):
All season, all mountain, all conditions

●Review:
Honestly, the key to using these TLT-type bindings is knowing how to properly use the Walk Lock mode on the toe piece.
I always try to avoid falling, but I'm especially careful on hard slopes and powdery mountain conditions, so I lock the toe piece even in ski mode. In this case, if I fall and my ski comes off, the toe piece stays in place, only the heel piece comes off. Some people think this is a good thing, others think it's a bad thing.
I recommend starting by practicing to avoid falls on a daily basis, skiing at about 70% of your strength in the backcountry rather than 100%, and practicing free runs on the slopes to build up the ski muscles in your feet that will allow you to ski long courses. Try to use your body in a way that avoids injury by adjusting the power balance in your knees and hips so that you can control your skis without being thrown off by them.

This type of binding requires some getting used to, so practice is essential. What I like about it is that it's so light, which is a real lifesaver when hiking, so I prefer these bindings since I hike a lot.

Also, sometimes the bindings freeze when it's cold. Even if you think the toe piece is properly locked, it can come off, so I always make sure to lock the toe piece securely in those cases. The

above usage is just one way I personally use it. I don't recommend this type of binding unless you understand how to use it. The correct way to use it, and which will cover the manufacturer's warranty, is to "unlock the walk mode when skiing."

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