Ski Gear Review: VECTOR GLIDE, ATOMIC, MARKER | Edited by Takashi Endo

Photo/Masaru Kikuchi

In this article, riders share their impressions of their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we feature the gear used by Takashi Endo, who is active mainly in Miyagi Zao and also works as a coach for the national mogul team.

Endo Takashi's setup

Skis: Vector glide intimacy SE 188cm (140-110-130) '22-23 model;
Boots: ATOMIC HAWX ULTRA 120 '22-23 model;
Bindings: Marker Jester, release value set to 13 '22-23 model

Ratings and reviews of each gear

Ski Review

Vector glide intimacy SE

●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 seasons: All seasons
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): All
Conditions: All

●Review:
While offering a sense of stability, its outstanding maneuverability is its main appeal. Its ability to be controlled exactly as intended allows for a wide range of riding styles, from precise carving to sliding, depending on the situation. In particular, because the binding position is closer to the center, you hardly feel any weight during swings. I especially like the sticky feel and flexibility of the rocker in the nose and tail.

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Boots Review

ATOMIC HAWX ULTRA 120

●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 situations where it is used (time of year, place, conditions, etc.)
Time of year: All seasons

●Review
: Above all, it's lightweight. Despite its lightness, it incorporates all the best features of alpine boots. Its flexibility allows for smooth weight transfer. Because it's so light, jumping and hiking uphill in the backcountry are almost effortless, making climbing easy. The fit provides a secure hold. I'm satisfied with both skiing and climbing.

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Binding Review

Marker Jester

● Impression on a 5-point scale
: Power transmission: ★★★★★
Reliability: ★★★★★
Ease of use: ★★★★☆
Lightweight: ★★★★☆

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

● Common usage situations (season, location, conditions, etc.)
Season: All seasons
Conditions: Backcountry, from powder to groomed snow, and from challenging snow to moguls

●Review:
What can be said consistently across various snow conditions is that the Jester's reliable point is its strong ability to handle flex and twisting. It doesn't feel particularly heavy. Because it has a certain height above the snow surface, it gives the impression of being easy to put pressure on the skis. I like the feeling of security when the boots snap into place when putting them on. Overall, the simple color scheme is not boring and leaves a good impression.

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