Skier: Masahiro Yamaki Photo: Key Sato
We selected fat skis with a waist width of 110-120mm that riders highly praised for their "excellent performance in powder." We then categorized the ride quality based on a five-point scale that measured the stiffness of the nose, center, and tail. The fat skis collected here with a "moderate stiffness" are characterized by their "good balance." We asked the riders to share their ride quality and ease of use in detail
BLIZZARD | HUSTLE 11
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★☆☆
Park: ★★★☆☆
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Review
BLIZZARD's HUSTLE skis are a cross between a lightweight ski that's just light and a heavy, sturdy ski. Not only are they light, but the swing balance when you put them on is top-notch.
●Usual conditions for use
: Primarily used for powder skiing with climbing. From the start of the season to the big slopes in spring. Highly versatile, it can be used throughout the season.
[Reviewer]
Masahiro Yamaki, 46,
lives in Sapporo but is an all-conditions, all-area skier who wants to ski anywhere he can, including ski resorts, rural areas, and mountainous regions across the country. He launched his apparel brand, " New Ski Style ," during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's creating a buzz among fans.
FACTION｜Mana4
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★★☆☆☆
Moguls: None
Touring: ★★★★★
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Review:
It's light, thin, and easy to handle, so you can go anywhere. Personally, I find short and long turns very enjoyable.
Common use situations:
Powder, rough terrain, all seasons
[Reviewer]
Koga Hoshino, 24 years old
He is active mainly in Yuzawa, Niigata. He is also an international rider for Faction skis. The videos he regularly posts on Instagram are highly popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
instagram> koga hoshino
LINE | VISION 118
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★☆☆
Park: ★★☆☆☆
Moguls: ★☆☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●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.
Frequently
used from the early to peak season. Although it is also used on slopes, it is mainly used on ungroomed runs.
[Reviewer]
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
VECTER GLIDE ｜GENIUS Narrow
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★☆☆☆
Park: ★☆☆☆☆
Moguls: ★★☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Review:
The 115mm waist width, despite its impressive appearance, allows you to glide with a sense of security born from its stability. The turn is supple, almost as if guiding you, and the top rocker shape allows for a smooth turn initiation. Enjoy a moderate sense of stability throughout the latter half of the turn, leading you to a blissful turn. Its smooth movement is more natural than it looks
, and you feel a sense of floating underfoot, allowing the entire surface to connect to the next turn.
Have you ever suddenly become anxious about whether you can ski when the season's biggest snow is right in front of you? The Genius Narrow eliminates the sense of stability and anxiety of wondering if you'll be able to ski or fall once you start skiing. It's not too light, and the weight is just right for the purpose. It has good traction when skiing, and the weight doesn't bother you when climbing.
●Usable conditions and
seasons: November to April.
On slopes, in the side country, and in the backcountry. Suitable for almost all snow conditions except for icy terrain. Suitable for gentle to steep slopes, on slopes, off-piste courses, ski resorts, and backcountry areas.
[Reviewer]
Ayano Suzuki, 42,
was born in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 1980. She began to excel in alpine skiing in junior high school, sweeping junior titles including victories at the Junior Olympics and the World Junior Championships, and in 1996 won both the downhill and super-G events at the All Japan Ski Championships. She joined the All Japan National Team and competed around the world in FIS races and the European Cup. After that, she worked as an office lady for a regular company, but she regained her passion for skiing and began her path to becoming a professional skier again as an adventure skier and basic skier.
Instagram: @ayanosuzuki.hokkaido
VECTER GLIDE｜INTIMACY
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★★
Moguls: ★★★★☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Review
Features: Available in two sizes: 188cm/140-110-130 and 180cm/137-106-120. Both have a supple flex thanks to the Natural
Wood & G-FRP construction, making them enjoyable for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Handling: The nose and tail rocker are well-vented. The board is easy to enter and bend, allowing for smooth exit from the latter half of the turn. The board's control is easily conveyed to the rider, allowing for seamless handling.
Ride Experience: Contrary to its freestyle image, the Groomburn allows for aggressive carving. It also has ample float in powder snow and is great for playing in the park, allowing you to smoothly adapt to a wide variety of terrain in the backcountry
Weight: The weight of the board itself is not light, but on the contrary, it is very stable and has none of the fluttering that is typical of a rocker shape. You will probably select bindings based on the intended use, but if possible, I would recommend choosing a separate type to maximize the board's flex.
What I like: As the name Intimacy suggests, it is an all-rounder that anyone can enjoy. Its exquisite balance and calculated shape expand the idea of having fun while skiing. The fact that I have only used the Intimacy since I got it in February this season is proof that it can be used in all situations.
Frequently used conditions
: All seasons
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain range, etc.): Ski resorts around Asahikawa and the Daisetsuzan mountain range
Conditions: From groomed runs to powder snow, all conditions
Makoto Asakawa, 47,
is from Asahikawa, Hokkaido. He is currently a skier who mainly works in Asahikawa.
instagram> makotoasakawa
VECTER GLIDE｜INTIMACY SE
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale:
Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: ★★★★☆
Moguls: ★★★☆☆
Touring: ★★★★☆
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Review:
Its outstanding handling is what makes it so appealing, while still providing a sense of stability. Its ability to be controlled exactly as intended allows for a wide range of riding, from carving to shifting depending on the situation. In particular, the binding position is closer to the center, so you hardly feel any weight when swinging. I particularly like the stickiness and flexibility of the rocker in the nose and tail.
● Frequently used conditions
: All seasons
Location (slope, course, ski resort, mountain area, etc.): All
Conditions: All
[Reviewer]
Sho Endo, 32,
is a former member of the Japanese national freestyle ski moguls team. He currently manages sports facilities and coaches the Japanese national moguls team.
He aims for smooth riding.
Instagram: @shoendo7
VÖLKL ｜REVOLT 104
●Suitable scenes are rated on a 5-point scale
: Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★☆☆☆
Park: ★★☆☆☆
Moguls: ★☆☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★★
●Hardness impression on a 5-point scale (★1=soft ←→ ★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★☆☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★☆☆
●Review:
The effective edge length ratio is the lowest in the VOLKL twin tip series, making it extremely easy to handle while skiing. It's best suited for powder and free runs, but because it's long, thick, and has nice graphics, I also use it in the park, even if it's a bit of a stretch for looks. That said, I recommend it for those who ski a lot of free runs and powder.
● Frequently used situations
If I could only take one ski to the slopes when I was doing free runs and skiing in the park, I would definitely take the REVOLT104. Of course, it's great for powder too.
[Reviewer]
Takumi Toyama, 36,
mainly coaches park riding. This is his impression of the gear he's using to set up and do tricks in the park.
