In the middle of the season, manufacturers are already holding exhibitions in various places to unveil their new models for the 2023-24 season. We asked manufacturer PR representatives at various locations, including individual manufacturer exhibitions, collective trade shows, and snow test ride events, about the new models and hot topics that are attracting attention for the 2023-24 season
This time, we spoke to the Japanese brand BLASTRACK, made by Ogasaka Ski, which boasts a long history and technical expertise, at the SNOW SPORTS Joint Exhibition (held February 14th-15th at Pacifico Yokohama)
The popular classic model "FARTHER" has undergone a full model change and is now even more advanced!
The first model to be recommended by BLASTRACK for the 2023-2024 season is the fully redesigned "FARTHER." Until now, the FARTHER was thought of as a slimmer version of the BLAZER, but this full model change has significantly altered the shape from the BLAZER, giving it the image of being the big brother of the ELIXIR, which underwent a full model change in the 2022-2023 season. The nose shape is also similar to the ELIXIR, and it has been remade with the image of slightly expanding the ELIXER's range of motion
This time, the new mold and balance have improved the riding performance, stability, and maneuverability, making this an all-mountain model that can be enjoyed in a variety of snow conditions and terrain, from groomed runs on the slopes to powder and spring granular snow.It can also be said that this model has evolved into one that is very good at long-distance cruising, or touring
The wide body on the nose and slightly raised tail provide more buoyancy, allowing for speed and straight-line stability. The board also incorporates active elements that allow for the fun of freeriding, such as flying over terrain, hitting walls, and gliding switch-style, making it a fun and playful board. The smooth flex balance also allows for sharp turns
The graphics feature mountains and waves, creating an atmosphere that encourages free riding
▼FARTHER explanatory video (BLASTRACK: Developer Kinoshita)
Bumps & Cruising "STYLUS" The Stylus has also been completely redesigned!
The STYLUS, a model that allows you to enjoy cruising over bumps, has also undergone a full model change. The shape hasn't changed much, but the nose has been made a little sharper and the tail a little shorter
The STYLUS skis have always been known for their excellent response, but with the new mold and balance, the skis now bounce back and respond much faster. This is especially noticeable in short turns, but even in medium and long turns, the skis bend quickly and bounce back with excellent response when entering the next turn, which makes them a lot of fun
Response performance alone is not enough to ski well over moguls. Even when moving rhythmically through the moguls, stability and maneuverability are essential to attack the line you want. The new STYLUS has a slim 68mm waist, a large sidecut, and a flex that allows for just the right amount of flex, making it easy to control over moguls. It's easy to experience the feeling of "controlling yourself" while riding, which adds to the fun. This feeling gives you a sense of security even when cruising, making it very comfortable
▼STYLUS explanatory video
"IMPROVE" series has been brushed up
The 93 and 86 models of the all-mountain model "IMPROVE" have been brushed up. Although the mold has not changed, the materials inside, mainly the graphite fiber, have been changed, and the balance has also been tuned. IMPROVE is a model that has always been characterized by its flexibility, but next season's model is even more flexible. This has resulted in even stronger grip underfoot
The graphic depicts mountains reflected on the surface of water, giving it a somewhat Japanese feel that evokes the image of Kabuki
IMPROVE 93
The IMPROVE 93, with its supple flex and 93mm waist width, is particularly effective for powder riding and spring slush. Of course, it's also great for backcountry, and on groomed trails, its stability allows for confident terrain play.
IMPROVE 86
The IMPROVE 86features an 86mm waist width and a large, low-resistance sidecut, allowing for smooth ski sliding and seamless transitions between edges and ski faces without losing speed. Particularly popular with park skiers, BLASTRACK riders use the 86 to compete in the World Championships and World Cup Slopestyle events.
▼ IMPROVE explanatory video
The other 10 BLASTRACK models will be continuing models from the 2022-2023 season. BLASTRACK does not release a new model every year, but rather systematically releases new models and updates approximately every two years. The brand is now in its 13th year, and those on the ground are feeling that the ways to enjoy each model and the ease of riding these boards have become much more widely known
"Users who purchased BLASTRACK for the first time are satisfied, and those riding their second or third BLASTRACK seem to be enjoying the ride even more. I'm very happy about that. With this positive response, I would like to continue making skis that users find fun to ride," said Kinoshita of BLASTRACK, who was our attendant at the exhibition
Official website:https://www.blastrack.jp/
SNS:Twitter|Facebook|YouTube