Professional shops are a great source of help when choosing new skis. They allow you to test ride numerous brands and models on the snow, and by combining their extensive knowledge and user feedback, they can compare and evaluate products from multiple angles, making their advice persuasive. Skis, in particular, are a great reflection of the discerning eye and attention to detail that only a professional shop can offer. Let's ask a discerning professional shop to tell us about the most noteworthy skis for the 2023-2024 season
Looking at skis with a waist width of less than 100mm, those in the 90mm range are characterized by good balance, high grip, and excellent adaptability to different snow conditions. They are suitable for those who want a freeride model that also performs well on flat ground, those who want to enjoy the park or pipe, and those who want a touring ski that is lightweight and has excellent gliding
The 80mm skis offer excellent carving performance on flat ground, while also offering excellent traction on uneven terrain and in poor snow. They are ideal for skiers who want to enjoy a variety of snow conditions throughout the season, beginners to freeride skiing, and those who primarily want to enjoy flat ground but also powder
ARMADA | ARV94・ARW94
When I took it for a test drive, I was surprised at how light it was and how easy it was to handle!
◆Official Website:https://armadaskis.jp/
Perfect for those who want to hone their park technique or for recreational skiers!!
This is a new model in the ARV series, which has been significantly revamped for the '23-24 season. When I actually tried it out, I was surprised by its unprecedented lightness and excellent maneuverability. With an all-around shape, I think you can ski on various courses on the slopes without stress.
From this season onwards, a highly durable sidewall is used, so it should be tougher and last longer. The ARW94, which is in the same class as the ARV series, has almost the same specifications, and the ability to choose based on your preferred design is also appealing.
This is a recommended board for those who want to increase the rotation speed of their air spins or who want to freely ride on the slopes.
Reviewer:
OFF-1
Staff / Keiji Takagi
LINE | BLADE
You can enjoy sharp turns even with fat skis!
◆Official Website:https://lineskis.com/ja-jp
These carving machines are so powerful you'd never guess they were fat skis. They offer great comfort on both rough and smooth terrain. These skis are recommended for those who want to enjoy sharp turns even on fat skis!
Reviewer:
at Ishii Sports Links Umeda Store
Kohei Shirai, Staff Member/Ski Specialist
HEAD｜KORE93
The test ride image is a fat board with a feeling similar to that of a basic board!
◆Official Website:https://www.head.com/ja_JP/
Many people who usually use basic-style skis want a fat ski, but are hesitant because fat skis are strongly associated with powder! The KORE93 will dispel those doubts!
This ski offers top-notch quality for those who want to enjoy everything from sidecountry to hardpack, short and long skis, with just one board
. The 93mm waist provides a stable footing, and the carbon layer enhances rebound and rigidity, so the test ride feels similar to a basic ski.
Reviewer:
at Alpen Outdoors FLAGSHIP STORE Kashiwa
Nozomi Okayama, Staff/Ski Advisor
ID one ski｜FR-JPOW 98
suitable for a wide range of terrains, from groomed slopes to ungroomed runs.An all-mountain model
◆Official Website:https://idoneski.com/index.html
These skis have a waist width of 98mm and a top tail rocker. They offer excellent buoyancy in powder, and their lightweight light wood construction makes them easy to use on tours. The short camber compared to the ski's length makes for easy turn control, making them great for on-piste fun. They're a versatile ski that can be used on a wide range of terrain, from groomed runs to ungroomed runs
Reviewer:
Material Sports Hakuba Store
Hirofumi Mochizuki, Staff at
KASTLE｜FX 96 Ti
If you're unsure, this is the perfect all-mountain ski for you
◆Official Website:https://www.kaestle.com/jp/
The skis' outstanding gliding, traction, turning, and stability on all types of snow and slopes truly demonstrate the high level of perfection in all-mountain skiing. The exquisite balance of the three wood cores and Titanal provides stability and sharpness at speed, and the 3D shape, tip, and tail make them surprisingly nimble and highly turning for their actual weight. If you're unsure which ski to choose, this is the one for you
Reviewer:
at Xraeb Sports
Taketo Yamada, Staff member
FACTION｜PRODIGY 1
Recommended for those who mainly play in the park but also want to enjoy free running!
◆Official Website:https://jp.factionskis.com/
The shape is a straightforward directional twin, and the flex and construction make it light and easy to ride for anyone. Park skis are consumables, so the price at Faction SKI is also attractive.
It's suitable for freestyle skiers from beginners to advanced. This is a recommended ski for those who mainly ski in the park but also want to enjoy freeriding.
Reviewer:
Narrows
Staff / Takao Ban
