GEN FACTORY's RIDERS MODEL, which fully reflects the voices of riders, has released a boot with a completely new direction: the "FUTURE," developed in collaboration with Kosuke Kusakari
INDEX
- The current rider model. Kosuke Kusakari model "FUTURE"
- RIDERS MODEL fully captures the rider's voice
- Supporting Japan's freestyle ski scene from the ground up
- Premium model "BLACK LABEL"
The current rider model. Kosuke Kusakari model "FUTURE"
Originally from Hokkaido, Kusakari Kosuke is currently based in the Oku-Mino area and is the ON3P 's team. He is a rider who receives responses from all over the world when he posts videos of his sharp riding style on social media, regardless of the size of the park equipment.
His riding style caught the eye of Tokunori Sasaki, and GEN FACTORY began supporting him two years ago in 2018. That's when the concept for this model began, and development began. Kusakari's riding style is characterized by its pop and sharp tricks. Boots that bring out the best in his movements must satisfy the contradictory elements of being responsive, flexible, and lightweight
After countless trial and error attempts, one answer they arrived at was to use a new material for the shell. This is a lightweight shell made from a new material, thermoformable thermoplastic. Combined with the INTUITION inner liner, which is uniquely made by GEN FACTORY, they created a boot that is flexible, has quick response, and is also lightweight. Here are some comments from Mr
"The skis' flex isn't too soft, so they respond well to the skis and allow for sharp movements. The partial flexibility makes it easy to maintain a good position and prevents shin pain no matter how you move. And yet it's light. I was involved in the development, so it's only natural, but I like this balance. I feel the skis have the potential to fully realize the movements a rider imagines."
Supporting Japan's freestyle ski scene from the ground up
Founded around 50 years ago, GEN FACTORY has been committed to the concept of "ski boots that suit Japanese people" since its inception. Starting with studying the shape of Japanese feet, the brand has tirelessly carried out research and development at its own factory, such as researching shell last widths and materials. Based on this background and through careful communication with top riders, the brand has produced rider models that fit the individual styles of the riders. These models can be said to be the essence of GEN FACTORY
The origins of this rider model were set by Yuji Nagai (aerials) and Yukako Tanaka (ballet), who competed at the 1992 Albertville Olympics. Subsequently, mogul skiers such as Yoshiyuki Ohno, Atsushi Honma, and Hirotora Hara became successful, and as they competed in the World Cup, support for these athletes increased. This led to the creation of the BUMPS 9R. The highlight was Gota Sakamoto's astonishing first World Cup appearance and first victory. This led to GEN FACTORY boots taking the freestyle ski scene by storm, supporting riders not only in Japan but overseas as well
Since then, as the times have changed from increasingly competitive moguls to freeskiing and freeride, which offer greater freedom and a wider range of expression, GEN FACTORY boots have continued to evolve in line with these changes
RIDERS MODEL fully captures the rider's voice
The RIDERS MODEL is not categorized by mogul or park. It reflects the riding style the rider is aiming for. Subtle changes to the settings of each element, such as differences in the characteristics of the boot's structure, the flex balance that changes depending on the shell material, differences in the buckle material and performance characteristics, and more, can make a big difference in the riding experience.
Based on the inspiration that riders feel on the snow, we actively try out new materials, repeatedly fine-tune and test, and create the boots they are aiming for. The
2021 RIDERS MODEL lineup includes four models: GENESIS, FUTURE, BUMPS9R/9RS, and BUMPS8. Each model has a different flex, and some models even allow you to choose from up to four different inner boots to fit your foot shape.
One of the features that runs through each model is the ramp angle (the angle of inclination from the toe to the heel) that makes it easier to transfer weight to the toe side. This makes it easier to maintain a natural position even when the snow conditions change, and has the advantage of making it easier to perform operations that apply strong force in an instant, such as swinging and twisting movements. Also, to ensure the safety of the rider, repeated fine tuning has been carried out since the beginning of development, such as adopting shock absorbing materials and developing parts
Premium model "BLACK LABEL"
The BLACK LABEL is a limited edition model available in limited quantities. It's the perfect model for riding the entire snowy mountain, incorporating freestyle moves such as jumps, scrapes, hits, slides, and switches
The 2021 model uses a shell made from the next-generation plant-based material Pebax-Rnew, combined with other materials to achieve both quick response and flexibility. It transfers the skier's power to the fullest and provides excellent stability during high-speed skiing. It's also lightweight, making it a further update for freestyle boots
The graphics are handmade airbrush printed, so each design is unique, making them perfect for skiers looking for originality
For more information on GEN FACTORY, please see this link