Photo: Takahiro Nakanishi
Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively this winter.
This time, we'll hear from Hideaki Okada, a freeskiier who mainly operates in the Hokkaido backcountry, about his favorite skis, boots, and bindings.
Rider Profile
Hidemitsu Okada, 33 years old,
is a freeskiier based in Hokkaido. He often goes to the mountains with photographer Takahiro Nakanishi, mainly for backcountry photography.
Hidemitsu Okada's setup
Reviewing the entire setup
What kind of places and situations is this setup intended for skating in?
Hidemitsu OkadaThis setup is designed for hard riding in backcountry
Can you tell me why you have this setup?
Hidemitsu OkadaAt BC, you'll encounter a variety of conditions, from hard snow to light powder. This setup gives you complete confidence in being able to hit the line you want at any time. The balance between the board's composition and the binding's composition is excellent
Ski Impressions
VÖLKL REVOLT 114 | L=184cm | D=146-114-128mm | 2023-24 model
What are your impressions of the performance and ride of these skis?
Hidemitsu OkadaThe stability at medium to high speeds is outstanding. What's more, it can slide without any trouble even in rough conditions, so you can hit the slopes with confidence
What else do you like about the design or special features of these skis?
Hidemitsu OkadaIt goes without saying that the punchy design is eye-catching, but the biggest appeal is that you can ski comfortably in anything from powder to rough conditions. The feeling of turning is top-notch!
Who would you recommend these skis to?
Hidemitsu OkadaThis is recommended for freeride skiers who want to ski at high speeds in all conditions. With these skis, skiing at medium to high speeds will be easier and more fun!
However, the skis have a stiff flex, so don't forget to train your leg strength!
Boots impressions
What are your impressions of the performance and comfort of these boots?
Hidemitsu OkadaThis setup is designed for tough conditions, so I've given it a lot of thought to the power balance between the skis, bindings, and boots.
I've chosen boots that can reliably transmit power without being overwhelmed by a demanding setup.
What else do you like about this gear, such as its design or special features?
Hidemitsu OkadaThe wrap full thermo liner fits perfectly. The shell is light, so hiking is stress-free and you can ski down your own line without any hesitation
Who do you think these boots are recommended for?
Hidemitsu OkadaI am an advanced freeride skier who likes to hike up the slopes
Binding impressions
What are your impressions of the performance and feel of this binding?
Hidemitsu OkadaI've said this many times before, but it's all about power balance.
I focus on creating a setup that maximizes the performance of the skis, bindings, and boots.
What else do you like about this binding, such as its design or special features?
Hidemitsu OkadaI sometimes describe it as a "walkable JESTER" and I don't think there's anything else that gives you the same stability when gliding!
Who do you think these bindings are recommended for?
Hidemitsu OkadaRecommended for aggressive freeskiing
Where should you mount your bindings and why?
Hidemitsu OkadaIt's mounted in the recommended position, 78mm (according to Okada's research) back from the ski's core center.
The reason for mounting it in this position is that VOLKL develops skis with riders under the theme of "built together," and they determined the center after extensive testing, so we are confident that it is correct.
