Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively last winter.
This time, we'll hear from Hibiki Harada, who mainly rides in Hakuba Valley, about his favorite skis, boots, and bindings.
Rider Profile
Kyoto Harada, 39 years old, originally
from Osaka Prefecture, experienced a rural exchange program in Otari Village during junior high school. Afterwards, he ventured out into the world to become a traveler, and skis on mountains both domestically and internationally as a professional ski bum.
In junior high school, I studied in a mountain village in Otari. Leaving my hometown, I discovered the joys of travel, questioned a society that judges people by scores, and instead of applying to high school, I went out into the world to become a traveler. I skied in various places and around the world, and became a professional ski bum. Do
you all know the word "bum"?
It's a straightforward action taken by a skier.
Currently, I'm taking a stroll through the Bucket Forest.
Hibiki Harada's setup
Reviewing the entire setup
What kind of places and situations is this setup intended for skating in?
Hibiki HaradaWhether it's BC or slopes, packed snow or powder, this is a board you can ride on. A partner to ride with
Can you tell me why you have this setup?
Hibiki HaradaA reliable companion that can handle any slope. Whether it's packed snow, powder, backcountry skiing, or the slopes, you can trust it to give you control. This is your partner to enjoy powder spray, carving on packed snow, and the natural terrain of backcountry skiing
Ski Impressions
4FRNT MSP107 | L=187cm | D=139-107-129mm | 2019-2020 model
What are your impressions of the performance and ride of these skis?
Hibiki HaradaYou can enjoy skiing on powder, packed snow, in the dead of winter, or on spring snow
What else do you like about the design or special features of these skis?
Hibiki HaradaThe graphics are different on the left and right, so the two are one image. I like it. It's also easy to decide which board is left and which is right
Who would you recommend these skis to?
Hibiki HaradaRecommended for those who mainly ski on the slopes and occasionally go to backcountry. Recommended for those who enjoy both the slopes and backcountry
Boots impressions
What are your impressions of the performance and comfort of these boots?
Hibiki HaradaIn the past, I wore the XT3 with a flex of 130. The fit changed when it became compatible with tech bindings. I switched to the XT3 140 because I wanted the same fit as before the tech binding compatibility. I'm grateful that it's the same fit. If it were an alpine boot with a 140 flex, I don't think I could wear it because it would be too stiff. I chose the 140 because the current Lang XT3 has a walk mode and is compatible with tech bindings.
Everyone, trying on boots is important. You can try on skis on snow, but not boots. When you try them on at a shop, the temperature is different from winter temperatures, so the stiffness changes depending on the temperature. Keep that in mind and try them on. I hope you find boots that fit you and your foot size. If the size doesn't fit, there are craftsmen all over the country who can alter boots. In Kansai, Kanto, and Hokkaido too. Please do some research. Boots that fit the shape of your feet are the best. They become your partner. I hope you find them.
What else do you like about these boots, such as their design or special features?
Hibiki HaradaLANG is not a brand for backcountry skiing, but a brand for skiers. They finally made boots for me, and they are wonderful. What I like most about them is the "feel" of the boots
Binding impressions
What are your impressions of the performance and feel of this binding?
Hibiki HaradaIt's light and easy to use for backcountry skiing. If it's a board for on-piste use only, I'll use bindings for the slopes. However, since I use it for both backcountry skiing and on the slopes, I prefer kingpins. It's easy to use and feels good to ski on
What else do you like about this binding, such as its design or special features?
Hibiki HaradaIt's stylish!
Who do you think this gear is recommended for?
Hibiki HaradaFor those who enjoy both the slopes and BC
Where should you mount your bindings and why?
Hibiki HaradaI use the freeski brand "4FRNT," so I mount my bindings in the position indicated by the brand. If you mainly ski in the park, you might prefer the center position on the actual board. I mainly ski on terrain, so I primarily ski forward. Therefore, the brand-specified position feels good to me. Think about it in terms of your own style.
This is also part of the fun and depth of skiing. I'm a little envious that snowboarders can change the binding position. Skiers put their heart and soul into deciding the binding position. Make your decision with determination.
