A well-balanced setup that shows off the individuality of the boards, boots, and metal fittings | 2023 Ski Gear Review | VECTOR GLIDE, OMNIS, MARKER | Ayano Suzuki

We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they used to the fullest last winter.
This time, we looked at the skis, boots, and bindings used by Ayano Suzuki, who is based in Asahikawa, Hokkaido.

rider profile

Photo: Sho Endo

Ayano Suzuki, 43 years old

Former member of the Japanese national alpine skiing speed team. All-Japan alpine downhill champion in two events. Alpine Ski World Junior GSL champion at age 16. Skiing experience: 34 years. Participates in competitions, technical selections, former SAJ demos, freeride, and skied three unclimbed peaks in the Himalayas. In the summer, he tours road bikes, gravel roads, MTB, and SUPs. He is a sports enthusiast in general, including weightlifting and food. He also runs ski sessions, snowy mountain ski excursions, and ski technique lessons

Instagram: @ayanosuzuki.hokkaido

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Ayano Suzuki's setup

Review of the entire setup

What kind of places and situations is this setup designed for?

Ayano Suzuki
I'll be using them more frequently this season, whether there's snow or not, on the slopes, off-piste, or in pack country.The length, width, and responsiveness are just right for me, allowing me to make sharp turns and shifts, and the strength of the bindings makes hiking smooth

The boots are not a dual-purpose type, so they are heavy, but the sliding sensation, ease of power transmission, and secure fit with the bindings make for a great balance of skis, bindings, and boots, making this a setup that is easy to understand and comfortable to wear anywhere

Please tell me why you chose this setup.

Ayano Suzuki
I still have the strength and power, so I'm not using hike gear or lightweight ski boots because my goal is to ski. I'm using a heavier setup overall compared to my current lightweight setup

The advantage of being light is that hiking is easy and it's easy to conserve energy. The disadvantage I feel is that the lightness reduces the stability of your feet. On hard surfaces, your feet tend to slip away. The advantage of being heavy is that it gives you a sense of stability and security in a wide range of snow conditions, steep slopes, and even on hard snow. The contact between the snow and your feet as a whole feels manual, so you can always try to perform in your own way and it's easy to control your skiing. However, it is heavy lol

I've used dual-purpose boot shells for various purposes, but as someone who grew up competing in alpine skiing for many years, I value the interaction between the boots and the snow surface. I've often used a wide range of boots, from those made of the same plastic material that loses power to those that are too strong. So I choose boots that are "for this purpose, I need this level of strength, stickiness, lateral movement, and positioning of the sole of the foot. Skis that are this width and length, a sense of rebound, strength at the front and back of the tip and tail, strength and movement in the overall balance between the boot, metal fittings, and ski, and a good balance of shear movement from side to side." Boots that are this weight, strength, and bindings that allow for easy ski movement due to the sense of unity between the board and boot."

I choose tools that allow me to maximize my physical movement and performance. If I'm not too strong and can use around 70% of my strength in any situation, I have the leeway to enjoy the challenge of giving it 100%. By doing so, I feel a sense of unity with the tool, which gives me a greater sense of stability and security than ever before, and also gives me the added benefit of being able to control my freedom of movement more easily


ski impressions


Vector glide GENIUS Narrow | L=185cm | D=140-115-130mm | 2023-24 model

What are your impressions of the performance and ride quality of this ski?

Ayano Suzuki
Strength, smoothness, sharpness, ease of adjustment, and the freedom to ski in a way that suits you

In addition to that, please let us know what you like about this ski, such as its design or other points.

Ayano Suzuki
In the case of Vectorglide, if you ride a 105mm board with another brand, even a 110-115mm board from Vectorglide will feel about the same width as a 105mm board from another company. It's not just the width, but the movement that comes from the overall balance of the board itself, and I think it's a reflection of the attention to detail in the tool making

All Vectorglide types, and even the same type, have different lengths, bindings, and boot styles, all of which create different feel. That's why you'll enjoy riding your Vectorglide for a long time, and it'll become your own unique bike! I think you'll grow attached to it and it will become a treasured piece of equipment

What kind of people is this ski recommended for?

Ayano Suzuki
It's not just the cool look that makes it so appealing, but the inside of it is so well-made that even I was shocked at first. Rather than choosing it just because it's "trendy," this is a brand that I would recommend to anyone who wants to create their own snow life story to try out at least once in their life!


boots impression

OMNIS PRO | 2022-23 model

What are your impressions of the performance and comfort of these boots?

Ayano Suzuki
Freedom of control, smoothness, and strength of turns

Because there is no walk mode, the forward and backward movement range is not fixed, allowing you to freely find your turning position. This allows you to change the quality of the turn arc to suit the situation and the snow, and you can clearly feel the stickiness and instantly grasp the reaction of the board, so you can feel the snow surface directly. This makes movement smooth and fluid.
Of course, they are heavier than tour boots, but they will lead to the best performance when skiing.

In addition to that, please tell us what you like about these boots, such as the design or one point.

Ayano Suzuki
White color. Simple logo

What kind of people do you think these boots are recommended for?

Ayano Suzuki
For those who love powder riding. These boots are a must-have for the ease of control over the quality of your turns in powder, their unparalleled responsiveness, and the seamless smoothness they offer. I feel that without these boots I wouldn't be able to perform at my best in powder


Binding impressions

MARKER F12 TOUR EPF | 2023-24 model

What are your impressions of the performance and feel of this binding?

Ayano Suzuki
It's just right for my weight and power. Since I don't use walk mode (pins can be used) boots, this tour binding is the perfect weight for me, and I also like how simple and easy it is to use. It doesn't come off easily. I can ski with peace of mind and confidence

In addition to that, please let us know what you like about this binding, such as its design or other points.

Ayano Suzuki
Every year, for some reason the colours always match my skis and boots pretty well

What kind of people do you think this binding is recommended for?

Ayano Suzuki
People who value the feeling of skating. People who hate the bindings releasing at odd times. People who want to freely expand the range of their skating performance. People who use boots that don't have a walk mode or can't use pins

Please tell me where to install the binding and why.

Ayano Suzuki
I recommend this board in the recommended position by the brand. This is because the board is highly refined. Even if the board is difficult to ride, by adjusting your riding style to it, you can improve your riding technique and adaptability

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