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

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
Ayano Suzuki's setup
Review of the entire setup
What kind of places and situations is this setup designed for?
Ayano SuzukiThe 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 SuzukiThe 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 SuzukiIn addition to that, please let us know what you like about this ski, such as its design or other points.
Ayano SuzukiAll 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 Suzukiboots impression

What are your impressions of the performance and comfort of these boots?
Ayano SuzukiBecause 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 SuzukiWhat kind of people do you think these boots are recommended for?
Ayano SuzukiBinding impressions

What are your impressions of the performance and feel of this binding?
Ayano SuzukiIn addition to that, please let us know what you like about this binding, such as its design or other points.
Ayano SuzukiWhat kind of people do you think this binding is recommended for?
Ayano SuzukiPlease tell me where to install the binding and why.
Ayano Suzuki


