HEAD Shun Okumura x Natsuki Endo | SKIER'S TALK ROOM -Let's talk about gear-

"Let's talk about gear. It might help you improve quickly."

Everyone has their own way of improving at skiing. While practicing hard is of course important, using your favorite gear also helps you improve. So how do you choose your gear? We gathered together some of the most skilled riders active at the forefront of skiing, from various manufacturers. This time, we're changing things up a bit and holding a cross-talk across genres, from freestyle to basics and alpine

Here, we have a conversation between Shun Okumura, the runner-up of the All Japan Ski Technical Championships, and Natsuki Endo, who is active in freeride and backcountry skiing from HEAD. What are their thoughts on the brand and gear?

Excellent stability and a tight, sticky slide - Shun Okumura

Natsuki Endo (hereinafter Endo):Heads from established brands have a very no-nonsense image and inspire a high level of trust. The fact that they incorporate the latest technology is also appealing.

Shun Okumura (hereinafter Okumura):Yes, that's the image I have. In alpine skiing, they have an absolute dominance, and I have a strong impression that they are ranked number one. The skis I wear have the same specifications as those for alpine skiing, with the "GS-REBEL SPEEDBLUE" in 186cm for long distances and the "SL-REBEL SPEEDBLUE" in 165cm from the same series for short distances. They are equipped with EMC technology to suppress vibrations and have excellent stability. They are heavy and the grip is slow in the first half of the turn, but they have good rebound and the speed comes out in the second half, and the skiing is characterized by a sticky, glued feel.

Perfect for both park and powder. The rocker and camber ratio is just right. - Natsuki Endo

Endo:　The skis I ride are the "OBLIVION" 101 and 106, all-mountain skis. They were made with the concept of how freely you can ski in the mountains, and you can do park riding and powder riding with them. They are lightweight, have good rebound, and the ratio of rocker to camber is just right. I can see how Shun-kun grips the skis and skis on groomed slopes, but I can't quite grasp that feeling. When I ride the basic models, they are narrow and the reaction is too quick, so I feel like I might get caught.

Okumura　's skiing style is different, you know. In our case, we don't like skis that float. But when I took the freeride model "KORE" into the mountains, I was surprised by how light it was. I rode "KORE" about four or five years ago, but the new one is completely different.

Endo's　"KORE" is a model completely specialized for mountain skiing and is longer than the "OBLIVION". It was originally based on alpine skis, and although the ski itself is thin, it has good speed. You can feel the Head's characteristics in that respect. They keep changing the materials, making it lighter and thinner, but the rebound force remains the same. However, if you're trying them for the first time, I recommend the "OBLIVION" 84. Each waist width has a speed range, and the 84mm width is about medium speed. It has the lightest swing weight.

Okumura:　In the case of the skis I use, I recommend the "E-RACE PRO" for beginners, or rather, for those who have a Level 1 or Level 2 ski certification and want to take the next step. If you want to use a high-spec model, you should choose one that has the exact same internal structure but is equipped with a separate type plate. It offers the best of both worlds: good ski performance and easy flex.

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Text = Chiho Kuriyama

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