SMITH Hidemitsu Okada x Ayana Onozuka | 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 hard practice is of course important, using your favorite gear is also key to success. So how do you choose your gear? We gathered together some of the most skilled riders at the forefront of skiing, from various manufacturers, to answer this question

This time, we spoke with Hidemitsu Okada and Ayana Onozuka, two familiar faces from STEEP, about SMITH goggles. They will tell us about the benefits of SMITH goggles, which can be used in even harsher natural environments, such as backcountry and freeriding

I want more people to know about the quality of Smith goggles - Hidemitsu Okada

Ayana Onozuka (hereinafter Onozuka):　When I started competing in the United States, the helmet I had been using up until then didn't meet the competition regulations, so I bought a Smith helmet there. After that, I started using goggles with support, initially the "I/O" with a spherical lens, then the "SQUAD" with a flat lens, and now I love the "SQUAD MAG" with its magnetic lens replacement.

Hideaki Okada (hereinafter Okada):　I've been using Smith goggles since I was in fifth grade, so for me, when it comes to goggles, there's no other choice. In the backcountry, I use the "4D MAG," which has a lens shape that's somewhere between spherical and flat, so it gives an overwhelmingly wide field of view. It makes it easier to see my hands and chest, and to prepare my equipment. When skiing, the information you get from your field of vision is important. It leads to risk management. But when I'm skiing on groomed slopes, I use the "SQUAD MAG" because it looks cool.

With MAG, you don't need spare goggles - Ayana Onozuka

Onozuka　MAG goggles, you can change lenses with a single touch, which is great because you don't need to carry a spare pair. You can change lenses while wearing the goggles, and they lock in place so you don't have to worry about the lenses coming off due to impact.

Okada:　It's also easy to wipe the lens clean when it becomes difficult to see.

Onozuka　Asian Fit glasses, the frames fit my face perfectly and don't lift up at the bridge of my nose. I also like the wide field of vision and the sharp view provided by the ChromaPop lenses.

Okada:　High-contrast lenses for overseas markets tend to have colors that appear too saturated. In that respect, ChromaPop lenses are a better fit for Japanese eyes.

Onozuka　ChromaPop now comes in Storm Amber lens color, right? It's clear but slightly yellowish, and it's super convenient when the weather's bad.

Okada　: Yes, that lens is revolutionary. With a photochromic lens, you can handle a wide range of weather conditions with just one lens, but for blizzards or when visibility is really dark, Storm Amber is the way to go.

Onozuka　I used to use clear lenses when visibility was poor at

Okada:　Plus, some models even come with a spare lens. So I'd recommend the photochromic and Storm Amber combo model. When you think about it that way, even though it's expensive, I think it's worth the price. I wish more people knew about the quality of Smith goggles.

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Text = Chiho Kuriyama

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SMITH

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