The annual business trade show "SNOW SPORTS Joint Exhibition" by snow sports manufacturers was held from February 16 (Tuesday) to 17 (Wednesday) at Pacifico Yokohama. Due to the corona wreck, the number of exhibitors was limited due to infection prevention measures, and although it was a compact size, there was a solid lineup of notable new models and popular items. The STEEP editorial department asked the manufacturers they care about about the hot topics.
[Exhibiting manufacturers]
ILP, Actgear Co., Ltd., VIST JAPAN Co., Ltd., VOLARE, MDV Sports Japan Co., Ltd., Elan Japan Co., Ltd., Kogasaka Ski Sales Co., Ltd., Hope Foods Co., Ltd., Creator Kyujo Osaka Co., Ltd., Create Associates Co., Ltd., KEM Co., Ltd., K2 Japan Co., Ltd., JCreate Co., Ltd., Shinano Co., Ltd., Swarovski Co., Ltd., Duke Co., Ltd., Full Marks Co., Ltd., Material Sports Co., Ltd., Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd., Yoshigawa Co., Ltd., Legzam Co., Ltd.
Let's introduce next season's topics that the STEEP editorial department heard while walking around the exhibition hall
When I stopped by the booth, GEN rider Tokunori Sasaki was wearing boots and attending. Starting with the story of the heavy snow in Hokkaido, the evolution of gear unique to legend skiers, the roots of riding styles, and other interesting stories are endless.
R&D multi flex " is the debut product of the "dotJP" label that sticks to Japan MADE.
A new label is born from the domestic brand "Gen FACTORY", which is made according to the foot shape of Japanese people! The boots unveiled this time as "dotJP PREMIUM LINE" are "R&D multi flex". "R&D" usually stands for Research & Development, but GEN has defined R&D as Riding & Development. The new product born from the on-site principle of "developing by sliding" is an all-mountain specification boot that shines with the spirit and technology of Japan's excellent manufacturing.
❖ JCreate Official HP http://jcreate-corp.co.jp/
ICELANTIC JAPAN Executive Advisor
Tokunori Sasaki
There was no exhibition this time, but the ICELANTIC '21-22 catalog is also on display, so you can take advantage of it! Check out the catalog for details on next year's model. It has already been released on the official website. https://icelanticskis.jp/catalog/2021-2022/
Tomoya Takahashi from the sales department told us about it at the Lexam booth. “POMOCA”, a sticker brand that is curious about STEEP, will not change next season. "DYNAFIT SKI" has newly added 95 size to "BLACKLIGHT". (Black model in the photo below)
Introducing a lightweight model that combines the gliding and climbing performance of the HOJI model! Its name is "RADICAL PRO"
The current HOJI series is a model that can be changed to climbing mode and gliding mode with one action by switching to walk mode and loosening both the buckle and power belt at the same time, but this lightweight type has been newly announced. RADICAL PRO".
The bellows makes the material stiffer, but allows the upper shell to flex forward, and by changing the tongue from a single-layer structure to a two-layer structure, it is now possible to finely adjust the softness and flex. Using light materials usually makes them stiffer, but this weak point is covered by the material and structure, resulting in a boot that flexes well.
❖ Rexxam official website https://www.rexxam.com/
At the K2 booth with such a woody atmosphere, K2, LINE, FT, and other popular brands for powder and freeride enthusiasts were jam-packed. There were many topical items, and many buyers visited the booth, which was quite lively.
A new 92 mm width has been added to the “RECKONER”
"RECKONER 92" (photo right, light blue board) and "RECKONER 92 ALLIANCE" (photo right, red board) have appeared in the popular series "RECKONER", which is highly versatile from powder to park. The graphic is decorated with roses.
Collaboration limited series with famous artists are doing well!
In recent years, K2 has been focusing on developing collaboration series and limited series with famous artists.
Following the global release of “Jeremy Dean x K2” (yellow board on the left of the photo) on November 28th, the long-awaited collaboration work with Geoff McFetridge “K2 Skis” was released on January 16th. x Geoff McFetridge" (yellow-green board in the middle of the left side of the photo). This model is the most popular and works very well. These series don't come out all at once, they just drop into the market in rhythm, so what's next? The excitement is irresistible. A new limited edition model was announced in a timely manner during the exhibition.
MINDBENDER limited edition in collaboration with Sean Pettit will be released on February 17th!
The ski "Mindbender108Ti" and boots "Mindbender130 Burst" in collaboration with team rider Sean Pettit, who has been leading K2 ski for many years, will be released on February 17th, and were also released at the venue.
The skis have the traditional flavor of K2 around 1998, and are said to be a self-confident product that has raised the level even further. Speaking of MINDBENDER, it is a popular model that can handle everything from compacted snow to powder with excellent running performance and pleasant turns. The boot features a solid 130 flex and a typical K2 fit.
❖ K2 Japan official website http://www.k2japan.com/
MDV Sports Japan handling Volkl, Marker and DALBELLO. Just during the exhibition, another STEEP coverage team was in Tomamu, Hokkaido, taking pictures with three riders from the MDV team (Kazuya Furuse, Hidemitsu Okada, and Mirai Nakagawa). When I visited the booth, such topics came up, and this is what I learned as a topic for next season.
"KRYPTON 130 TIID" that KRYPTON pursues interesting
DALBELLO is like a minor change. LUPO has been narrowed down from 9 product numbers to 5 product numbers, targeting a more core layer. What is interesting is the development of KRYPTON. KRYPTON has been in the line for a long time, but the newly announced photo "KRYPTON 130 TIID" has a unique 3-piece construction with tech holes. It's more focused on gliding than walking, and there's no longer a walk mode. It is said that the DUKE PT was born from the desire of athletes who want to pursue a hard slide by walking a little. This ladies' version is "CHAKRA".
Marker is doing great with DUKE PT. SQUIRE is a model change
As for Marker bindings, DUKE PT has received overwhelming support and continues to perform well. As a topic, "SQUIRE" has undergone a full model change. For beginners entering freeride The heel itself has become larger and the cup opening has become larger, making it easier to step on the foot by 30%. In addition, the anti-ice rail makes it easier to remove snow from the boots.
Volkl ski pays attention to "M6 MANTRA"
The 6th generation model "M6 MANTRA" has been released for the next season that VolKl should not miss. Tailored carbon tips are woven into the top, creating an interesting ski that allows you to change the torsion and flex depending on how the carbon fibers are woven.
❖ MDV Sports Japan Official HP http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
BLACK EDITION added to "RIPSTICK"
96 and 106 with polished quality
This black board caught my eye when I entered the ELAN booth. The popular freeride ski "RIPSTICK" that can be said to be the signboard of ELAN. This is a popular model with the ability to enjoy the slopes and go to the mountains with this one. The BLACK edition has been added as a new model to this. It will be popular with adult skiers with its calm and chic appearance.
❖ Elan Japan official website http://www.elanjapan.co.jp/
Of the 12 models in the BLASTRACK lineup, 6 have undergone major changes, and 1 out of 6 has undergone a full model change. In addition, the design of the remaining five models has changed, and at the same time, the structural parts and specifications of the contents have been updated.
1,290g per bottle! Surprisingly light and has status. Confident new model "BLAZER LT" that demonstrates OGASAKA's technical capabilities
Among the many advances, this is the one I recommend. The "BLAZER LIGHT" (left photo) of the ultra-lightweight touring model BLAZER TOUR series made its debut as the "BLAZER LT" (right photo) after a full model change. The BLAZER TOUR was originally developed for tours, but we wanted people who don't climb mountains to enjoy it, so the gliding performance has been greatly improved. It is said that it is a self-confident product that breaks the reality that there were few skis that pursued weight reduction so far to enjoy skiing.
The weight is light at only 1,290g (160cm) on one side. It's really light when you actually hold it in your hand! At the test-riding event that has already started, some riders have doubts, "Is it really safe to ski?" With a waist width of 87 mm, it is easy to slide on compacted snow, and you can fully enjoy it regardless of the situation, such as a little powder or spring snow. It is ideal for skiers who have learned basic skiing and who find it difficult to ski due to their age and physical strength.
Big fat with a waist of 132 cm "SILVA"
The number of people who want this season's powder is steadily increasing
"SILVA", which made a shocking debut in the 2020-21 season, continues. It has been well received by users. In addition to the visual impact of the left-right asymmetry, it is a work that shines with Kogasaka's technical prowess. This is the first BLASTRACK to adopt a full rocker bottom shape that is suitable for riding in deep powder. It has a structure that allows you to enjoy sliding comfortably using the edge even when it comes out.
❖ Ogasaka Ski Sales Official Website https://www.ogasaka-ski.co.jp/
summary
We were worried about the event being held amidst the coronavirus pandemic, but I think it was a great pleasure for the snow industry and for users beyond that that the event was held without incident.
At the venue, not only exhibitors, but also dealers, the media, and many people involved were engaged in hot talks around the new model. It was also impressive to hear conversations here and there, such as, "People who like it go skating, are interested in new things, and want good things." In the midst of the season, test drive events for each manufacturer are being held across the board. Now is the perfect time to see the new model, touch it, and test its usability. Let's go to the test ride event.
*2021-22 Product sales and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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