On February 15th and 16th, 2022, the annual business trade show "SNOW SPORTS Joint Exhibition" of snow-related manufacturers, sponsored by the Association of Japan Ski Promotion, was also held. After that, the ``JSP_SKI FORUM ON SNOW 2022'' was held at Sugadaira Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture, where new models and popular items for the 2022-23 season were unveiled. The STEEP editorial department asked the manufacturers of interest about new product topics for the 2022-23 season.
up interesting brands from the exhibition hall
We asked the hot topics of the next 2022-2023 season
* Listed in alphabetical order by brand
Proof of Japan-made technology and pride
Faster, lighter, and more fun
BLASTRACK is an all-mountain ski brand produced by Kogasaka Ski, which boasts a long history and tradition as a long-established manufacturer made in Japan. The skis are developed through extensive research and testing based on a thorough knowledge of Japanese users and snowy mountains. There are two notable topics. The fastest and lightest models in the ELIXIR series have been born, and the second release of the BLASTRACK full rocker.
ELIXIR/L (third from left) 125-80.5-110mm R=16.7m (
171cm) 102,300 yen (tax included) Ph/TSUJINO Akira
The fastest model in the successive ELIXIR series is born! "ELIXIR/E"
BLASTRACK's representative model ELIXIR. With a center width of 80.5mm, it has gained popularity as a ski that makes it easy to enjoy carving on packed slopes. In the 2022-23 season, new models "ELIXIR/E" and "ELIXIR/L" were born.
ELIXIR/E is a completely new type, and got E from Exceed. Exceed has the meaning of surpassing and surpassing the past. It is exactly the birth of the fastest model in the series. You can tell by the feeling of holding it and the feeling of fanning it, but the finish is quite hard. The conventional ELIXIR has been an all-mountain type ski that can be enjoyed in deep snow and on the slopes, but this ELIXIR/E is a ski that is very suitable for carving on the slopes. By adjusting the material and balance, we have improved the stability and running performance in the high speed range, and the goodness of running. It provides the best feeling for those who have carved turns with ELIXIR and felt a little unsatisfactory when speeding up.
The core material has become considerably stronger and the weight has increased a little, so there is an overwhelming sense of stability and security when carving at high speed on well-maintained slopes. The width is 80.5 mm, and the three sizes such as the side curve are the same as the conventional one.
Realizing the lightest weight in the series ・Easier and more fun "ELIXIR/L"
"ELIXIR/L" stands for Light & Luxury, and is about 250g lighter than the conventional ELIXIR, making it the lightest in the series. It felt lighter, but it wasn't just lighter. By changing the material and tuning the balance, we have achieved a high level of weight reduction and stability while maintaining good operability. The result is a well-balanced ski that can be enjoyed in any season. It's light, so you won't get tired even if you ride for a long time. It will be easy to handle for women and seniors.
A new self-confidence product that reaffirms the goodness of full rocker｜ROC118
Another topic is the birth of the new "ROC118" model. The second version of "SILVA" announced last season with a full rocker. Silva has also received a very high reputation, and while inheriting that know-how, the center width was narrowed down to 118mm from the ultra-big fat Silva of 132mm to make it lighter. This makes it possible to enjoy various situations.
In the ski market, full rocker skis are becoming less and less popular, but the ROC118 was born out of a re-recognition of the benefits of full rocker skis after repeated tests. It has the advantage of demonstrating outstanding stability in powder and overwhelming speed, and since it has a curved shape from the beginning, it is easy to change the direction of the nose, making it easy to move the ski quickly. Since such advantages are considerably superior to the camber type, the desire to further enhance the full rocker line is also included in the second ROC118. Available in 2 sizes, 176 and 183 cm in length.
We asked BLASTRACK riders to tell us about its ride quality and features at "JSP_SKI FORUM ON SNOW2022".
❖ BLASTRACK official website https://www.blastrack.jp/
That Glen Pleiku signature too!
"RIPSTICK TOUR" Debut!
The biggest topic of the 2022-23 season is here. ELAN's popular freeride line RRIPSTICK is now available for backcountry use "RIPSTICK TOUR". It's even lighter than the normal RIPSTICK, and it's rigid because it contains two pieces of carbon. Adoption of left-right asymmetrical rocker camber structure, which ELAN is good at. If normal RIPSTICK is 70% sliding and 30% climbing, this TOUR is 50% sliding and 50% climbing, which was developed to enjoy tour skiing. There are 3 men's models and 2 women's models, and there is a signature model supervised by former legend skier Glen Pleiku for performance and design.
For the features of the technology and the appeal of the ride, please watch the video taken at the "JSP_SKI FORUM ON SNOW2022" in Sugadaira.
Win men's model with a waist of 94 mm appears in the BLACK EDITION of "RIPSTICK"
Equipped with ELAN's cutting-edge carbon bridge technology, carbon is incorporated from the tail to the nose, and although it is lightweight, it has strong torsional strength and high grip on the snow surface, giving you a light and stable run "RIPSTICK" ”. You can enjoy sharp turns on the slopes, and you can run through powder and uneven terrain. It is a gem with excellent versatility that you can enjoy anywhere in the mountain with this one. In the 2021-2022 season, a "BLACK edition" with a chic design was added. The "RIPSTICK 94 W BLACK EDITION" has a waist width of 94 mm that is easy to handle for women while maintaining its stylishness and functionality. There are 4 sizes of 154, 162, 170, and 178 cm in length.
The normal RIPSTICK has undergone a cosmetic change, and the earth color creates a unique and nice atmosphere.
❖ Elan Japan official website http://www.elanjapan.co.jp/
The FISCHER Global 2022-2023 hot topic, the
"RANGER series" has undergone a complete model change!
The biggest topic of FISCHER, which is expanding globally, is the complete model change of the RANGER series of FISCHER's freeride line. Until now, freeride skis originated in Europe and were more of a carving-type freeride ski with a firm edge grip. has renewed everything from the concept to the contents. We tested and compared all the skis that are popular in the market, and researched what kind of skis actually used by skiers.
The fat width model has buoyancy and can be moved freely, and the 96 and 90 with 100 mm as the border have carving performance that can slide firmly even on the slopes. Therefore, we adopted a titanium sheet called “Shaped Titanium”. The wide skis are short, and the narrow ones are long front and rear. As a result, the edge became effective and it was possible to produce stability and carving performance. For each model, titanium has a "flex cut" cut that can be seen to control the softness of each model.
For example, the surface is scratch-free, and the tail protector has been carefully devised in terms of design. Based on the concept of "Ski more!" The lineup has color variations in 5 models of 116, 108, 102, 96, and 90 cm.
❖ Fischer official website https://www.goldwin.co.jp/fischer/
2023 season, which broke the conventional image
R&D = Riding & Development model, based on the concept of developing while sliding, released a new model for carving in the 2022-23 season. GEN is a brand that has a strong image of freestyle, but two seasons ago, we asked riders, advisory staff of contracted ski schools, and general skiers to repeatedly test from the user's point of view. did the creation.
The standard freestyle line "GENESIS90/95" has been updated with a wire type "flex wire buckle". Boots became easier to move more flexibly. "BUMPS 9R" is the same. The first to adopt this buckle was the "FUTURE" for the park, but it was so highly evaluated that it was adopted for all high-end models.
GEN boots have continued to evolve with the concept of "referring to close relationships with riders and feedback from shop staff, etc." Developed according to the foot shape of Japanese people, realizing a comfortable and excellent Japan fit. We have a wide range of models from comfort models to expert riders models. “FUTURE” is a model developed together with rider Kosuke Kusakari, and it is a hybrid product that achieves both lightness and flexibility by changing the material of the upper and body.
All inners use original thermo inners. Until now, in collaboration with INTUITION, we have released a special thermoformable inner THE CORE, but for the 2022-23 season we have developed a thermo inner that can be used without baking. "THE CORE-CLONE-AUTO FIT" innerwear, which is not heat-molded and will subtly adapt to your feet, will be released in time for the season. This further increases the dimension of fitting.
❖ JCreate Official HP http://jcreate-corp.co.jp/
A new color called Almond White is now available!
No major changes to the lineup
HESTRA has continued to stick to the Swedish craftsmanship spirit. It is the world's top brand with a history of 70 years since the first glove was made and craftsmanship. Products that combine the quality of leather materials, functionality, and design at a high level are gathering strong fans, mainly among freeride enthusiasts.
The news for the 2022-23 season is the arrival of a new color called almond white. With a soft and stylish atmosphere, it will be popular with any layer. The photo shows HESTRA's signature 3-finger Full Leather model, which uses eco-friendly processed goat leather. The 2021-2022 season was mainly two-tone, so the single color is rather fresh.
❖ HESTRA official website https://www.full-marks.com/hestra/
MINDBENDER is in great form leading the Japanese freeride scene.
As a global (global) direction, skiing is recommended as a sport to avoid crowds during the corona crisis, and the K2 lineup is expanding strongly even during the corona crisis. In the 2022-23 season, the popular model has evolved further, and the completely new series "DISPATCH" has been born, and the momentum continues. Last season, all collections received high praise and sales were extremely strong. In the Japanese market, MINDBENDER has a strong image and is said to be driving the popularity of K2.
MINDBENDER's '22-23 season has a model change for "Ti"!
"MINDBENDER" shows high performance not only in powder, but also in almighty from hard burns to coarse snow in spring. In the series, the MINDBENDER "C" uses carbon as the material and the "Ti" uses titanium, but the 2022-23 season "Ti" line has undergone a model change. The placement of the titanium is slightly shorter than the front, improving the operability without compromising the stability of the ski.
'22-23 season's K2 SKI's most featured "DISPATCH" debut!
R=29mm (186cm)
"DISPATCH" is a completely new category. Positioned between the freeride "MINDBENDER" and the touring ski "WAYBACK", it was categorized as "FREE TOUR". This model was born from the idea of "lightweight freeride", and instead of completely prioritizing climbing like a tour ski, you can go farther by lightening the weight while maintaining excellent downhill capabilities. This is the concept. The structure realizes this lightness while placing titanium like "MINDBENDER Ti". There are three types of waist width: 120, 110, and 101 mm. The debut of "DISPACH" can be said to be the highlight of K2's 2022-23 season.
In other series, "WAYBACK" has a new waist of 92 mm. The graphics of "RECKONER" have all changed, but the content remains the same.
❖ K2 Brand Official HP https://k2snow.com/ja-jp ｜ K2 JAPAN Official HP http://www.k2japan.com/
Upgraded toepiece for easier use
MARKER's KINGPN and ALPINIST toepieces have evolved into "ISI Toe (Intuitive Step In)", which allows you to step in intuitively. The contact area between the platform and the boot has been enlarged, and the shape and size of the rubber stop pad that aligns with the tip of the boot have been changed, making it possible to step in more smoothly.
❖ MDV Sports Japan Official HP http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
The 2022-23 season will see the birth of a new product "big game"
POC that makes you feel the momentum with 3 topics
POC is popular among freestyle skiers and snowboarders who pursue “style.”This is a new Swedish brand with the mission of “doing everything possible to protect athletes from serious accidents.” Three hot topics for the 2022-23 season are backpacks, helmets, goggles, and new products from each category.
At POC's laboratories, specialists in various fields, such as material researchers, industrial designers, graphic designers, neurologists, and spinal cord injury researchers, conduct research from their respective perspectives and develop excellent products. , bags, helmets, and goggles, new products of "big game" were announced, and the momentum of research and development and rapid growth of the brand can be felt.
AVALANCHE BACK RELEASE ON POC
The biggest topic of POC in the 2022-23 season will be the release of the avalanche bag. It's a battery-powered compressor type, and uses a new standard called Albride E2. By using a mobile battery and a dry battery together, one charge can be done in about 20 minutes, and it can be used about 4 times by pre-charging the main unit and using a dry battery together. If you use a mobile battery together, you can use it even more 2 dry batteries can be charged 3 times. The capacity is 25 liters. The color is also an orange fluorescent color with excellent visibility on snowy mountains. Although the avalanche bag is still not popular in Japan, it is expected that it will be a catalyst for change with the brand power of POC.
A unique visor helmet is also born
POC has released a full shield visor helmet for the first time. With motifs of astronaut shields and fighter pilots, the lower part of the face is three-dimensionalized to create a unique form. It is targeted at all-around users, but in Japan, it is probably a slightly older group of people who want to use it over glasses. Imagine.
The helmet part is based on the "MENINX" released from the 2021-2022 season. Meninx means "meninges", and includes a lightweight PC shell, two types of EPS/EPP shock-absorbing materials, magnetic strap Fidlock®, removable ear pads, two vents that can be opened and closed, and a dial on the back of the head. It is a popular model with specifications such as adjustment system deployment.
The shield part is named "Levator", which means the muscle that lifts the eyelids. What a unique naming. The sponge under the frame has a three-layer structure, and by using sponges with different hardness, it is designed to come down so that it adheres firmly to the skin when the visor is lowered. It looks flat from the outside, but on the inside, the nose part is recessed and the fit is perfect.
Flat type new face goggles "Nexal"
A new model that uses a flat type outrigger frame called "Nexal" is added to the goggle lineup. The feature is that the frame of the outrigger is a soft frame, so that it fits softly on the edge of the helmet. Its design is unique. The frame protrudes a little at the cheekbones, and the surface is widened along the cheekbones for a better fit. In addition, it is functional with a ventilation that slides under the inner sponge so that cold air can be shut out. When it snows, it can get snowy and condensate, so it's an excellent product that prevents that.
❖ Full Marks official website https://www.full-marks.com/
"Faster, smoother, sharper"
R-EVO SLIM debuts
The new arrival of the R-EVO SLIM line is the topic of the 2022-23 season.
The "NEW SLIM LAST SYSTEM" adopted in the new R-EVO SLIM line increases rigidity by increasing the thickness of the inside of the lower shell by 1mm. In addition, as a result, the position of the foot is offset from the conventional position, which makes it possible to grasp the snow surface more smoothly, and since the rigidity is strong even after it is grasped, stable turns can be performed. Turns come off smoothly, and speed increases. Under the theme of "faster, smoother, sharper", it has evolved. The new color sapphire blue also transforms the visual vividly.
At the test-ride event for dealers, it received high praise, saying, "The gliding feeling is clearly different, it's good!" The last width is 94mm (26cm size) due to the 1mm thickening of the inside of the lower shell, but the newly designed H22 inner does not impair the fit. In addition to the R-EVO SLIM line, this "NEW SLIM LAST SYSTEM" is also used in the "XX-LIMITED" model used by Yukima Horishima, who won the bronze medal in his mogul competition at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
❖ Rexxam official website https://rexxam.com/
NEW! Photochromatic lens "PHOTOCHROMIC ULTRA LIGHT GRAY" released
There are two topics for the 2022-23 season. The first is the appearance of the new photochromic lens “PHOTOCHROMIC ULTRA LIGHT GRAY”. A surprising all-weather compatible lens that changes from a clear appearance to a deep smoke lens-like darkness. In addition, the gray-based lens clearly highlights the shadows on the snow surface. This makes it possible to obtain natural vision in all situations, from Dopecan to snowy days and night games. It is installed in the popular "RIDGELINE", "RACAN" and "ROVO" series.
Also worth noting is the model "XED series" equipped with a heat lens on the "RACAN" that is compatible with large eyeglasses. This is an excellent product that has the function that the lens heats up and does not fog up even in harsh environments. It is effective when sweating or in bad weather, such as backcountry or hiking. It comes with a battery, and when you press the switch, the lens heats up. Can be used alone.
A new freeride helmet with 3 holes is here!
A model called "HSF-190" was newly added to the SWANS freeride helmet line in the 2023 season. It features three holes on the forehead. By providing ventilation compatibility with snow goggles, it is designed to demonstrate the ventilation effect at the same time. A lightweight model for freestyle with 5 color variations. There is also a collaboration color with HAKUBA VALLEY. The prices are also quite reasonable.
❖ Yamamoto Kogaku Official HP https://www.swans.co.jp/product/snowgoggle/
“REVOLT 84 / REVOLT 90” Sensational World Debut
VÖLKL Athletes at the 2022 Beijing Olympics
New "REVOLT 84" and "REVOLT 90" appear in the freestyle "REVOLT" series! This is the biggest topic for VÖLKL as a whole for the 2022-23 season. Starting with the recent Beijing Winter Olympics, many Volkl athletes have been active in the world competition scene this season, and their abilities are reverberating around the world.
The "REVOLT 84" and "REVOLT 90" have a lighter top and tail, and the center of gravity is set at the foot, which is the center of the ski, to adjust the swing weight balance. The "REVOLT 84" has full camber and maximizes its performance when riding on a half-pipe. The "REVOLT 90" uses rocker in the top and tail, making it easy to handle with a light swing weight and a soft top and tail. Although it is designed with slopestyle skiing on various items in mind, it is a machine that can be enjoyed in multiple ways.
Let's learn from the staff of MDV Sports Japan in the video
The REVOLT collection changes its designer each time, and this year we hired an artist with a background in the cultures of his two home countries, China and Austria. It is developed with graphics applied in an ingenious method with a slight Chinese scent. For example, "REVOLT121" paints black on gold and scratches it. "REVOLT 104" is said to have dropped oil on water and photographed it. It is a beauty that makes you want to display it as art.
"KENDO88" evolves further with a full model change
In the 2022-23 season, the KENDO88 has undergone a full model change in the freeride line-up, represented by the ``MANTRA''. The top uses a “tailored carbon placement” specification that uses a tailored carbon tip that is woven with carbon, and the frame structure uses a further evolved “tailored titanium frame”. The frame has a more complex shape than previous frames to reduce weight.
Rather than simply shortening the length of the metal depending on the length of the ski, we analyzed the users who ride that length, assumed their characteristics, and adjusted the amount of metal in consideration of the balance. “Tailored” comes from “individual tailoring” and expresses a very special custom feeling. The length is available in 4 sizes of 163, 170, 177, and 184 cm.
In the freeride line, the “MANTRA102” has also undergone a model change, and by improving the torsion balance of the top, the sense of security when entering a turn has been improved.
❖ MDV Sports Japan official website https://www.mdvsports.co.jp
PROPIPE used by the Canadian team at the Beijing Olympics
ZUMA SKIS is a free ski brand that has been developed since 2015 by SWALLOW SKI, a Japanese brand with a long history. Its high quality has been proven with the achievements of domestic and foreign riders who are active on the world stage.
ZUMA's '22-23 season's attention model is the model "PROPIPE" used by most of the players of the Canadian halfpipe team at the Beijing Olympics. Developed with feedback from the Canadian team, this one specialized for pipes has a strong repulsion and is designed to fly firmly on pipes. "FLAGEA" was adopted for the slopestyle and big air of the Chinese national team at the Beijing Olympics. With the good grip on the snow surface unique to camber, it realizes a stable landing from a jump. It is a model with excellent response performance that responds quickly to the next movement from the moment of landing.
"PROGENE" for general use is soft and easy to handle. Full twin tip "KRUZ" for all-round use in parks and compacted snow. It has a reputation for being the easiest to use.
❖ Swallow Ski Official HP https://swallow-ski.com/brand/