Let's talk about the impressions of the favorite gear that riders used this winter.
This time, the gear worn by Yasushi Chiba, who has secretly gained attention for his video of him sliding down steep slopes in the mountains of Hokkaido, is a hot topic.
Yasushi Chiba, 29
, calls himself a steepline addict. His riding, which flies over the cliffs of the mountains in Hokkaido and attacks narrow chutes, is posted mainly on Instagram, and has fans both in Japan and overseas. also presides over
deerhorn_poles" with the concept of being kind to the earth using bamboo Support: Paddle Club, Armada
Yasushi Chiba's setup
Ski ①: ARMADA DeclivityX 185cm (137-115-130) '21-22 model
Ski ②: ARMADA Declivity108ti 182cm (136-108-126) '21-22 model
Boots: SALOMON SHIFT PRO 130 '20-21 model
Binding: ARMADA N SHIFT MNC 13 '21-22 model
Ratings and reviews for each gear
ski reviews
①ARMADA DeclarationX
5 levels of impression of hardness (★1=soft ←→★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★★☆
Center: ★★★★☆
Tail: ★★★★☆
●Five levels of suitable scenes
Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: None
Moguls: None
Touring: ★★★☆☆
Frequently used conditions
Period: December to March, high season
location (slopes, courses, ski resorts, mountain areas, etc.) Hokkaido backcountry
conditions: From ice to hard pack to powder
●Review
features: Big mountain skis supervised by Chamonix local Tof henry.
Anyway, I'm good at big slopes. Maneuverability & ride quality: It is milder than Declivity108ti, but it is heavy and requires a certain amount of leg strength.
On large slopes, it can draw long vertical turns while tearing through the surface of the powder, or step deeply to draw a large spray, and it moves as the skier wants. On the narrow line of the hard pack, the board is dropped as vertically as possible, and even if you slide it at high speed while shifting it, there is little flapping and it feels stable. Recommended for skiers who want to ski on large slopes with a sense of speed, who have a certain amount of leg strength, and skiers who have a background in alpine racing. Weight: 2,250g (185cm) per leg, a full swing ski that goes against the direction of BC skiing in recent years.
"Weight is justice" in skiing. What we like: We like how stable it is at high speeds and how reliable it is in hard conditions.
Graphics and more: All ARMADA skis in the big mountain and touring categories are characterized by their sleek and sophisticated design, and this DeclivityX is no exception, as it is a flagship model, and it is wonderfully and elegantly put together.
②ARMADA Declaration 108ti
5 levels of hardness (★1=soft ←→★5=hard)
Nose: ★★★★ ☆
Center: ★★★★ ☆
Tail: ★★★★★
●Suitable scenes in 5 levels
Powder: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: None
Moguls: None
Touring: ★★★★★
Frequently used conditions
Season: April to July, low snow season & remaining snow season
Location (slopes, courses, ski resorts, mountain areas, etc.): Hokkaido backcountry
Conditions: ice ~ hard pack ~ thin
●Review
Features: Extremely rigid and attractive at high speeds.
Maneuverability & ride quality: Compared to DeclivityX, it gives a quicker impression.
I mainly use it in the spring, but the skis are repelled and gripped without losing even on hard grain that has not loosened yet, and hard north-facing slopes that are not exposed to the sun and the temperature has not risen, and can be used at high speeds. A so-called "fine macho" machine that can scrape off snow and slide. With this ski, it's fun to take a narrow 4-5m wide chute and make quick turns while dropping it vertically. It is recommended for speed-oriented skiers who want to fly in one season with this one, whether it is at the ski resort or in the backcountry. Weight: 1,975g (182cm) is a little heavy for a 108mm waist.
What we like: We like how stable it is at high speeds and how reliable it is in hard conditions.
Others such as graphics: All ARMADA skis in the big mountain and touring categories are characterized by their sleek and sophisticated design, and the Declivity 108ti is also very sleek. "White rice" graphics that you will never get tired of even if you look at it many times with a simple design based on black.
boot reviews
SALOMON SHIFT PRO 130
●Five levels of impression of hardness (★1=soft←→★5=hard)
Lower shell:★★★★☆
Upper:★★★★☆
●Suitable scenes in 5 stages
Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Hard pack: ★★★★☆
Park: None
Moguls: None
Touring: ★★★★★
● Comfortable
operability of the walk mode function: Switching between ski/hike mode is excellent.
I've been using this system since its predecessor, MTN LAB 120, for about 7 years, and I've never had a problem where the mode wouldn't switch. "Trust and achievements" that I have personally experienced. Ease of walking (range of motion): The range of motion is wide for a freeride boot, and I don't feel dissatisfied when climbing.
Frequently used situations (time, place, conditions, etc.)
Season: All seasons
Location (slopes, courses, ski resorts, mountain areas, etc.): All areas of Hokkaido's backcountry
Conditions: All conditions
●Review
Features: Touring boots suitable for freeride, with an emphasis on downhill gliding performance.
Operation feeling: Power transmission and rigidity are by far the best among touring boots, and operability in hard burns is also quick.
Ride quality: It has a firm hold and can be attacked with confidence even at high speeds.
Heavy feeling: It feels a little heavier than the lightweight boots that have been shaken off for touring, but even if you consider the stability of the slip, you will get the impression that "change is coming".
Comfort: Three buckles are closed from the bottom when hiking to prevent blisters.
I think that there are individual differences, but even in the cold season, you can feel the coldness of the toes, which is common with touring boots, and it is comfortable. Favorite thing: Hike/ski mode toggle. Downhill stability and power.
binding review
ARMADA N SHIFT MNC 13
●Five levels of impression
: ★★★★☆
Reliability:★★★★★
use:★★★★☆
Lightweight feeling:★★★★☆
Operability of climbing mode change:★★★★ ★
Heel lifter operation feeling:★★★★★
●Five levels of suitable scenes
Powder: ★★★★★
Grooming: ★★★★★
Hard pack: ★★★★★
Park: ★☆☆☆☆
Moguls: ★☆☆☆☆
Touring: ★★★★ ☆
●Comfortable use of the walk mode function Comments
Ease of walking (range of motion): Demonstrates stability not only when gliding but also when climbing.
Especially when I want to climb while traversing granulated or hardpack slopes, I often climb with the edge of the mountain side digging into the snow surface so that the ski does not slide down. With bindings, it was vulnerable to lateral force, and mis-release often occurred, and in such situations, I changed to crampons. With SHIFT, I was able to put a lot of force into the edge of the snow, and I was able to expand the range where I could ski with confidence. The only and biggest drawback is that there is only one stage of the heel lifter. Currently, I attach parts like stilettos to my boots to make up for the shortcomings. A little clumsy but strong "Showa man" type binding.
Frequently used situations (time, place, conditions, etc.)
Season: All seasons
Location (slopes, courses, ski resorts, mountain areas, etc.): All areas of Hokkaido's backcountry
Conditions: All conditions
●Review
Features: A hybrid type that can be used as a system similar to alpine bindings (the toe piece is fixed by the edge instead of the pin) when gliding.
Feeling of operation: The heel lifter has a catch, so it can be operated intuitively with the pole end, and stress-free when releasing.
Ride Quality: Almost as good as alpine bindings, it holds the boot firmly even on hardpack or icy slopes.
In particular, I was very surprised at the difference in stability when I switched from pintech bindings to SHIFT. Weight: It is slightly heavier than other Pintech bindings.
Comfort: It's much easier to clip the pin into your boot when hiking compared to Kingpin or other Pintech bindings.
Others such as graphics: From the second season, when I was walking on a flat forest road, I started to notice that the toe-piece was a little stiff.
(2020-2021 model running days about 70 days, 2-6 hours BC is 95%) It doesn't bother me when climbing or skiing, but I think the binding installation system is probably the cause. Favorite point: Above all, it has excellent stability when skiing and is easy to put on and take off when hiking.
