One of the pro shop's strengths is its ability to evaluate products from multiple perspectives and compare numerous brands based on the wealth of knowledge it has accumulated, trials on snow, and feedback from users. Skiing strongly reflects the selection and commitment unique to a pro shop. What is the 2022-2023 season's 'recommendation' by professional connoisseurs, who actually compare the new models at the test-ride event during the season, and add their expertise to the feedback from regular shoppers?
Recommended skis for the 2022-2023 season
ARMADA｜ARV84
Multi-use free ski entry model with outstanding cost performance
◆ Official HP / https://armadaskis.jp/
Excellent cost performance, multi-use free ski entry model perfect for those who want to start skiing and those who want to challenge new play such as guratori and powder.
It is recommended for those who want to enjoy cruising comfortably on the slopes while also challenging powder on the side of the course, backwards sliding and gracing. With a waist width of 84mm, it is easy to handle for those who have used general all-around skis and those who are just starting to ski, and it is a standard thickness for free skis that allows you to enjoy nimble turns.
You can enjoy light turns because it is about the middle radius. The top has a light cap structure that can be operated with less force, and the foot has a sidewall structure that creates a supple and firm feel, and the swing weight is extremely light. However, at high speeds, it has a structure that allows you to feel the firmness of your feet. The effective edge is set shorter than general all-round carving skis by twin tip + rocker.
If you ride the same size, you'll feel like you're riding a shorter board. The scratch-resistant topsheet also makes the distinctive graphics last longer. In addition, the specs are full of free ski trends such as lockers, and the price is 55,000 yen including tax, which is also attractive for its high cost performance.
If there are people around you who want to start skiing, I definitely recommend this ski.
Reviewer
OFF-1
Staff / Keiji Takagi
ROSSIGNOL｜BLACKOPS 98
This is the free ski that basic skiers get for the first time!
◆ Official HP / https://rossignol.co.jp/
98mm waist makes it easy to use in any scene! With a firm flex, it can be used widely from the slopes to the backcountry. I think that the design has been renewed and it has become a calm atmosphere. Recommended for skiers who are basic skiers or competitive skiers.
Reviewer
PAPASU
Owner / Mr. Toshiya Ikeda
LINE｜BLADE OPTIC 104
A single bottle can be used for a wide range of applications, from powder to parks and tours.
◆ Official HP / https://lineskis.com/ja-jp
Specialized skis for freeride. A ski that looks like a combination of VISION and BLADE. Excellent stability! You can believe in the board when jumping and sliding, and you can aggressively attack and slide.
Reviewer
TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno
VÖLKL｜BLAZE106
Light weight and excellent slippery feel, allowing you to glide elegantly with a large drop
◆Official HP／ http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
The graphics have been updated for the 2022-23 season!
The contents are continuous, but there are not many boards that are so light and slippery in the first place. ①The weight is less than 2000g, but the ride is outstanding.
(2) The trajectory of a cool turn drawn out from a unique outline.
→ Specifically, it is easy to express the movement of the [crossover] board and the body intersecting on uneven ground even in powder scenes!
It's easy to write, but this is a really difficult technology. It's even more so in powder! If you can express this, it will add a sense of dynamism to the powder run. Sliding with a big drop is elegant and cool! ③ Because it is light, you can cover it with only this ski throughout the season.
→The board is a little heavy for long touring in early spring! I think everyone has experienced the scene where they hesitate to take them to the mountains when they feel that way. This ski lacks that. In general, "light" is a weapon!
Reviewer
Ishii Sports Kofu Store
Staff / Yuki Amari
K2｜DISPATCH 101
A lightweight, easy-going all-around ski for climbing and skiing
◆ Official HP / https://k2snow.com/ja-jp
The "DISPATCH 101" is an all-round ski that is lighter than the "MINDBENDER" and has better downhill performance than the "WAYBACK" for climbing and skiing.
"VIBRANT" underfoot stabilizes even on hard slopes and high speeds. In addition, the swing weight is light, so you can enjoy tree runs. I think the reason for this is that the new titanium plate is placed from top to tail and matches well with the lightweight paulownia core. In a mountain like Niseko, it is likely to be one that will be used frequently throughout the season.
Reviewer
Mountain shop Niseko 343
Owner / Katsuhiko Odashima
BLASTRACK｜ELIXIR/L
A machine that surprised me with its depth of performance that goes beyond its lightness and ease of use
◆ Official HP / https://www.blastrack.jp/
One of BLASTRACK's representative "ELIXIR" has been further reduced in weight and has a light feeling.
"L" stands for "Light & Luxury", but as the name suggests, it is light and has a sense of stability in operation. This is not the type of board that can be used both in the backcountry and on the piste. It makes carving and shifting easy, and it is a board that stands out for its ease of handling in various scenes, such as compacted snow, petit powder, bumps, and coarse snow in spring, including backcountry.
Reviewer
OutdoorSpeciality MOOSE
store manager/Mr. Yoshizumi
NORDICA｜ENFORCE 100 (FLAT)
"I want to cover everything in one ski!"
◆ Official HP / https://www.nordica.com/
I want to cover everything in one unit!! This board fulfills this desire. It's easy to ride on-piste, and the swing weight makes it easy to move in the backcountry. If you have resistance to a 100mm waist, we recommend a 94mm waist.
Reviewer
AlpenOutdoorsFlagshipStore Kashiwa Store
SKI Advisor / Noriji Okayama
EXTREM | FUSION 105
A very well balanced ski for all round
◆ Official HP / https://vinter.jp/extrem/
The top is rocker, and the low-rise rocker, which is a thin and long rocker shape, has less resistance and a faster initial speed. The tail does not rock and grips firmly until the latter half. Not too hard, not too light, flexible. I think it's a very well balanced ski for all rounds. Especially the graphics for the 2022-23 season are my favorite!
Reviewer
PeakPerformance Sapporo
staff / Taiki Mikami
VECTORGLIDE | INTIMACY
You can enjoy all types of snow with this one machine and expand the range of enjoyment of skiing.
◆ Official HP / https://www.vectorglide-japan.com/
With excellent maneuverability, carving performance, and buoyancy in powder, this one ski will let you enjoy all types of snow. The 110mm waist width, exquisite rocker shape, and positioning that achieves good swing balance will surely expand the range of enjoyment of skiing.
Reviewer
Ishii Sports Sapporo store
BC ski manager / Hiroki Fujino
ARMADA｜LOCATOR 112
Incredibly light weight and outstanding stability! Price is also conscientious
◆ Official HP / https://armadaskis.jp/
Pure successor to TRACER or TST!
ARMADA says it is for TOUR. Certainly lightweight unique to the TOUR model!
! 1500g at 180cm with ARMADA unique carbacore! ! ! However, due to the effect of the newly adopted carbon reinforcement, it achieves outstanding stability and glide even though it is lightweight! ! In the 2023 season, many manufacturers have raised their prices and the prices are basically rising!
Even though it is a brand new model with these specs, the price including tax is ¥ 104.500, which is quite conscientious and has the best cost performance! It's the best ski ever! !
Reviewer
Sanwa Sports Websports
Head/Shinji Oguchi
FACTION｜MANA4
◆ Official HP / https://jp.factionskis.com/
Although it is a fat ski with a center 119mm, you can embody a light ski that does not make you feel its thickness regardless of whether it is on or off. It's good to slide at high speed with powder! You can also ski technically on the tree run!
Reviewer
FreeSkiShop BE FREE
store manager / Mr. Masayuki Hashii
K2｜MINDBENDER 116C
Overwhelmingly strong in high season powder
◆ Official HP / https://k2snow.com/ja-jp
Overwhelmingly strong in high season powder.
Easy to handle even rough snow and ice burn. It can be said that it is an off-road vehicle on snow.
The shape of the tip is not too sharp, so it floats naturally. Both the top and tail are rocker with an exquisite balance. 186cm is recommended for those who want to enjoy speed. Lightweight and comfortable to walk in! You can even enjoy spring skiing.
Reviewer Role
Owner
/ Iwao Saeki
EXTREM｜MOTHER TREE 105
I definitely want women who like powder to ride
◆ Official HP / https://vinter.jp/extrem/
A must-have for women who like powder. The balance between front rocker and camber is good, and it's not too soft for a female model. Ease of carving on the Pistenbahn, and even more fun on the board in powder! I think you can see the goodness of this board when you run the board.
Reviewer
Fullmarks Hakuba Store
Manager / Keisuke Eguchi
VECTORGLIDE｜NADURRA
Versatile model that can be recommended for anyone and can be used at any time
◆ Official HP / https://www.vectorglide-japan.com/
It is a versatile powder ski that can be recommended to anyone.
Very lightweight and very stable. Supple top and tail with tapered rocker for smooth, sticky turns. The 3D cap structure and good camber grip give you solid edge control on ice and rough terrain. In addition, it is light and responsive, so you can enjoy brisk movements. From high season powder to icy slopes and spring skiing with rough snow, it is always useful.
Reviewer
TOYRU
store manager / Mr. Minoru Takanashi
FACTION｜PRODIGY 3.0
A versatile board that can be summed up in one word, "ideal all-round ski"
◆ Official HP / https://jp.factionskis.com/
FACTION has created an "ideal all-round ski" that can be summed up in one word
. Whether you're flying corduroy, plunging into fresh snow, or bumping into a ticking barn, you'll have an outstanding sense of stability that you can rely on. It is a versatile board that is too fun★
Reviewer
NATURAL
Staff / Hoshiko Tsuji
SALOMON｜QST106
Enjoy on-piste and off-piste!
◆ Official HP / https://timetoplay.salomon.jp/
You can enjoy it all-round regardless of whether it is on the slopes or in the backcountry!
Review Work
Staff / Takeshi Yoshida
VÖLKL｜Revolt 104
Powder, Park, Slope... Versatile skis that can be used anywhere
◆ Official HP／http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
A versatile ski that can be used anywhere, including powder, parks, and slopes. Not only is it buoyant in powder, but thanks to the 3D radius, the carving performance is also very good ◎! Long and middle turns are light and comfortable! Lowering the mounting position of the bindings depending on the purpose increases ease of use.
Reviewer
Ishii Sports Links Umeda Store
Staff / Mio Suekami
VÖLKL｜Revolt 121
Especially recommended for BC enthusiasts with slope access
◆Official HP／ http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
Excellent buoyancy and glide in powder! In addition to that, it has a high sliding property on the slopes and is easy to carve, so there is no complaint! Especially recommended for BC lovers with slope access!
Reviewer
PeakPerformance Futako Tamagawa
Staff / Mr. Shunsuke Murai
ARMADA｜SHORT PANT PARADOX
Perfect for those who prefer a surfy ride
With the outstanding ease of tail movement, you can move the board freely in the powder, and I feel that it is the perfect ski for those who like a surfy ride. In addition, the easy-to-use waist width of 112mm is often used, making it easy to use. It's a short size, but with a radius of around 21m, it's a new ski that has both comfort in long turns and ease of swinging the tail.
Reviewer
SKI SHOP VAIL
Staff / Sota Umino
ARMADA｜ZERO ARV116 JJUL
perfect total balance. Light and strong, anyone can feel free to ride in zero gravity
◆ Official HP / https://armadaskis.jp/
Ultralight concept.
Not only is the weight lighter, but the weight of the swing weight has also been thoroughly reduced. It is now possible to choose one size longer because it has become lighter. It creates more buoyancy in powder, which is a big advantage. The ARV116 JJUL completely dispels the notion that light skis are soft and weak.
By devising a combination of various elements such as internal materials, edges, sidewalls and camber, the effective edge part including the foot is strong and supports high speed running. And it realizes the reduction of swing weight as if there is no tip & tail. JJ UL is a board with a very good total balance. Originally, it had a good reputation for its ease of handling due to its good balance of rocker and camber. You can now enjoy turns and outstanding buoyancy. In addition, the Smear Tech applied to the tip and tail makes it easier to turn smoothly and grapple in powder. The JJ UL is an excellent model that allows you to glide while floating on the surface of the powder while maintaining the ease of handling.
Reviewer
COMPASS HOUSE
Advisor / Yoshihiro Murai
ARMADA | ZERO STRANGER
Versatile usability regardless of the situation or condition
◆ Official HP / https://armadaskis.jp/
ZERO's "STRANGER" is a very versatile ski. Multi-use that can handle various situations and conditions in the mountains. Considering that, it can be said that it is also excellent in cost performance. The waist width is also narrow at 80.5 cm, so it may not be uncomfortable for entry-level people who want to try freeskiing from now on. The '22-23 season is black and has a nice squishy feel.
Reviewer
D-RIDE
store manager/Tasaku Nishimura
