Candide Thovex is one of the most famous legendary athletes not only in the ski world, but also in the global action sports scene. As is well known, his long-standing sponsorship contract with QUIKSILVER FACTION expired and he launched his own brand "CANDIDE" in the 21-22 season. Following apparel, skis were finally released last year, and while they were talked about a lot, the actual situation was never revealed, but this winter, the full details were finally unveiled.
Candid Tovex's "Now" in 27 seconds
This video was released just the other day, January 29th. The scene takes place in Candide's hometown of Tignes, France, and some of you may be wondering, "Wait a minute, how old is Candide now?"
Candid, who was considered a 16-year-old kid at the dawn of freeskiing in 1999, is now 42 years old. And yet, this outrageous double backflip! Candid's trademark dynamic performance hasn't changed at all since his teens and 20s. Immediately after this video was released, USA's ``POWDER'' magazine wrote, ``27 seconds. That's more than enough time to tell you all about Candid's greatness. His riding, like fine wine, has aged over time. I've never seen such a sophisticated double backflip. At 42 years old, his body and passion are nothing short of impressive."
Signature brand CANDIDE by the “sliding legend”
Candid has continued to amaze and inspire the world with his radical ideas and stylish riding, including skiing down the Great Wall of China. Part of his brilliant career includes becoming the first French gold medalist at the Winter There is a track record.
However, what made Candid the most famous skier in the world was probably his 2015 ``ONE OF THOSE DAYS'' broadcast on YouTube. He stunned the world with his shockingly crazy skating videos, and has since produced videos that have been viewed millions of times. The records that Candid has set and the impact he has had on the scene are immeasurable, and it can be said that Candid is a legend among legends who has evolved freeskiing.
As the culmination of his athletic career, Candid produced his own brand, ``CANDIDE.'' It launched from the 2021-22 season with a rich lineup of outerwear, apparel, and accessories. It is a signature brand where all products are conceived, designed, and produced under the supervision of Candide Thovex.
After completing a 10-year partnership with FACTION SKI, the long-awaited skis will finally be released in the 2023-24 season. Last year, we were able to see its form at an exhibition, but it was still in the sample stage and the final form of the product had not yet been revealed. It was finally released to the world in the fall of 2023 with Candid's skate.
Three skis are the answer to my lifelong quest
The best skis have been created as a result of what Candid calls "the life time research", a search he has made throughout his long skiing career. The lineup includes three models that can be said to be Candid's full strength. Their names are "AK121", "BC111", and "RESORT101".
When it was first released in early November on the official online store, it sold out instantly in 24 hours. Subsequent releases have continued to sell out, and as of the beginning of February, the only size 179cm version of the AK121 left on the official website's online store has been so well received that it has received rave reviews. What kind of ski was it that Candido fans and core skiers all over the world wanted so badly? Let's take a closer look.
Technology common to the three models
One of the signature technologies common to the first three long-awaited models is the triple radius sidecut. Three different sidecuts provide exceptional turning performance. Three radii make it possible to make turns easier, outstanding stability at high speeds, and sharp turns. As a result, it has achieved high operability, allowing you to draw turns that correspond to a variety of mountain conditions and situations.
And the structure is "C-LIGHT CORE". The design features a paulownia and poplar wood core wrapped in glass fiber and carbon, providing excellent durability and light weight. The wood used is FSC wood that is collected from responsibly managed forests, and is environmentally friendly. The base is P-TEX4000, which is probably the best base with the best glide and durability.
All three models have custom binding attachment points and regular attachment points that are suitable for most skiers and terrains.
Now, let's take a look at the specifications of each of the three models.
AK121
Invincible big mountain specification boasting overwhelming high speed, buoyancy, and versatility
The AK 121 has the widest waist of the series at 121mm and the stiffest flex. This model is especially designed for experts who want to do a variety of skis at high speeds, whether it's deep powder, steep slopes, big gap drops, or Candid's favorite, lightning-fast straight-through snowy mountains. , the AK 121 can be called the ultimate machine. The name AK must have been inspired by the big mountains of Alaska.
The poplar and paulownia wood core provides the perfect balance of stiffness, lightness, and flexibility, while the carbon-wrapped structure provides durability and responsiveness. In addition to the big fat, the design features a 515mm top rocker, zero camber, and 485m tail rocker, which not only ensures maximum buoyancy in powder, but also a well-balanced form that allows for a variety of gliding in all snow conditions. is. Weighing 2000g @ 184cm, C-LIGHT CORE makes the ski lighter and more responsive.
BC111
All-mountain specification with high performance both off-piste and on-piste
The BC111 is asymmetrical with a rocker of 505mm at the top and 485mm at the tail, making it more modest than the AK121 but much faster and stronger than the RESORT101. The effective edge is quite short, and the 111m waist gives you a solid floating feeling in powder. The three radii are each 1m narrower than the AK121, making it more versatile for skiing situations. The camber is 1mm, which provides stability when driving at high speeds. Still, it has the advantage of being lightweight at 1900g@186cm and easy to handle.
If its older brother, the AK 121, is big-fat and offers Candid-like aggressive skiing on big mountains, and its younger brother, the RESORT101, is perfect for nimble and pop skiing on the slopes and in the park, the BC 111 is the so-called Its appeal is its versatility and versatility for all-mountain skiing. It can be said that it is a dexterous model that allows you to enjoy sliding comfortably both off-piste and on-piste where conditions are not good.
RESORT 101
Lightweight freestyle ski with exceptional pop and agility
The RESORT101 is the perfect model for moving around in the park or on the slopes. Camber is 2mm, top and tail rocker are both 440mm, and the three sidecut radii are significantly smaller than the AK121 and BC11. This allows for quick turn initiation, a grippy feel, and good tail exit. The twin tips of the rockers on the top and tail are designed to allow sliding in either the front or rear direction.
The design features a paulownia and poplar wood core sandwiched between layers of glass fiber and carbon, providing excellent durability and light weight. Thanks to its highly responsive core, it has exceptional pop, making it ideal for freestyle movements such as airs, jibs, and slashes on the slopes or in the park.
The binding offers two attachment points: Candid's personal attachment point (2.5cm back on center) and a regular attachment point suitable for most skiers and terrains, 4cm back on center.
Where can I buy CANDIDE SKI in Japan?
Candid's first signature ski will be available worldwide in its first year, not only in Europe, but also in Northern Europe, North America, and Japan.
Like CANDIDE apparel, it is handled by Hasco Enterprises Co., Ltd. in Japan.
There are about 12 shops in Japan that sell CANDIDE SKI, mainly pro shops that specialize in freeride. There's a good chance it's on store shelves right now. Let's pick it up. *You can check the store location STORE LOCATOR .
Information
◆Handling: Hasco Enterprise Co., Ltd.
https://www.hasco.co.jp/
Home country official website: https://www.candideskis.co/
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