We conducted a giveaway campaign for the "Modern Snow Style Survey" last fall. Thank you to everyone who participated in answering the many questions, such as "What brand of equipment do people who watch STEEP use?" and "What is their preferred snow style?"
The first campaign received passionate responses from an incredible 1,274 people. Many of them left loving comments about their favorite gear manufacturers. We
've compiled the details that were announced on Twitter at the end of 2022, so we hope that this will provide an opportunity for users to get to know each other again.
First, check the age range of your users!
Approximately 70% of users are under 45 years old! There are also many people in their 20s and 30s, so it seems there are a lot of young skiers! There's a saying that young people are turning away from skiing, but that doesn't apply to STEEP. Let's continue to liven up the ski industry!
What style of skating do users prefer?
Next, we asked about their usual skiing style. Many people answered powder, tree runs, and slope skiing, but it seems that they enjoy a variety of different types of skiing, with multiple answers. "I do tree runs, ski on the slopes, and even go to backcountry skis!" It seems that many users enjoy "skiing" to the fullest
Have you ever been to the backcountry?
About half of the users have been there at least once. In contrast, about 40% are interested but have never been there. For users who ski in a variety of styles but are interested in backcountry skiing, we plan to provide enjoyable content that will be useful for both beginners and advanced skiers
Now, let's get to the main topic: the ranking of favorite brands and manufacturers! We'll also pick out which brands were chosen and why they were particularly popular
My favorite ski brand is this!
ARMADA received the most support, followed by ATOMIC, LINE, FACTION, and K2. Comments about why they like a particular brand include being attracted to the brand's unique technology, such as its gliding performance, attention to detail in the board, and design, as well as choosing it because their favorite rider rides it. Many users, especially those who like the top brands, wanted to own the same boards as their idols
What's your favorite binding brand?
MARKER is overwhelmingly popular among respondents when it comes to their favorite bindings. Supported by approximately 60% of respondents, MARKER is highly rated for the functionality and safety it has cultivated over the years. While many people choose skis based on design, when it comes to bindings, functionality is key. To stabilize unstable feet, people choose a trusted manufacturer
There are many different tastes when it comes to boot brands!
ATOMIC came in first place by a narrow margin, followed by SALOMON and FULL TILT. FT, which has already been absorbed into the K2 brand, remains popular. People have no choice but to choose shoes that fit their foot shape, but it seems that they choose shoes from these brands for reasons such as a better fit, customizability, or repairability
Are you only into outdoor brands? What are your favorite clothing brands?
The top five favorite clothing brands are filled with not only manufacturers that specialize in skiwear, but also general outdoor brands. Many of the reasons for their selection are their simple designs. With prices rising every year, clothing that can be used not only for going to the snowy mountains but also for everyday use around town is preferred
When it comes to goggles, this is the only choice! My favorite goggle brand
Goggles are essential for protecting your eyes. The criteria for choosing a pair are ease of viewing, how well they fit your face, and the anti-fogging properties of the lenses and their technology. Brands that offer both functionality and design are the ones people choose
The majority of riders use helmets! Favorite helmet brands
GIRO took the top spot in the helmet category. They tend to be popular because they have many models that fit the shape of Japanese heads. The compatibility of the helmet and goggles is also an important factor. Many people use helmets from the same manufacturer as a set. Another important factor to consider is whether or not the helmet has MIPS technology, which provides protection against external impacts such as falls
Many people love leather gloves! What is your favorite glove brand?
Here again, an overwhelmingly popular brand emerged. Supported by nearly half of the respondents, HESTRA took the top spot. Among them, the 3-finger model was the most popular. The overwhelming majority of respondents chose leather gloves. The warmth and durability of the fabric, along with the fact that with careful care, the color and feel of well-worn gloves will develop over the years, creating a unique character
Do you prefer Japanese poles? These are my favorite ski poles
Ski poles (stocks) are one type of gear that people rarely replace. LEKI, SINANO, LINE, and others ranked highly. People choose the one that suits them best based on the grip and pole material. Some people choose based on functionality, while others choose based on design to match their skis. However, many users also chose based on whether or not their skis were made in Japan, something not seen with other gear. It was striking that even though ski gear is often made by overseas manufacturers, people still chose products that are uniquely Japanese