Well, well, well, look who’s back. If it isn’t the highly revered Rhythm Japan Staff Gear Guide rearing its head for another winter season.
So if you’re constantly finding yourself wanting to update your gear but not knowing where to start when it comes to 2024/25 models, we’ve got you sorted.
Well actually, for this first edition, Rhythm Wadano’s Carmen Leung has you sorted.
“Hi, I’m Carmen and I work in the rental department at Rhythm Wadano. I love free riding and split boarding, and have been working in retail and sales in the snowboard industry for a couple of years. Having most recently been living in Nelson, Canada, I have now moved here for the winter season – stoked!” – Carmen
Carmen’s Picks:
Coal Headwear: Fleece Lined Bridger Cap
Carmen’s Take: “Sweet 5 panel with a cinch cord at the back, perfect for touring or days when you’re not sure if a hat or beanie would be the best.”
SPECS
Frame Size: 6.5in crown height
Cap Type: 5 panel with flexible EVA brim
Patch: Woven oreinteeing patch
Size: Adjustable: 54-60cm /OSFM: 58cm
PERKS
+ Shock cord & mini cord-lock back adjuster.
+ Retro-style fleece with color blocked nylon panels.
+ Moisture wicking sweatband on the inside.
Oakley: Mod 1
Carmen’s Take: “BOA dial on the back for an adjustable fit, MIPS for safety and super lightweight.”
SPECS
Helmet Style: Half Shell
Helmet Venting: Fixed Venting
Removable Ear Pads: Yes
Adjustable Fit: Yes
MIPS: Yes
Series: MOD
Warranty: 2 Years
PERKS
+FS1-1 BOA System – Height adjustable 360 degree fit for maximum comfort and safety.
+ MIPS® – MIPS, an industry leading patented brain protection system, helps protect your head against impact that can come from any direction.
+No Pressure Ear Cup – Unlike traditional ear pads, Oakley’s design puts zero pressure on your ears allowing for more comfort and better hearing.
Oakley: Line Miner
Carmen’s Take: “I wear the Prizm Hi Pink Line Miners and they’re great for low light or overcast days – perfect for Japan powder hunting.”
SPECS
Frame Size: Large, OTG (Over The Glasses)
Lens Type: Cylindrical
Helmet Compatible: Yes
Series: Line Miner
Warranty: 2 Years
PERKS
+ Helmet Compatibility: All Oakley goggles are designed to fit around any helmet!
+ HDO® Lens Technology – HDO® maximizes clarity and impact resistance, giving you razor sharp clarity at all angles of view.
+ Oakley’s Prizm™ lens technology blocks strategic wavelengths along the color spectrum to maximize contrast between colors.
+ Removable Triple Layer Face Foam.
Coal Explorer Balaclava
Carmen’s Take: “Adjustable fit to keep your noggin and chin warm, but still breathable.”
SPECS
Material: Polyester
Fit: Stretch Fabric
Over The Helmet: Yes
PERKS
+ Laser Cut Holes For Increased Breathability
+ Woven Coal Label
+ Moisture Wicking Technology
Jones Mountain Surf Jacket
Carmen’s Take: “Colour blocked 2L jacket, extremely warm for those chilly days on the hill, but also has a fair amount of ventilation where you need it when you’re boot packing and need a bit of air.”
SPECS
Face Fabric: 100% Recycled 75D Polyester 4-Way Stretch Ripstop Face Fabric
Waterproof Membrane: Full Laminated Hydrophilic Clear Membrane
Insulation: Primaloft Bio
Lining 100% Recycled Polyester Lining
PERKS
+ Two Zippered Chest Pockets
+ Internal Phone Keeper Sleeve
+ Zippered Underarm Vents
+ Powder Skirt
+ Adjustable Waist With Cord Lock
Stance Socks
Carmen’s Take: “Antimicrobial and merino, these socks help me stay warm on the hill and keep me riding all day.”
SPECS
Material: Performance Mesh
Height: Over the calf
Cushion: Medium Cushioning, Performance Cushioning and Channel Air Cushioning
PERKS
+ Infiknit™ Durability
+ FreshTek™ antimicrobial finish with moisture-wicking properties.
+ Performance Arch Support – Anatomically designed to fight off strain and fatigue.
Thirtytwo: TM-2 Boots
Carmen’s Take: “Double BOA and stiff where it counts, these boots have gone through the thick of it with me! Durable outsole and a comfy liner, I have had these boots for three seasons and they still feel brand new.”
SPECS
Flex Rating: 7 (1 Soft – 10 Stiff)
Fit: 1 Lasting
Liner: Performance Liner
Tongue: 3D Molded Tongue
PERKS
+ Performance Backstay
+ Traditional Lacing
+ Performance Footbed
+ STI Energy Foam
Jones: Stratos
Carmen’s Take: “THE powerhouse. An all-mountain freeride directional beast that excels in everything. Has a swallow tail and float pack for those deeper days, with a solid camber rock profile and narrow sidecut making it a versatile board.”
SPECS
Rocker: Directional Rocker
Flex: Directional Flex Pattern
Shape: 3D Contour Base 3.0
Core: FSC Ultra Core
PERKS
+ Power Sustainable Basalt Stringers
+ Recycled ABS Sidewalls
+ Textured Eco-Plastic Topsheet
+ Progressive Sidecut
