Renting With Rhythm? Standard vs Premium Explained

To settle your first question: no, premium doesn’t mean good, and standard doesn’t mean bad. 

All of our gear here at Rhythm Japan is hand selected based on quality, practicality, and different usage needs to ensure that all of our customers are rented boards/skis that’ll best suit their experience and riding style. There are, however, differences between the models and who they will be most suited for. 

We’ve broken down all the need to know info when it comes to deciding if you should look into hiring premium or standard gear during your trip to Japan as easy as possible. 

Firstly, what’s the difference…

Standard Rental Packages

Our standard rental packages include basic model equipment that is great for beginner to lower intermediate riders. This package is designed to be a cost effective option for those on a budget who are looking to stick to groomed runs. 

Standard Models

For skiers, the standard models are limited to Volkl Peregrine 7.2 or Volkl Deacon 7.2, and for boarders, Burton Progression LTR or Burton Radius. Both are quite soft and easy to turn, making them good for beginners to learn on before they upgrade to more refined premium gear.

Premium Rental Packages

On the other hand, our premium package allows customers access to the latest range of demo gear, new models and powder skis or snowboards. Premium rentals also offer options to cater to more specific equipment preferences such as carvers, park orientated, all-mountain, powder-specific, stiff and responsive, or soft and forgiving, giving more experienced riders options for all weather conditions and styles of shredding.

Premium Models

In the premium range, our ski brands include K2, Volkl, Faction,  Black Crows, Atomic and Armada, while our premium board brands feature Capita, Lib Tech, Nitro, Jones, and many more. Customers hiring premium gear have significantly more options in terms of the gear they choose, and with the help of our specialised ski and board techs, will be able to find the perfect fit for their style of riding.

Perks Of Renting With Rhythm

Whether you hire standard or premium gear, you will have the option of swapping the gear for free, so you can enjoy a new set of skis/snowboard based on conditions or simply to try something new like swapping from boards to skis. If you are looking to swap, our friendly staff will be on hand to suggest skis/snowboards based on your needs and ability, as well as the daily snowfall conditions. 

All customers, both standard and premium, also have access to the Rhythm shuttle, which can pick you up and take you to the shop to hire your equipment, as well as dropping you off after you have checked out your rentals. 

All customers, both standard and premium, also have access to the Rhythm shuttle

Customers hiring our premium snowboard package also have access to Burton STEP ON boots and bindings (not available in kids sizes).

*Please note that STEP ON boots and bindings are subject to availability.

Outerwear

Customers of both our premium and standard packages have access to in-season Oyuki outerwear (jackets, pants), as well as safety gear such as helmets, avi packs and wristguards.

*Please note that for pre-bookings on outerwear and safety gear please go to the ‘Others’ section of the pre-booking site, don’t forget to add them on before finalising your booking!

So, What Should You Get?

If you’re a beginner or first-timer, we recommend the standard models to best suit your needs and make it an easy process to learn and get comfortable on snow. If you are more advanced and know what you’re looking for, the premium models will be the better option for you.

For a more refined breakdown of the difference between premium and standard, watch our video below: