Winter 24/25 Staff Gear Picks: Last-Minute Stocking Fillers
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 | PERKS |
Frame Size: 6.5in crown height Cap Type: 5 panel with flexible EVA brim Patch: Woven oreinteeing patch Size: Adjustable: 54-60cm /OSFM: 58cm | + Shock cord & mini cord-lock back adjuster. + Retro-style fleece with color blocked nylon panels. + Moisture wicking sweatband on the inside. |
K2 Reckoner
Built to conquer park, powder and all-mountain terrain, there’s no better ski for Hakuba’s current season than the Reckoner. Take ‘em out exploring the backcountry, then on your way back through the rest hit up a few cheeky park laps. A versatile, all-mountain beast – there’s nothing you can throw at the Reckoner that they can’t handle.
| SPECS | PERKS |
Profile: All-Terrain Twin Rocker Core: Aspen Micro Block Core Laminate: Triaxial Braid Base: Sintered Base | + Mid/fat width perfect for powder + Versatile all-mountain ripper + Twin Tech sidewalls for enhanced durability and energy transfer |
Lib Tech Orca
If you’ve skied at any resort around the world, you’ve come across a Lib Tech Orca. Up there with a Burton LTR as one of the most sold boards worldwide, the Orca is a crowd-favourite that refuses to give up its spot atop of the throne.
A long floaty nose combined with a powerful poppy contact maximizing short radius “Whale Tail Technology” the Orca is the perfect option whether you’re dropping BC pillow stacks, blowing minds on the resort groomers or pounding through the park.
| SPECS | PERKS |
Profile: Orca C2X Directional rocker/camber hybrid Flex: Medium Core: Horsepower (HP) Construction Laminate:Triaxial/Biaxial Fiberglass with Basalt Alloy | + Awesome central rocker built for carve, edge hold + Float and camber provide pop and stability + Magne-traction edges for extra edge hold |
Lib Tech Skate Banana
To be honest, the Skate Banana taking out one of the top spots in Niseko is quite surprising. As one of the best park boards of all time, we would have expected the Skate Banana would stand out most in Hakuba, but it seems some of you crazy cats are boosting Niseko’s sidehits so much that you needed a park setup!
| SPECS | PERKS |
Profile: Original Banana (customer camber) Flex: Soft Core: Original power construction Sidewalls: Birch internal sidewalls | + Great freestyle option that also tears it up on the slopes + Magne-traction for enhanced edge control + Perfect for all levels of rider |
Volkl Skis
Does Volkl need any introduction? For over 100 years now the German based manufacturer has dominated the ski market as one of the biggest brands out there. Is it surprising that they are one of our most rented brands? Not really. Is it deserved? Absolutely.
Sleeper Hits: Underrated Rental Models We Feel Should Get Some More Love
Here at Rhythm, we like to think all of our rental gear is pretty special, so we try not to play favourites.
So with that being said, we wanted to highlight a few extra models that we think are are awesome for Japan’s unique conditions, and to get the best possible opinion on our best hidden gems, we asked our Senior Rental Operations Manager, Sean Potts (‘Pottsy’ to you) for his picks on the models in our rental fleet that deserve a bit more love – the sleeper hits that’ll be setting trends in two season times that you may not have heard of yet!
Black Crow – Mirus Cor
“I went out on a set of Mirus Cors the other day in variable conditions and honestly, this thing is a weapon. From groomers to chop, they carve anything you throw at them, while also somehow always staying playful. A great ski that everyone should give a shot, available in Niseko and Hakuba.”
K2 Almanac
“Working at Rhythm you get to hear a lot of customer reviews, and the K2 Almanac really stands out. There’s been so many good reviews of this board from friends and colleagues, with everyone swearing by it being a perfect all-mountain ripper for JaPow’s unique conditions.”
Season EQPT Forma – (Available in boards and skis)
“A playful powder option with a fishtail that’s perfect for smashing deep treelines, BC missions and deep pillows.”
Travel light and enjoy the latest boards and skis by pre-booking your rentals today. Our team will make sure you’re riding the best gear for Japan’s snow conditions!